For Laughs

[eleny]

Someone in a group I belong to posted a challenge. We were to volunteer to use some fabric she found. A bunch of us got into the challenge. I couldn't believe it when the fabric arrived. I made some hot pads for the son of a friend who is always stealing her hot pads when he uses the microwave. Now he has his own.

I don't quilt. So, this was just my stab at machine stitching over the fabrics and batting. No matter what, I had fun.

[Mrs Robeson]

1. Great hot pads!!

I'm sure your friends son absolutely loves them-that fabric is a riot!!
And you are a quilter-all you have to do is sew the three layers together and Whala! you are a quilter!!!:thumbsup:

[eleny]

2. Thanks! And by the way....

I printed the free pattern for the paper piecing. Then I found another site where they take you through the steps. I like the pattern at Doak's site better but can follow these instructions at Christine Thresh's site.
http://www.winnowing.com/ppp.html

Do you think it's safe to use regular sewing machine needles for the machine piecing? Printer paper is tough stuff. Just wondering what to expect if you've used the machine for this.

I think the Doak's pattern will make a nice hot pad for my friend's daughter. She needs her own, too, and it'll give me the incentive to try it. I'll just use a more girly fabric. Straight stitching is my friend!

[Mrs Robeson]

3. Great...

Regular sewing machine needles are fine...you need to make the stitch per inch greater so when you are done and ready to remove the paper it will be ALOT easier. You can buy alot of different kinds of papers to use. The grade school doodle type paper pad is cheap,thin and goes through the printer well.
Just take your time --- It can be alittle confusing at first. It took me several blocks that hit the trash before I got it, but once you do it-- is so much fun!:hi:

[KarenS]

4. =) very nice!!

I agree with Mrs Robeson, you are now a quilter !!

Your sewing machine needles are fine. I change mine after every major project.

A walking foot helps all that fabric and batting move together through your machine,,,,, you can get one that's made for your machine or you can get a universal foot (I paid $15 for my first walking foot) you just need to know if it's a short or long shank machine.

Good Job on this. Just know that quilting is an addiction :)

[eleny]

5. I'm pretty sure I have a walking foot

But when sewing the potholders I forgot that the machine probably came with one. A real V-8 moment with a smack to the forehead. It's lucky the needle didn't break using the regular foot.