Happy Mother's Day!

It was a beautiful Mother's Day here in Iowa - the sun is shining...and although it is a little cool (which I LOVE!), it was the perfect day for a barbecue. My mother-in-law and father-in-law joined us for a little cookout this afternoon...we had a lovely time. I thought I would share the mother's day gifts I put together this year.

For my mother, I made a new set of hot pads and a set of snap bags. I have posted about the hot pads before, but in case you missed it, the pattern/tutorial is FREE on YouCanMakeThis.com. ...and of course, I foofed the gifts!!

For my mother-in-law, I made an embroidered scented trivet...then I picked up a pie plate and server to go with it. The scented trivet was a class I took at a local quilt shop last year - a Martha Pullen "Gift of the Month" project - the class focused on Gimpwork and Machine Embroidery. The back side of the trivet has an opening where I put a cinnamon scented sachet...so when you place your hot pie (or anything out of the oven) on the trivet, it make your home smell even more wonderful.

Wishing each of you a very special and very relaxing Mother's Day (especially my mommy who I was unable to be with today)!

Time For Some "Therapy"

Now that I am finally starting to feel better, I am frantically trying to meet a pile of deadlines...I am completely overwhelmed to say the least...I am finally starting to make some progress on the "task list", but my stress level is at an all time high. So, I decided it was time for some sewing and quilting therapy...just a couple hours to regroup and re-prioritize...and to be honest, it was just what I needed to clear my head and lower my blood pressure. So here is a little bit about my Sunday sewing project...

I have had my hot pads and pot holders for years...haven't replaced them as long as I can remember...I have my favorites and use them all the time...they are not pretty anymore...they have stains and burn marks and look "well loved". I never gave them too much thought, until Shelli sent me her new "Hot Pads" project to test...and then I decided I needed to make new ones. This is a great "You Can Sew This" project...the tutorial was quick and easy...and best of all, it is FREE at YouCanMakeThis.com! There are fabulous step by step instructions and color photographs - a beginner could easily handle these. The finish size is about 9" square...and they use 2 layers of Warm & Natural Batting and one layer of Insul-Brite (insulated batting), so they are nice and thick. The supply list is minimal...and I made two in a short amount of time. I made my own bias binding, but the directions show you how to use purchased bias tape...and I used grosgrain ribbon for the hangers, but the directions show you how to use bias tape. A fun and very useful project...I will be making more of these...maybe some for holiday gifts...

Now back to that ever-growing task list...but at least I feel rejuvenated! Make a few hours to do something you enjoy...