Vintage Sheet Napkins Tutorial



I have been using reusable napkins for many years now.  It was one of the first and probably easiest changes I made when "going green" over 4 years ago.  Not only does it help the environment, it also saves me money.   I can't even remember the last time I purchased paper napkins or paper towels.

I have several different types of napkins that I have collected over the years.  I have several smaller flannel napkins, which after 4 years of constant use are looking more like rags.  Then I have several larger cloth napkins.  We all tend to grab the larger cloth napkins first.  These have also held up better over time.  In an attempt to replace my old flannel napkins, I decided to dip into my stash of vintage sheets and pillowcases to make some napkins.   I don't have to spend any money and I get to put the vintage sheets to good use.  Can't beat that.

I made three different versions for some variety.  I made all of my napkins between 12-14 inches square.  When using pillowcases, I found that I could get six 13 inch pieces cut from one pillowcase.

The Everyday Napkins are probably my favorite.  They are made from a single piece of fabric with a hemmed edge.  You can choose a larger napkin (18 inches square), a medium size napkin (13 inches sqaure) or a smaller napkin (10 inches square).   I made my napkins 13 inches square. 

Here's what to do:

1.  Cut fabric to desired size

2. Fold each side down 1/4 inch and iron.  The fold again and iron.
3.  Sew your ironed edges down.  You are done!!

The Fringe Napkins require less sewing and ironing, but the unraveling does take awhile.  These can easily be no sew napkins for those that do not want to pull out the sewing machine.

Here's what you do:

1. Cut fabric to desired size.

2. Stitch around all of the edges. This helped me to know how far to unravel (This step is optional)

3. Start unraveling the edges. 

4. Stop unraveling when all the edges are the same length.

The Reversible napkins are the easiest to make in my opinion.  I used two thinner fabrics that I thought would be too thin on their own, but just right when sewn together. 

Here's what to do:

1.  Cut 2 pieces of fabric to desired size. 

2.  With right sides together, sew along all edges leaving a 3 inch gap for turning.

3.  Turn the fabric right side out through the gap.

4. Iron the napkin flat making sure the unsewn edge is tucked in neatly and even with the other edges.

5.  Topstitch around the napkin.  I did two lines of stitching because I liked the way it looked.

So now that you know how easy it is to make your own napkins, give it a try.  Little changes can make a big difference.

Reusable Mason Jar To Go Cup Tutorial

I saw these on etsy a couple of weeks ago and couldn't stop thinking about them.  So I knew that I had to make some for myself.  I have such a weakness for mason jars.

Do you want to make your own?

Here's what you will need:

Mason Jar (I used a wide mouth pint jar)
Sharpie or pen
Hole Punch (The one I have is for scrapbooking, but it cuts through metal and leather.  I think it is called a crop-a-dile.  I use it all the time for various things.)
1/4" Rubber Grommets (I bought mine here) I am sure you can find them at the hardware store too.

Take one of the grommets and place it where you want it to go on the top.  I started off in the middle, but for the rest of the ones that I did I made the hole closer to one side.

Then mark the center with your pen.

This is where you want to punch your hole.  You could also use a drill to make your hole, but I am a little afraid of power tools.

Now punch a hole in the top where you marked.

My hole was not large enough so I kept punching around the original hole to enlarge the hole to the right size.

It doesn't have to be exact.  It just needs to be large enough so that the grommet can be squeezed through that hole.  You also don't want the hole too big or the grommet will move around too much.

Now take the grommet and work it into the hole.  Be careful with the hole in the middle.  The edges are sharp.

Keep working it until you get it all the way through.

Stick a straw through the hole and put the top on the jar. You are ready to enjoy a nice cold beverage.

You can see from this photo that I placed the hole more towards the edge on the one in the bottom right hand corner.  I actually preferred drinking from this one.  I also made some smaller ones for the kids, but they liked drinking from the larger ones.  The small ones are so cute though.  I have stainless steel straws that we use for smoothies that worked perfectly.  The striped straws are biodegradable paper ones found here. 

 

T-shirt Headband Tutorial

I have a slight obsession with fabric headbands. My hair is fine, thick, and wavy, which most of the time equals unruly. I have found that throwing on a headband is the easiest way to control my crazy hair.

I made this headband last November and it quickly became my favorite headband. It's comfy, goes with lots of outfits, and the flowers add a little interest.




So I thought it was time to make a few new ones. I used the same t-shirt as before. It is a super soft Gap shirt that I found at the thrift store. I bought it to actually wear, but it was too small. I have been holding on to the remnants for the perfect project. I made 3 different versions for my various needs.

The first is a thinner headband to be used when my hair is not quite as unruly.

I started with a strip of t-shirt that is about 2.5 inches x 14 inches.

Then I cut down the middle of the piece with my rotary cutter. Do not cut all the way to the end. Leave 3 inches or so uncut on each end.

Make another cut just like the first one.

Then another cut below.

When you stretch the headband, the strips will curl up. You may have to turn your piece over depending on which side was up when you started cutting.

Next take one end and fold the sides in like so.

Then fold over again.

Sandwich the elastic in between the folds.

Zig zag the elastic in place. Then repeat with the other side.

My piece of elastic is 5 inches long. I would recommend sewing one end then trying it on to see how tight you want it. The elastic does stretch over time so I would go tighter rather than looser.

I tried to photograph myself with the headband on and was not successful so I had to call in a model. Here you can see the headband scrunched together or pulled apart.

I also have a favorite headband that I wear when I work out. Since it gets all sweaty and has to be washed frequently, I needed to have a back up. The one I have is store bought, but I knew that I could easily duplicate it.

I started with a larger piece of t-shirt. This one is extra wide to tame very unruly hair.

I used the hem of the t-shirt as the front of my headband. This piece is 4" x 14.5".

All you do is fold the end accordion style like so.

The hem will be on the top. It won't seem right, but trust me.

Sandwich the elastic between the folds.

Then zig zag and repeat on the other side.

The third one that I made was a hybrid of the two previous headbands. I cut it into strips, but I used a wider piece of fabric.

The options are endless.

Finally Finished

I finally finished my last wholesale order and delivered it last week. I have to say I was hoping to feel more relieved, but I am still feeling like I made the right decision. Here are some (bad) photos of the coffee cozies.

Note to self: do not use a yellow pillowcase as a background for photos again.

flowers

birds

owls

random

peace

I also made a reversible owl messenger bag along with some other goodies in case you missed it yesterday.

Happy Crafty Tuesday everyone!!