The word potholders—also correctly written as two words pot holders—exactly describes their purpose: something that helps you hold on to a pot. I suppose it might be even more accurate if they were called hot pot holders. It is interesting that potholders first appeared commercially at anti-slavery bazaars in the mid-19th century. These crafts were illustrated with various designs and advertised the phrase 'Any holder but a Slave Holder.’ Abolitionists proudly displayed these potholders in their kitchens.
Jeanne, I love potholders. You've inspired me to get out my sewing machine and made some new ones-- my potholders need to join the bon-fire-- I too never use the mitts.
What a pleasure to read about those little pot holders that just about every little girl our age used to make. Indiana must have been a dreary place because I remember only the dark colors in my bags of loops. Maybe my sisters got the best ones before I even saw the bag. I have to disagree about the silicone oven gloves, though. I tend to burn my arms on the hot edges of the oven so if I could find oven mitts that came up to my elbows I would buy them!
I too made and loved those colorful rag potholders as a child but I never tried to sell them. St. Grody's Day was one of my favorite holidays while living in Vermont and I treasure those amazing quilted potholders we received and loved watching the old greasy ones burn in the bonfire. I never knew the origins of the potholder so thank you for that.
Jeanne, I love potholders. You've inspired me to get out my sewing machine and made some new ones-- my potholders need to join the bon-fire-- I too never use the mitts.
My darling Alex was a pot holder weaver. . . well into adulthood. They are some of my most highly valued treasures!!
What a pleasure to read about those little pot holders that just about every little girl our age used to make. Indiana must have been a dreary place because I remember only the dark colors in my bags of loops. Maybe my sisters got the best ones before I even saw the bag. I have to disagree about the silicone oven gloves, though. I tend to burn my arms on the hot edges of the oven so if I could find oven mitts that came up to my elbows I would buy them!
I too made and loved those colorful rag potholders as a child but I never tried to sell them. St. Grody's Day was one of my favorite holidays while living in Vermont and I treasure those amazing quilted potholders we received and loved watching the old greasy ones burn in the bonfire. I never knew the origins of the potholder so thank you for that.