I am going to admit something…. I have the appropriate elastic to make the things that everyone is talking about lately. (If you really need it, let me know and I’d be glad to mail it to you.) And I actually made a few of those things, and took pictures to share how to do it. But, I feel as though this may be becoming a bit commercial. Think Valentine’s Day. Do we really need a 5-foot plush teddy bear, a massive box of chocolates, a dozen roses and a few bottles of wine? (Well….. but, I’m trying to be realistic, here.) Who pushes this agenda anyway? (I’m not pointing fingers, just want you to think for yourselves a bit…) Should we simply buy all this stuff because “everyone else is doing it?!?”
I know my opinion goes against main-stream, but that’s ok. I live in America! Which gives me the freedom to think what I’d like to about various situations. I also know that because my state is not mandating those things that I can get away with having a “rebel” opinion. (I’m also a pleaser with a strong guilty conscience so if it was mandated in my state, I’d most likely obey.)
Enough of the politics, let’t get back to the point: Crafting to Keep the Crazies Away!!!!! (If you missed Part 1, you can check it out here!) There are plenty of work-things to do around my house, but sometimes (a lot of times) I’d rather break out my sewing machine and the scrap fabric, and get creating.
Now, we tend to eat at home about 95% of the time whether or not the country is “closed.” And with our massive island, that is calling for 10-feet of food….. I knew I needed way more hot pads. The counter-top is an affordable, beautiful laminate, which is perfect for all of our kitchen needs. However, you do have to put something down before setting a hot pot of yum on it. Same goes for our lovely wood kitchen table.
So, Lola and I decided to tackle this important hot-pad issue!
All you need for this project is scrap fabric cut into long, narrow strips. You can use a sewing machine, needle and thread, or fabric/tacky glue if sewing isn’t your thing! Let’s get started…
Braided Rag-Rug Hot Pad
Gather fabric scraps and cut, if needed, into narrow strips. There are no right measurements for this. Truly, you can use up those scraps!!
I chose to use colors that match, but you can use whatever you have on hand. If your scraps aren’t very long, just stitch them together to make about 2 or 3 feet.
Fold and stack the fabrics. You can sew, glue or even use a small rubber band to bring them all together.
Then, braid the strips. If one strand runs out, sew/glue another piece to it.
While it tends to have a scrappy feel, you can take care to fold under the raw edges as you braid. This is not necessary (and I didn’t do this.)
When you get to the end of the braid, sew or glue the ends together. (If you are gluing, you will need to add dry time to the project.)
Roll the braid into a circle and use pins to hold together as you sew across the center of the circle. Sew in a starburst (*) design to ensure that the circle holds together well.
Using another piece of scrap fabric, cover one side of the braided “rug.” This is purely to give it a finished look. I used denim and attached it with tacky glue.
Lola opted to hand-sew her hot pad.
You can complete this project in about 20 minutes if you aren’t easily sidetracked (I’m pointing to myself, here!) These cute hot pads can also double as coasters, too.
Happy crafting! Stay sane out there 🙂
