Things I love . . .

 

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I have always loved pot holders.  They were something that we learned to make in the girl guides as a perfectly sized first hand sewing project (along with needle holders), and are something which we have all grown up with in our homes.

I know when I got married the first time and had all of the wedding showers that were given for me, I received a lot of pot holders.   All very pretty and useful.  Pot holders are the perfect gift for a soon to be married bride I think. I can't actually think of anyone who wouldn't like receiving one, but then again I am a bit biased.

Pot holders can be quite utilitarian to look at, and most store bought ones are, but homemade ones can be a lot sweeter, prettier, more interesting to look at and eye catchingly inspiring. 

 

I absolutely adore vintage ones.  I have a few of those and they are a focal point in my kitchen.  I never use them for fear of ruining them.   They're just pretty to look at.  I have made a few through the years myself, crocheted with thread or cotton yarn using patterns I got from Annie's Attic yonks ago.   They look just like the red and white dolly dress above, miniature doll dresses just waiting to clutch your pot handles in a variety of bright colours.

I love all things Dolly . . . I do, I do, I do, I do . . . I dooooo.  (Did you just hear abba there?  I did!) 

 

They are a great way to use up material scraps if you are a dab hand with a needle and thread.   There is a great tutorial  at the above source to make this particular one.   It looks very easy and I just love the bright colours.  It's a fun and useful way to use up all those bits and pieces that would otherwise be discarded. 

 I am a bit of a pack rat when it comes to fabric.  I get rid of nothing.  I save every scrap of fabric. Paper too for that matter.   It annoys Todd to distraction.   At the moment I am trying to do a purge and get rid, but it's really, really hard. If Todd were to just go in without me watching he could easily get rid, but as soon as I see things . . .  I want to keep them. 

 

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 I really like this one, but then again I am particular to sunflowers.  I once had my kitchen all decorated in sunflowers.  (Did you ever have a themed kitchen?  My sister did cows.)  I think this would also make a pretty and excellent hot pad to put under hot dishes on the table and I am immediately regretting giving away all my yarn.  (Isn't that the way it always happens!  You give something away and immediately find a use for it!!) Anyways, this is a free pattern. Just click on source. 

 

I have quite a few of this type of pot holder.   All handmade.  I like them best of all because you use them to pinch whatever it is that you are trying to pick up.  I find that the easiest.   Mine are getting old and stained a bit now and some are even a bit burnt. (What can I say?  I use them!)   

I bought the ones I have from a shop on Etsy, but she doesn't seem to be there any more . . . so  I guess I will have to try making some myself.  It's  a shame really as the ones I have are really well made and I like them.   The seller always had a large variety of fabric patterns to choose from as well,  which I really liked. 

 

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I used to like oven mitts, but now my hands don't like being inside them.   I'm not sure why that is . . . I only know that they don't like it.   It all feels a bit creepy to me.   Perhaps I am getting to be a bit wierd in my old age!  I just know that spiders and such like to crawl inside things and I get the heebie jeebies just thinking about it! 

  

I have a couple that are like this, but I don't like them at all.  I find them awkward to use.  Perhaps it is me that is awkward, but I don't seem to be able to co-ordinate myself when using them.   I am sure that there are people out there who really love this style, and obviously I thought they would be great when I got them.  I have since learnt that they just aren't for me. 

 

 I do have this book which is filled with some nice ideas and patterns for different types of potholders.  I picked it up at Hobby Craft a number of years back.  I've never used it yet, but from time to time I look through it and think I'd like to make this one or that one, but then . . . I don't.  I am a dreamer that procrastinates. 

I was sent a rubber/silicone one once that is quite flexible and makes a great trivet, but I can't seem to come to terms with using it as a potholder.  I also have a glove which has a silicone glove, but no, no, no, no  . . .  not for me.  I do also have a small pinch one with a silicone inner bit which I use more often than not.

Do you have any potholders that you love or hate?  What is it that you love or don't love about them?

Billy popped in last night to bring back my dishes.  Doreen's place is empty now. The council don't give you very long to empty a place. It needs doing right away.  The hospital still hasen't come by to pick up the bed. Her funeral will be on the 7th of February. He seems to be doing okay, and for now that's probably true because his days have been filled with emptying her house etc. It might be different when the dust settles. 

Called my dad yesterday also to see how he is coping with my sister being gone at the moment. He seemed alright.  He was meeting my sister's partner Dan for breakfast at a local restaurant for Brunch today with his ham friends. 

Doug facetimed me yesterday to see how I was.  He knew it had been a difficult few days and he had the day off.  His boys were still at school, but he said he might facetime me again on Sunday when they are home.  He's such a thoughtful son and I do so appreciate it.  From the moment he was born and the Doctor placed him on my chest and I looked into his eyes, I could see he was an old soul and a thoughtful, caring person.  I was not wrong. 

We watched a disturbing documentary last night.  Stacey Dooly is this woman over here that does in-depth investigative reports on things.  We watch them on the BBC App.  It was one where she was investigating child-pornography in Japan.  Cringeworthy.  They say it is culture.  But, its really creepy and actually quite disgusting what is allowed.  Manga . . .  people can draw whatever they want and its totally legal.  Because it is only a thought and imagination.  They can't see that it is actually porn.  I was totally flabberghasted.

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *"Joy does not simply happen to us.

We have to choose joy and 
keep choosing it every day."
~Henri Nouwen  •。★★ 。* 。 

 

In the English Kitchen today . . .  Four Perfect Blueberry Muffins.  The recipe makes only four.  Perfectly delicious. Moist and yummy. 

Have a wonderful Saturday.  I need to start on my new writing job today.  Lets hope this one lasts longer than the last one did!  Whatever you get up to, don't forget!

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And I do too!