Santa Hot Pad

Twas the night before Christmas in 2020 and I was not hosting my annual Christmas party so I decided it would be a good idea to finish the hot pad I started. I had only finished the striped area and there was much to do to complete the project, but I had time on my hands with the COVID restrictions so I went to it.

The pattern for the hot pads is based on a mug rug pattern found in Spooktacular Crochet.I make a second mug rug in a primary color and crocheted the two together to get the thickness one wants for a hot pad. I've been making these since I bought the book prior to Halloween in 2020 to brighten my holiday kitchen items. I originally thought I'd have a complete Santa applique for the hot pad but the figure was far larger than I'd anticipated. By using the Omega Sinfonia and a c hook I was able to make Santa's head fit but the body was too large. You can find the free applique pattern here.

Santa Hot Mat

I love holiday dishcloths and hot pads so when I saw this on e-pattern central I knew I was going to buy it and try to make it at some point. You can purchase the pattern here.

Just a few notes for myself. I need to try this with a much smaller hook size. Next time I'm going to make the back square first as this will make it easier to judge just how big a square will be made without having to deal with color changes. We learn from experience but the I hook was much too large for this project for me. Secondly, I couldn't find a pale pink color in Lily. I went to Knit Picks to get their Dishie yarn so I don't make myself crazy trying to remember what color of Lily's Sugar 'n Cream I found I didn't. Lastly I had to go down significantly in hook size to make the facial features work. I also sewed them on prior to making the back and joining so my sewing didn't show. Others may feel differently, but I prefer to hide my sewing when ever possible. The pattern suggests sewing the details on after joining. I didn't do this for the original and I wouldn't do it again in the future.

I really like the look of the hot pad, I just need him to be smaller in my next attempt.

Light Bulb Hot Pad

I've always liked holiday dishcloths and hot pads or pot holders. I find they are both practical and decorative. They add a little holiday color and feel without taking up valuable work space in my kitchen. I'm trying to test out some patterns this year to see which ones I like before seeing if they'd make good gifts.

I like this one, but I even in the picture of the pattern you will see it doesn't lay completely flat if that is an issue for you with hot pads. I was gifted one prior to this and I've found the little bump hasn't been an issue for keeping the pans balanced on top. The weight usually keeps the item flat.

You can purchase this pattern here. As I mentioned previously in a blog about Mary Maxim, e-pattern central has frequent sales. If you want this pattern and you have time to wait, I'd suggest waiting on one of their sales to pick up the pattern.