Healthy Fabrics

Non-Toxic Mattress Pads

Making an organic mattress pad isn’t at the top of my project list. In fact, I’d rather just go out and buy one. But when I discovered the hefty price tag on my favorite ready-made versions, making my own is now my new obsession. Here’s a couple cost-saving style and fabric options for making your own healthy home mattress pad:

Felted Wool Sweater Stuffing

Have you started hunting yet for wool sweaters to make your felted patchwork blanket? For me, it’s become a fall season tradition. The green sweater blanket I made in 2009 is still my favorite and last year my blue and grey version turned out to be a beauty. So much fun! Here’s a peek at the color palette I chose for this year. Well, to be honest it chose me. That’s what happens when you shop at the thrift stores! I’ll keep you posted on the outcome.

In the meantime, don’t forget to keep ALL of the scraps from your felted   sweater blanket projects. When cut up into small bits they make a soft, compact stuffing for toys, small decorative pillows, wind blockers for doors and windows, etc. You’ll find so many uses for it. How-to: loosely arrange scraps in a single or double layer (depending on thickness) on a cutting matt. Cut in multiple directions with a rotary cutter to make ½” or smaller pieces.

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!

How-To Make a Felted Sweater Blanket

 
There’s more than one way to make a sweater blanket that’s for sure. Last fall I posted My Green Sweater Blanket, which included instructions for joining felted sweater squares with the butt and zigzag method. This method makes a smooth, seamless patchwork blanket that looks the same on the front and back. I love the look of this finish, however, over time some of the stitches have pulled away from the join line leaving little gaps. I guess the widest zigzag width on my old machine just isn’t wide enough to keep the squares together permanently.

This time around I joined the felted squares with ¼” seams. The result: a smooth front with exposed seams on the back, which surprisingly doesn’t look bad at all. This seaming method will definitely keep the squares in tack. Also, check out the patchwork binding at the ends --nice touch, right?

OK, I’m leaving you for now with instructions using this ¼” seam technique. Get felting and let me know how your blanket turns out.

Artisan Fabrics for Eco-Interiors

You can’t beat the natural beauty and sustainable qualities of artisan fabrics when it comes to creating eco-interiors. Shown here: wool cloth woven on back strap looms from undyed, handspun yarn by indigenous people of San Cristóbal de las Casas, a city famed for their handcrafted textiles located in the Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. My sister brought these pieces back from one her trips -- lucky me! Take a look at the three different weaves and amazing blended shades of coffee and charcoal. Mmmm, sewn together wouldn’t they make a fabulous runner??

Eco-Wool Blankets

A good quality wool blanket, organic or vintage, is one of the best green investments you can make for your home. It will last for years, maybe your lifetime! How many products can you say that about? It will keep you toasty warm at night and perhaps inspire you to turn down your thermostat. Watch out, you might fall in love with it once you see the savings on your energy bill this winter. 

Sweater Felting Season

A reminder for all of you planning to make a felted sweater blanket this season: start gathering sweaters now! Thrift stores and resale shops have the best selection of wool sweaters this month. As the weather turns colder the variety dwindles. Check out my earlier post, My Green Sweater Blanket, for materials and instruction. And, stop by again soon for more sweater blanket projects.

Organic Wool Bedding for Summer

Would you believe me if I told you warm, summer weather and wool bedding is a cozy combo? Take it from me (a menopausal, princess and the pea type of sleeper) wool bedding is divine. I've found wool’s natural properties combined with the health benefits of sustainable production make organic wool-fill comforters and mattress toppers the most comfortable bedding not only for summer but also all year long.   

That’s because wool is a natural insulator. Some refer to it as temperature regulating. It provides warmth during the winter and absorbs the body’s moisture during summer. Wool-fill breathes. It doesn’t hold moisture, which makes it resistant to dust mites, moths and mildew.

 

So, if regular ‘ole wool naturally provides all of these healthy benefits why should we opt for the organic stuff?

My Green Sweater Blanket

Brrrrrrrrr, it's getting cold! Time to bring out the wool blankets. My favorite one is made from reclaimed sweaters.

 
I felted wool sweaters and part of an old wool blanket to make this 60" x 80" patchwork throw. It's soft, warm and oh so green. Here's how to make it.