Friday, December 12, 2014

A Fun New Twist!

I was contacted by a potential customer through Etsy about making a set of custom potholders. She wondered if I could I make them smaller, could I change the shape and could she get them by December 20th.  Hmmm...let me see!

This is the set she was interested in.  Classic black and red abstract.    

Abstract Pot Holders
After I said 'of course I can', it really got me thinking.  I love when a customer (or anyone) throws an idea out there!  It makes me think, it makes me imagine the possibilities!  I thought what a brilliant idea.  This design would work perfectly with a non-traditional shape.  

Once I pieced the potholders together, I cut a couple shapes in the size she was after and sent pictures to her.  She was very happy and gave her approval.  Now I had to get to work!



This is what I had to work with.  Very similar to the listing she liked, but with all my kitchen items, they are one-of-a-kind.

  
 These are the shapes decided upon.  As you can see...a little unconventional! 



I cut my backing, Insul-Bright and batting (X's two).  


After pinning the pieces together, I get to quilt them!  I usually have a rough idea of how I want to quilt potholders.  Because of the abstract design, basically anything goes!  


I try to keep each set similar in the quilting design, but they are definitely not exactly the same.


This was the fun part!  Cutting wonky irregular shapes!  Totally outside of the box!


I was a little hesitant when thinking about the binding.  Could I make it look good with the weird shape?  There is a little more fussing involved, but it did work.  Whew!  I just need to hand stitch the bindings and they will be done!  

Yes, hand stitching!  I know it would save some time to machine stitch bindings, which I have never tried to do.  It would take practice and some skill!  Maybe one day.  I've said it before and I'll say it again...I love to hand stitch.  It's like the last chapter in a book!

After the holidays I think I may add a couple of these to my shop.  There are plenty of people looking for something totally different, unique and maybe a little odd!  I have to thank my customer(s)!  Not only do I get great ideas from them, but they give me creative control! It's a weird feeling when that happens.  

FYI ~ Today is the last day to enter my Sew Mama Giveaway!  I have three prizes waiting for a new home!

LINKING~

1 comment :

  1. Great looking pot holders. They are like functional pieces of art. I too love custom orders from etsy which force me to try something new and different.

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