Bellaboo ... my MIL uses those old worn kitchen towels, bath towels etc to use as 'batting' ... she buys new kitchen towels, puts her worn towels in the center and sews up the sides etc to make new casserole / pot 'hot pads' for counter and table. Doesn't even need that heat resistant stuff you buy for potholders etc.
She's given them to me and her granddaughters for years and we always love getting them. Sometimes she includes a matching kitchen towel to go with the 'pad'. I've even started saving my worn towels for future use.
warm quilt hugs, sue in CA