It’s time for another fabulous sewing adventure, and I’m beyond excited to announce the Potholder SWAP 2024! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, this swap is the perfect way to stretch your creative muscles, make something useful, and connect with others in our amazing sewing community. Plus, who doesn’t love a cute, handmade potholder?
With the holidays fast approaching, there couldn’t be a more perfect time for a potholder swap. Imagine using your beautiful handmade potholder while baking cookies, roasting that turkey, or whipping up your favorite holiday treats! It’s a fun way to kick off the holiday season, and every time you reach for it, you’ll be reminded of the love and creativity that went into making it. Plus, it’s a super thoughtful, handmade gift for friends and family!
Okay, let’s get to the details because this SWAP is a quick turnaround.
Potholder SWAP Details:
WHAT/SIZE: Every participant will make and receive a handmade potholder. The pattern/style is “Maker’s choice” and can be anything that displays your creative point of view. For this SWAP it is highly encouraged that you keep your design “scrappy”. The finished potholder must include heat-reflective batting.
WHEN: Sign Up’s are happening NOW through October 27th, 2024, or earlier.* Partner email will be sent by November 1st, 2024, and all packages must be shipped to partners by December 1st, 2024.
WHERE: Everywhere! My SWAP events are open to everyone. Each participant will be paired with a partner in their general area to keep shipping costs low.
WHO: All fabric scrap lovers and stitchers are welcome! Please remember when joining any swap, your partner may have a different skill level. Along the way, I share helpful hints, technique-based tutorials and because of the community atmosphere, you can get help and ask questions along the way.
Price: $5 per SWAP – I am often asked about the fee and want to clarify right up front. Running a SWAP of this size and caliber requires a tremendous amount of effort behind the screen. There are many hours spent organizing, emailing, and following up on participants. Not to mention being a SWAP Angel when a partner falls out at the last minute.
Potholder SWAP
Step out of your comfort zone, meet a new friend and exchange a handmade potholder in the current swap with The Sewing Loft. Perfect for hosting this holiday season!
How the SWAP Works
- Sign Up: The Potholder SWAP is open for sign-ups until October 27th, 2024.* After signing up, you’ll receive a quick questionnaire to help me match you with the perfect sewing buddy.
- Get Paired: My team and I will work hard to pair you with a great partner. You’ll receive an email with your partner’s information by the end of the day on November 1st, 2024.
- Create and Send: Start stitching your unique potholder and have it postmarked by December 1st,2024.
The Potholder Swap Is For Everyone—Yes, YOU!
Whether you’ve been sewing for years or just started stitching, this swap is all about having fun and sharing something handmade. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just let your creativity shine! And if you need some inspiration, check out my [Playful Potholders Pattern](insert link here) to get those ideas flowing. These patterns are beginner-friendly, with room to add your own flair if you want to spice things up!
Heat Reflective Batting is A Must!
One thing I have to remind you about—be sure to use heat reflective batting for your potholders. Safety first, always! We want your handmade goodies to be functional and fabulous. If you’ve never used it before, don’t worry—it’s super easy to work with and will make sure your potholder is ready for anything from handling hot pans to protecting your counters.
Need Inspiration? Never fear, potholders can be made from your favorite quilt blocks. I even have an easy pattern, Playful Potholders, to get you started.
Fun Facts About Potholders
Potholders may seem like simple kitchen gadgets, but they have a fascinating side! Here are some fun facts that will make you see your trusty potholder in a whole new light:
- The Handy Loop at the Top: Ever notice that convenient little loop at the top of your potholder? It’s not just for decoration! The loop is designed for easy hanging, keeping your potholder within arm’s reach when you need to grab something hot from the oven.
- Pockets for Protection: Some potholders come with a nifty pocket design! These pockets aren’t just for show—they allow you to slip your hand inside for extra protection and grip when handling hot pans and dishes. Functional and fun!
- Mittens in Disguise: Speaking of extra protection, did you know why some potholders are shaped like mittens? These “oven mitts” give your hand full coverage, so no fingers get burned while pulling out those freshly baked cookies. Plus, they’re perfect for handling large pots or pans.
- A Quilt for Your Kitchen: Many potholders are mini quilts! That’s right—lots of potholders are made with pieced fabrics, giving them a quilted look. They’re like tiny works of art for your kitchen, perfect for adding a pop of color or showcasing your creativity.
- Heat Reflective Batting Is Key: The magic behind a potholder’s heat resistance comes from the batting inside. High-quality potholders often use heat reflective batting (like Insul-Bright), which reflects heat away, keeping your hands safe from burns while looking stylish.
- Potholders Come in All Shapes & Sizes: While the traditional square potholder is most common, they come in all sorts of fun shapes! From mittens and hearts to cute animals or even fruits, there’s a potholder design for every personality and kitchen style.
- The Oldest Kitchen Accessory: Potholders have been around for ages—long before modern oven mitts came into the picture! They’ve evolved over time, but their purpose remains the same: keeping our hands safe while cooking up something delicious!
Now that you know a little more about these trusty kitchen companions, doesn’t it make you want to stitch up a few of your own?
Sign up and get ready to meet a new friend while exchanging a handmade potholder or two during the swap. I can’t wait to see the incredible creations you’ll come up with!
Potholder SWAP
Step out of your comfort zone, meet a new friend and exchange a handmade potholder in the current swap with The Sewing Loft. Perfect for hosting this holiday season!
*Please note that space is limited and these types of events will likely sell out.
Scrappy Fabric Group: As many of you know fostering community is very important to me. To help encourage this atmosphere, I have formed a private Facebook community to chat directly with you and offer a safe space for everyone to get together. Inside the group, you can share projects you are working on or have finished, meet and get to know the members from around the world, share inspiration, and participate in additional group activities. Everything is in one spot- simple and easy to use on your computer or smartphone. Please feel free to click here to join the community. All are welcome!
