So much about getting through this world depends on recognizing one's strengths and one's weaknesses. I would say that this applies to pretty much anything we do, but I'm here to talk about sewing, right?
In the last few years since I've started making items for sale I have gotten a few special requests as well as multiple inquiries about certain items related to those available. For instance, with the pot holders many people have asked about oven mitts. A good question and very useful item! Initially it never even occurred to me because I don't use the one I have. Just doesn't hit my radar. But this isn't necessarily about what I would use. So I gave it a shot.
Those guys above are about as far as I got in this experiment. As you can see I tried to use the template offered with the Insult-Bright roll of heat-reflective batting, but neither fit very well. On the one with the bats the loop ended up on the INSIDE, the other one has the loop going at some skewed angle. The thumbs are too tight and it was all just awkward. I tried once more with little more success.
That's the stage at which I say, "I've been doing just fine sticking with pot holders. I'm sure I could improve upon my technique for these guys given lots more practice, but that is time and materials I really don't want to spend right now, especially with uncertain success rates in the stars." Abandon ship.
A little further down the road I started playing with the skillet handle cozies.
At my booth display I include an actual cast iron skillet to model how these guys fit the handle, but invariably I get questions as to what they are. And at least 2 or 3 times at the last show someone wondered whether they would work as a case for her readers.
Bingo!
So that is my new bulk project, to make eye glasses cases using the EXACT SAME TECHNIQUE as the skillet handle cozies. So much so that my first prototype even includes a layer of the Insult-Bright — whoops!
Obviously the sizes are different, and I've added that little dip along the edge, which requires a bias binding, but all in all this is merely an adaptation of something I am already doing and feel confident with.
*Note: My glasses do fit all the way inside the case — they are just sticking out for illustrative purposes.
They will make their debut at the Art in the Rose Garden exhibit at Peninsula Park Rose Garden on Sunday August 16. There may be a somewhat meager supply, but their numbers are growing slowly and steadily. And with excitement (unlike those oven mitts)!!