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:
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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