Potholders - The Kind You Use

I've seen some pretty fabulous potholders out there in blogland, but almost always they are decorative and not used...

My mother-in-law has made me numerous potholders over the years. She stuffs them with old tea towels. She says you need to use three layers of toweling because two will allow you to burn your fingers. These are the real workhorses of my kitchen. The top pair is the oldest. Well-used and needing a wash by the looks of it...

So this wonderful woman turned 80 last Saturday and we got a lot of the family and numerous friends together to celebrate. She asked for no gifts, but I thought I would make her a couple of potholders - it seemed the right thing to do..

They're not fancy, and not made with tea towels... I used two layers of cotton wadding. I know she will actually use these, and that's the whole point. And they match her kitchen...

So family gatherings are photo ops. Here I am with my two oldest daughters. This is in the grounds of a private high school where my brother-in-law teaches.

"Mum and Dad" with their four children. Mr Fixit is on the far right.

The 'immediate' family, less a few who had to work or couldn't get there.

And my gorgeous youngest daughter who couldn't be there. She said I had to use this picture because she looks cute in it...

Well, off to the day job. Thursday I do the late shift. Hope you are all surviving this very weird weather!