Thursday, July 3, 2008

Cloth Napkins

I've been hoping for some time now to start using cloth napkins for our family. I didn't have big hopes of completely replacing paper napkins with them yet but I figured as with most things, we'd move towards the goal slowly. Within the past two weeks, I realized that we are using more paper napkins than ever before and it started to bother me. It bothers me to the point that every time I hand out the napkins for a meal, I cringe a little on the inside. People, this is a major step for me.

Last weekend, I was doing some shopping with my Sisters and I ran across some beautiful cloth napkins on clearance. They are well made and I loved the way they looked. I decided to pick them up and give them a try with our family. My kids thought we were celebrating something! They looked nice and my Son didn't need to go through three of them in one meal to keep his hands clean. (He HATES being dirty!) I've decided that I can make them just as easily myself because I like to sew and I have lots of material left over from various projects that will be just the right size. If you don't sew, check out Etsy and Ebay because I found some great deals on both of those sites. My thinking is that if I keep enough on hand, I won't have to scramble to keep them washed up and it will be easier to resist the temptation to use paper napkins. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

I've told you before that I'm not an all or nothing girl. I'm also not someone who you'd consider totally green. I'm getting there. But daily I'm seeing changes in myself and my way of thinking that I know are for the better. I'm liking it! This is one thing that I'm hoping to be all or nothing about. I'd love to not have to buy napkins again!

What about you? Do you use cloth? Make your own or buy from other places?

7 comments:

wfbdoglover said...

I use to use cloth, but with a messy boy, they were always having to be washed. Now that he is 11, I should bring them out again. Thanks for making me remember them I have a ton. I like your idea of making your own!

Lisa said...

I just ordered 6 of them. It will take me awhile to get my husband to open up to the idea but I'm going to start buying them as I see good deals. My mom and I also want to find some older ones that are maybe stained and such and tie-dye them. :)

CailinMarie said...

I grew up with cloth - and it was nice - I'm going to have to do something about that in my house!

Green Resolutions said...

I do use cloth. The only problem that I have is when I clean up a particularly messy food spill, and I forget to wash the napkin right away. Since I've given up bleach, I haven't found anything that removes the mold. (Gross, I know. But I have a toddler. Laundry is impossible to keep up with!)

I have three napkins sitting in my laundry room waiting for a new cleaning solution...

Andrea@Sgt and Mrs Hub said...

I looked on Etsy about a month ago for cloth napkins, but I didn't find any I particularly liked. I know, I was being picky, but I need to like them!

As soon as I find the right napkins, you bet I'll be switching over. I like how economical they are and how they bring a simple sophistication to the table.

-Andrea

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

For everyday use I've started using bandanas. You can pick them up at the craft store and their the perfect size.

Kimberly said...

Both. It depends on the meal and who is eating it. I usually use a cloth one, the baby uses a washcloth, the two year old uses whatever he can get his hands on. Sweetheart doesn't use them usually and never seems to make a mess.