Earth Day – reusable napkins

I was rifling through my enormous stash of cotton fabrics recently and I wondered, “what am I going to do with all this” and “how did this stash get so big”?  (okay…you know as well as I do how it got that big.)  But, now what?

As there were many colors, prints and coordinates to choose from, I thought that cloth napkins would be a great stash reducer!

I own a Janome serger (one of those specialty sewing machines whose sole purpose is to overcast the raw edges of fabric) and I used it to serge two 16″ squares of fabric together.  They zip up in no time…as long as the thread Gods are smiling on you.  (I’d rather drink sour milk than re-thread the serger)

I decided to present these on Earth Day because reusable napkins in the home are more environmentally friendly than paper.  And I think they add a touch of elegance to everyday meals!

If you don’t own a serger, check out Molly’s handmade napkins at The Purl Bee.  I thought these were so pretty that I went to JoAnn’s and purchased a 1″ bias tape maker.  (I’ll be sure to share photos when I’m done.)

Here’s another earth-friendly project:

It’s called crochet biffer “shrug”.  My friend, Teresa, found the pattern and crocheted this one for me using 100% cotton (completely machine washable and dryable).  It slips right over the Swiffer head (I know you’re singing “Who’s that lady”) and does an excellent job of collecting pet hair and dust bunnies!  I’ve also used it to shine floor tile that I sprayed with my Method brand “best in glass” window cleaner.

And, in honor of Earth Day, I vow to actually use my collection of pristine pink reusable Stop & Shop grocery bags, knowing full well that they may get dirty.

“The journey of 1,0o0 miles begins with one step”.

“A”