"Trivet" is an old-fashioned word for "hot plate." This trivet not only serves to protect your table from hot serving dishes, it also creates a spicy scent. Older children can make it by themselves, while younger children can have the satisfaction of stuffing a trivet that is sewn for them. It is good practice in measuring since the stuffing must be measured three times! Here's how you make it:
- Cut a square of fabric that is 7 inches on each side.
- With right sides together, sew a half inch seam around three sides of the square.
- Turn the trivet inside out so that the right sides of the fabric are showing.
- Sew two parallel lines, so that the trivet is divided into three compartments. (Each line should be 2 inches from the edge and 2 inches from the other line.) The line should stop 3/4 inches from the open end so that the edge can be turned under later.
- In a bowl mix 1/2 cup rice, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp. cloves. Use a funnel to pour the mixture into the first compartment. Make the mixture again and fill the second compartment, then repeat for the third.
- Turn under the open edge and carefully stitch it closed without spilling the stuffing.
- If you plan to give the trivet as a gift, seal it in a ziplock bag so it will stay fresh.