Colorful napkins are easy and fun to make.
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Going Green—with Sewing

I must confess that sewing is not something I think of when I think of going green. However, sewing can be green from both an environmental standpoint and economic standpoint; it can save you a lot of “green” as well as help keep the environment greener.

Green sewing ideas:

Mend old clothes instead of throwing them away. “Recycle” old clothes by using the fabric in them for another garment.

Make cloth bags to carry your groceries and other store purchases. These can be a fun creative way to practice your sewing skills. Embellish the bags with appliqués, embroidery, or beads and see the complements you get. Burlap, canvas, and hemp fabrics are great for this purpose; they are strong and durable.

Why not make your own washable cloth napkins, instead of spending a lot on a constant supply of paper ones. You can make six 14” square napkins out of a yard of 45” wide fabric and eight 14” napkins out of 60” wide fabric. Simply cut a square the desired size and serge the edges with a 2 or 3 thread decorative edge. If you don’t have a serger, make folded hems with mitered corners. Linen makes fabulous, elegant napkins for company and calico and broadcloth are great for everyday use.