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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Coaster Experiment and Giveaway

I was so excited! First of all, making quilts, even small ones, takes some time. And they are expensive to buy. I'm always looking for something quick to make, that has a lower price point, to give my shop some diversity. And I found it. I thought. Made these great coasters that are reversible.


Reversible 4" Coasters

But then reality struck. I started testing them out. And since they are cloth, even with two layers of batting, they get wet and eventually soak through. So what to do? I decided to test different types of layers. I tested adding a layer of insul-brite, a batting used in hot pads that has mylar woven through it. I tested a layer of vinyl. I bought a waterproof crib mattress pad, and tested that. And finally, a layer of that grip stuff you line your shelves with made by Con-tact.

Here's what happened with all of them: when enclosed between the fabric and batting, the liquid will soak through the top, and wick around to the bottom, eventually soaking the bottom, and getting your table wet (or at least damp).


Con-tact sheet on left

The final thing that I tried was to sew the con-tact grip sheet directly to the bottom. Voila. Success. The problem here is that now the coasters are not reversible. How important is that anyway?

The bottom line, no pun intended, is that the coasters as originally made, are fine for hot drinks, acting like a small hot pad. But I'm considering adding the waterproof capability to make these little gems more versatile.

What do you think? With or without a waterproof bottom? Let me know in a comment and you'll be eligible for a free set of coasters from Elle Quilts (your choice). Right now, there is only one set, but, hopefully, by next week there will be more choices. I will draw a name using random.org. Just be sure to leave your email (you can email me if you don't want to leave it here...ellen@downthestreetcreations.com), or a link to your etsy shop.

The drawing will be on Thursday, October 23, at 10 p.m. EST.

And thanks for your help!

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like the waterproof bottom Elle. I also LOVE your new coasters :)

jenna said...

Definitely with the waterproofing. Sign me up for the coasters, please :)

Unknown said...

they are great coasters!

Erika said...

Most coasters are not reversible. They come with those little padded bottoms so as not to scratch the surface.
I like the waterproof idea and how creative. I definitely applaud your tenacity in going that extra mile to make an original and nice-looking product!:)

Unknown said...

Elle- waterproof sounds great.
although maybe you could have 2 sets: 1 waterproof and offer the other ones as more of a hot pad?
I'd use both types!

Kara said...

Adding my vote for both - I love the reversible option. They are so , so cute!

Carapace said...

You're having a giveaway! I must encourage this tendency, in the hopes that someday you will go mad and offer up your aprons.;)

I like the waterproof ones best, since we drink more cold than hot 'round here. But also maybe you could offer reversible unlined ones cheaper?

Anonymous said...

I like the idea of having both types in all honesty... as certain times of year we have more hot than cold and more cold than hot in others.. so I would encourage the availability of both ;)

Unknown said...

Hey, I have that lining for my cupboards :)

KilaRohner.com said...

I'm all for Waterproof bottom...my husband is a soda drinker and I have rings everywhere from condensation:/

Live, Love, Laugh, Write! said...

I think having the waterproof bottom would be important. I don't use coasters often, but most of the time if I do it's to protect something beneath my cup, so the water proofing would be important!

~Ruthie~

jedimarri@gmail.com

SpiritMama said...

I say don't waterproof. I like them reversible. Maybe you could market them as something other than coasters?

http://spiritmama.etsy.com

Unknown said...

I definitely think with the waterproof bottom! Beautiful coasters.

ginny said...

Elle, I'm another voice for offering both options---waterproof and reversible. They're really snazzy either way and a wonderful addition to your shop :D

Anonymous said...

I think the waterproof bottom too, I have a husband that manages to make anything skid across the tables. So the more friction the better.

Anonymous said...

holy moly my comment stayed! I guess I finally have this blogspot thing figured out!

TiLT said...

Hmm...offering up both could work well...you could even offer mix & match: 2 reversible w/ one of each side waterproofed.

Deborah said...

hi sweeets! i had trouble getting in for a few days! but now i'm here! i love love love the idea of reversible...i too appreciate all the work you went to, to really check out your product! that is such attention to detail! i know in all practicality, waterproof would be better, but, you know, the design of reversible is cool. what about that vinyl stuff....looks like fabric, but sorta like a table cloth...could one side be made outta that? i don't know, i'm not good when it comes to your area of expertise! i will stick with jewels and lotion! love you sweets!

Kim Caro said...

coasters rule!

Angie said...

I love the coasters in general, but I think the waterproof versions are unique!