| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| cecelia |
Posted - Jul 04 2004 : 2:37:10 PM
 Hi & Happy 4th of July!
I wasn't sure where to put this topic because I think it's been included in some other forums, but here goes.
One thing we've been discussing is environmental issues such as paper products (napkins, paper towels, etc.). The consensus seems to be to try to cut down on such usage whenever possible; granted sometimes convenience overrules other factors, but we all should do our part to cut down on waste, including "pre-recycling" as it's been called.
I found a great buy the other day. A store had 24 washcloths for the unbelievable price of $2.00; granted they were all white, but I didn't care about that. I'm going to use them for napkins. I think they'd be great, especially for kids. The may not last more than a year or two, but they're 100% cotton and can be easily cleaned, including bleached. I figure if they really get out of shape, since they're cotton, I can use them later for dustrags, and since I don't use toxic chemicals, maybe they'll eventually end up in the compost bin.
Cecelia
ce's farm |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Sherries Farm |
Posted - Aug 05 2004 : 08:01:48 AM
I have had cloth napkins around me all of my life, though, the oldest are the ones my Mom made back in the 50's that I still use. (Mind you, Mom was not a crafter) For the past two years, I have kept a basket or bowl of napkins, neatly pressed and folded on the dining room table. At first, dh wasn't too hip on the idea, then slowly, but surely, all five of the family now use them. Dh was a big one for a fresh, wet washcloth when we would have bbq'd ribs...same idea, right? I love to see it when they grab for a cloth napkin at lunch or breakfast when eating at the counter. Since it is not in front of them, they are actually having to think about it...and turn around to grab one from the basket. Yeah, their making good choices.
I like to get the plaid cotton when it's one sale for a $1.00 a yard...you can make them for just pennies.
Sherrie
"When you care enough, you make it yourself."
|
| Clare |
Posted - Jul 13 2004 : 10:45:55 AM
I collect cloth napkins.... but they were just hanging there looking pretty in my display. Now that I've become enlightened ( !! ) they are in use daily... what was I thinking??? Some of the simpliest things elude us until someone points them out... Thanks FarmGirls.
Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural |
| sugar1 |
Posted - Jul 13 2004 : 10:36:37 AM
Thanks for the peroxide tip--I tried it over the weekend and it worked! |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 08 2004 : 11:05:18 PM
I love to give cloth napkins for a wedding gift...a whole set, or two each of several holiday prints.
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
| ShawnMarie |
Posted - Jul 08 2004 : 04:33:51 AM
We use cloth napkins too... and cloth towels for spills and cleaning. I go through maybe eight rolls of paper towels a year since I only use them for cooking bacon in the micro.
I go to Walmart or some other store that sells fabric for $1 a yard and get holiday prints for cute napkins. They also make great gifts since people are more likely to use "special" napkins on the holidays. Add a bit of rick-rack or something and you could sell them for a tidy little sum at a market. Create matching napkin rings and they go even faster.
**Expect Pleasure** |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 07 2004 : 11:47:18 PM
My napkins are a busy print bunch...some new, some old, some funny and weird, some classy (very few, honestly) mostly homemade from extra fabric from other projects. I do keep the set of 8 that match in a separate place for the off chance we have company that cares (not many folks that eat at our place do) I have soaked some with spaghetti or enchilada stains in a Biz and water solution, and that helped. Hydrogen peroxide is cheap and gets blood stains out. That same 8 year old boy gets bloody noses alot. And for some reason always grabs the solid color nicer napkins when he does. I have alot of old crummy dishtowels and even the roll of paper towels that he could use...but NO>>>>> Actually my kids never touch the paper towels unless I tell them to...we try to make a roll last a week. If we run out we run out. I only grocery shop every two weeks, except for fresh fruit and stuff like that. Back to stains...I would try peroxide...nothing to lose. I don't think it would work after they had been already washed and dried..just when the stain is fresh. I keep a big bottle (cost 50 cents!) out in the laundry room for stains.
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
| sugar1 |
Posted - Jul 07 2004 : 4:07:46 PM
I don't know anyone who would want to share a napkin with an 8-year old--except maybe another 8-year old! I'm glad you like the idea--I've already learned so much from these boards it is nice to be able to contribute.
Not sure if this goes under laundry or here, but does anyone else have trouble keeping their napkins clean once they have tough stains (tomato sauce and curry)? The best solution I've come up with is to use napkins with busy patterns...I am pretty sensitive to smelly detergents so it has to be mild. Any advice would be great, thanks! |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 07 2004 : 3:39:20 PM
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the napkin ring idea. I have some and never use them. What a great use. I certainly DON'T want to use my 8 year old son's napkin after HIM but do want to use the napkins more than once. this tip will save me alot of laundry! We have been washing them each time for YEARS!! I am embarrassed that I didn't think of this!
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
| rabbithorns |
Posted - Jul 05 2004 : 10:09:53 PM
I'm so glad you said you used your napkins more than once! Now the rest of us can come out of the linen closet!
When we moved from a co-housing situation to our own place, my daughter and I went on a spree and bought napkin rings for all 4 of us - different for each. It has worked great for the last 5 years. I've had one set of 8 napkins and they are still holding up great.
Padma in AZ |
| sugar1 |
Posted - Jul 05 2004 : 08:51:35 AM
I grew up with cloth napkins and I am always suprised when people don't have them. A good friend of mine showed me how to make some--very easy even for me, a non-sewer! Just cut large squares of cotton fabric and sew a narrow hem aroung the border. I have a fun collection of napkins of all colors and patterns.
Also, my husband and I reuse the same napkins for a few days at a time. We each have a different napkin ring and we just keep our napkins in the ring after each meal. My husband grew up doing this, I guess that was the original purpose of napkin rings. I hope this doesn't gross anyone out, but most of the time we hardly soil the napkins and they don't need to be washed. |
