Actually, it was three potholders. Made because I needed a really quick engagement gift. And nothing says love like a potholder. Well actually there are a  lot of other things that say love better than a potholder, but none that I could find in my little town of Chinook. And no time to order online. What to do? Sew something! 

I looked through my stash, and found a placemat kit I bought many years earlier. The fabric was very vibrant. Perfect! I opened the kit and began sorting the enclosed fabrics. Soon realized there was not enough fabric to make four placements. No worries, two potholders will be just fine. But then I took a closer look at the fabric and it was a Christmas pattern. Sigh. Back to my stash for new inspiration.

Success! I found a Moda charm pack. Potholders! Everybody needs potholders! So I used the charms to make six 4-patch squares, placed some inuslated batting between two 4-patches, added some simple quilting to hold it all together. Found some coordinting jelly roll strips for the binding and hanger. Wrapped them up and gave them to the happy couple when they came over for dinner. 

That should have been the end of the story...but it was just the beginning. During the course of the evening, someone made the comment, "Cute potholders, you could sell these." Then the conversation quickly changed to the upcoming wedding plans. But that comment stuck with me and over the next couple of weeks I sewed potholders. Then bags. Then more potholders. More bags. Next thing I knew, my Etsy shop was up and running. 

Love is where you find it. 

And it all started with a potholder.