The other day I was making an egg in my cast iron skillet and thought about how I’ve always wanted to make myself a little hot handle holder for it. I had a few minutes to spare, so I grabbed by scrap basket and pulled out some felted wool sweater scraps. You don’t need a ton of fabric, so all those little bits that aren’t enough for other projects are perfect for this.
I cut out 2 pieces a little larger than my skillet handle and selected some thick blue thread. I wanted it to have that folky handmade look, so I hand sewed the word “eat” on the top and used the blanket stitch for the sides. This project only took me about 15 minutes from start to finish. This is a quick and easy gift you can make in the evenings while watching TV. Felted wool is perfect because of it’s insulation value and it’s fire resistant nature, although you can use other fabric just make sure you add enough padding to make it heat proof. I’m making up a bunch of these for all the ladies on my gift list, perfect for everyone because I don’t know anyone that doesn’t own a cast iron skillet! Just make sure the receiver knows they shouldn’t leave this on the handle while it’s on the lit burner.
I also decided to make a little felted wool cat for my pets. I cut out 2 triangles and two half teardrops and a long skinny piece for a tail (roll this between hands to make it kind of felt together so it doesn’t come apart). I sewed them together and stuffed them with those teeny tiny pieces of scrap wool that aren’t big enough for anything.
This project took me about 15 minutes as well. The cats loved it so much I could barely get a photo of it, they kept stealing it. These would be fabulous gifts for the cat lover on your list, make them a dozen little felted wool mice for their furry friends. You could also stuff with catnip or catmint from the garden if you have some for a little extra fun.
What are some great handmade gifts you’re making this year? Do you have any great ideas for using up little bits of scrap fabric?
I can also be found at Chiot’s Run where I blog daily about gardening, cooking, local eating, beekeeping, and all kinds of stuff. You can also find me at Simple, Green, Frugal, Co-op, and you can follow me on Twitter.
Oh my! I just love your gift ideas! I’m not that good at sewing so these simple yet thoughtful and quite cute handcrafted designs are so adorable! My cat, Prince Furball, will definitely love his Christmas gift! Sorry for the over enthusiastic take on this. Your post has really given me a great idea that I am really greatful for. Happy Holidays!
Glad you enjoyed it, hope your cat loves the mouse as much as my cat did.
That is a wonderful idea!!
When you say lit burner, do you mean for gas flames? It would be fine on an electric burner, I would assume.
It might be OK on electric, we do have gas. The nice thing about wool is that it just kind of smolders, so it most like wouldn’t catch up it would just blacken a bit on the edges. It’s always safer to not leave cloth close to the stove top either electric or gas.
Those are so entirely cute! Thanks for the great idea.
Wonderful.
What a great way to use scrap fabric!
great ideas!
Thank you so much…2 fantastic ideas…both of which I plan on using this week!!!
That pot handle is adorable! I’m going to have to try that.
You’re definitely moving in the right circles if everyone you know owns a cast iron skillet, LOL.
Cute ideas!
Simply brilliant!
very cute