7. Spiced Hot Pad

MATERIALS

5 x 5-inch square each of four different checked fabrics
Fusible web paper
5-inch circle of calico fabric for center front circle
8-inch circle of calico fabric for the back 8-inch circle of extra-loft fleece
Crushed cinnamon sticks and cloves; needle and thread 3/4 yard of maxi rickrack for binding 1/2 yard of jumbo rickrack for front circle

INSTRUCTIONS

1. With the right sides facing, stitch the checked fabrics into a four-patch, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Center and fuse the 5-inch calico circle to the four-patch.
   
   
2. Layer calico back, fleece (sprinkled with crushed cinnamon sticks and cloves), and pieced circle. Baste the layers together at the edge.
   
   
3. Bind the edge with mini rickrack. Topstitch jumbo rickrack around the small circle.

from Better Homes & Gardens

6. Lady Bug Hot Pad

The ladybug has button spots, while the other hot pad holds crushed cinnamon sticks and cloves for an aromatic bonus.

MATERIALS

Two 8-inch circles of checked fabric
8-inch circle of extra-loft fleece
Straight pins
1/4 yard of jumbo black rickrack
Needle and thread
4 x 7-inch piece of black fabric
Scissors
1 yard of extra-wide double-fold black bias tape
Eight 5/8-inch black buttons

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Layer and pin the back checked circle, fleece, and front checked circle. Topstitch rickrack through the center of the fabrics.
   
   
2. Fold the black fabric in half lengthwise and pin to layered fabrics using the photograph as a guide. Trim the raw edges even with the circle. Remove the straight pins.
   
   
3. Bind the outside edge with bias tape, adding a loop for hanging. Stitch buttons on each side of the rickrack to make the dots on the ladybug.

from Better Homes & Gardensm