Desperately Seeking Hotpads

Leave it to me to toss out my last matching set of hot pads, leaving me with a gnarly but still usable fancy-rubber-I-swear-is-kevlar-or-something half mitt, half hot pad thingy. (whew)

I know what I want, and I KIND OF know what I want them to look like, but I wanted to show you all what I found in my search:

Of course I started on Etsy - DUH!

I am not crazy about oven mitts, nor do I like dinky little hotpads, so this got my attention:

It's big (5 1/2 x 9 inches) has the option of using it as a mitt or a hot pad, and has insulbrite (SO important if you make your own hot pads or mitts). This one is from City Chic Country Mouse's shop. (she also offers the pattern!)

Now, I know I just said I wasn't crazy about oven mitts, but I could change my mind for this one -

Not only does 2 Fresh Threads make this adorable (and ROOMY!) oven mitt, she also has matching hot pads and aprons! A girl after our hearts!

Last, and my most likely option, is to make my own, in which case I love the idea of using this tutorial for a patchwork placemat, but leaving off the sides, to make a pot holder that's about 8x8 or 9x9. I know I have a pattern somewhere for a potholder that's just 4 squares sewn together on one side, then plain on the other.

Your Turn! What are you currently using as a hot pad? An honest-to-goodness hot pad? Oven mitt? Dish towels (my current preference)?

Last Minute Apron savings!!

Flirty Aprons has an amazing selection of Aprons in all styles, colors and for Men, Women and Children. It may be bit late to order for Christmas, but if one of your New Year's Resolutions was to cook more (it is mine!), you'll be able to start the new year in a fashionable way! Just use the coupon code APRON15 at Flirty Aprons and you will get 15% off your order from now til December 31st!

Handmade Holidays - Free Ruffled Apron Tutorial

Jaime of Prudent Baby made an adorable apron for her and her daughter for Hanukkah. She shared her pattern and tutorial on her blog. I love everything about this apron - the fabric, the ball fringe...ah, the ball fringe - my love knows no bounds.