Healthy Fabrics

Happy Yellow Organic Cotton Twill

My healthy home fabric find this week is Yellow Organic Cotton Twill from Organic Cotton Plus. At 90” wide this sustainably produced 7 oz. twill is a bargain: $8.95 / 1-4 yards and $7.95 / 5-9 yards. It’s an ideal weight for throw pillows, cushions and casual slipcovers. Limited time offer so buy it now and use it to brighten and invigorate your space this winter. Per Kate Smith of Sensational Color: In the world of color, yellow is considered one of the most stimulating and emotional in the spectrum. Read her interesting post, Yellow’s Split Personality.

DIY Natural Fiber Pillows

Have you ever bought a pillow and discovered after only one or two nights it’s not comfortable at all? Or, perhaps you liked the support but realized the fiberfill or fabric was irritating your skin or lungs? I’ve experienced the same frustration many times, which is why I now make my own natural fiber pillows. By using loose fiber, such as organic wool bolus or kapok, I can customize the level of support and not worry about off-gassing irritants. My healthy bed pillows are comfy, adjustable and more affordable than ready-made versions. Check out my easy-sew instructions and material resources for making your own. Sleep well!

Organic Linen Resource for Curtains

Simple organic linen panels are the perfect eco-alternative to polyester sheers. Make your own with GOTS and IMO certified organic linen from Pickering. This flax fabric is semi-sheer, lightweight and has lovely body and drape even after washed. It does a great job at filtering light no matter the season. The soft-white color and subtle texture looks beautiful when layered with decorative curtains. Cold wash and warm dry this fabric before sewing to give your panels a soft crumpled, casual appearance and to minimize shrinkage. Expect 2” shrinkage per yard length. Note: Pickering is a wholesale fabric supplier and welcomes small business purchases of 10 yards or more. For retail purchases please contact me. 

Repurpose Tablecloths Into Towels

I figure every home textile item has more than one use. A tablecloth, for instance, whether it’s new or slightly used has so much more potential than simply covering a table. I see cotton and linen tablecloths as valuable yardage, ready to be transformed into all kinds of kitchen essentials like dish towels, napkins or even an apron. Did you know a tablecloth that measures 56" x 106" will yield 10 big dish towels? Here’s how I repurposed my new and old tablecloths into an eclectic, colorful bunch of towels and napkins for less than a dollar each.

Laurel Leaf Farm’s Vintage Fabrics

 
If you’re on the hunt for a one-of-kind cotton print from a specific era be sure to peruse Laurel Leaf Farm’s extensive offering of reclaimed fabrics. This is one of my favorite online retailers for feedsacks, quilting calicos, 1940-50’s mid to heavy weight decorator cloth, like these large scale cottage florals, as well as, some really groovy prints from the 1960’s.  

 
 

Cheapo-Eco Binding

 
No budget for binding? Try this quick patchwork method for repurposing your fabric scraps into binding, flat bias tape and piping. It’s very easy (thanks to the Bias Tape Maker tool) and produces yards and yards of professionally crafted trim for free! This scrappy-style embellishment will add a unique finish to your quilts, blankets, curtains, tablecloths and other home sewing projects without adding cost. Instructions next page.

Organic Fabrics Made In America

Finding USA made organic fabrics for sewing projects hasn't been easy. When I say “USA made organic” I mean every step of production is done in America using sustainable methods: growing and processing the fiber, spinning the yarn, weaving or knitting the cloth, coloring and finishing it. But, thanks to NearSea Naturals, we now have options that can be quickly viewed all in one place at their new online shop, American Grown Spun Milled.

Their offering of un-dyed, whitened and color grown organic cottons are by far my favorite: versatile weaves ranging from basic to novelty in a palette of soft neutrals that are ideal for creating healthy, eco-friendly home essentials and décor. Be sure to check out the Brown Sugar Stripe, a gorgeous yarn dye o.c. with a vintage look that makes the best quilt backing.