Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday


Cloth Napkins
Last week my very well used green & white plaid tablecloth became pinned between the table and a chair's armrest. When we attempted to pull the cloth off the table for cleaning, a large rip occurred near one of the edges. This tablecloth was one of our "everyday" tablecloths and was close to 20 years old. Eventually, even the most sturdy of fabrics will gave way. Instead of throwing it out, I decided to re-purpose it by sewing up 10 "new" cloth napkins. Not only did I get 10 free cloth napkins but I've also prevented additional waste being dumped into the local landfill, saved a tree or at least part of one, and prevented a small amount of paper making chemicals from being dumped into our environment. AND I'm not spending Mr.B's hard earned income on a piece of paper that was created with the intention of being thrown into the trash - talk about throwing money away.
Cloth napkins are small and don't take up much room in the wash. By adding them to almost any load I happen to be washing, I don't use anymore water or laundry soap than usual. I eventually hope to collect enough cloth napkins to use them exclusively.
Recycling old fabric into cloth napkins ... a very frugal idea.

6 comments:

  1. That's great! I love cloth napkins. I bought mine, though, not so frugal that way. I don't have a sewing machine, but would like to get one eventually for things like cloth napkins and hankies. Oh and I love your background, is it new? :)

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  2. Hi ShellyKay,

    Thank you & yes the background is new.
    If I ever get to move up north maybe I could give you a few basic sewing lessons, if you'd ever be interested.
    Mrs.B

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  3. Oh that would be wonderful! Now I just need to get you all up here! :)

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  4. I use wash cloths for cloth napkins - with kids that spill things, it makes for a quick and easy clean up. :)

    Very frugal reusing the table cloth. We don't currently use a table cloth (although we probably should with little ones . . . ), so I will keep your idea in mind in the future if/when I get a table cloth and it needs to be re-purposed. :)

    Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Hi Tegan,

    I think the wash cloths used as napkins is a FABULOUS idea ... I can't believe I've never thought of that. I'm sure they are perfect for spills and messy fingers.
    Thanks for leaving such a useful comment.
    Mrs.B

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