This weekend, I was on a mission, and that mission was to use some of the many fabric remnants I had lying around with nothing to do. It was as if they were calling me, and I obliged.
A few months ago I made some drapes and had about a yard of fabric left over, so I thought about making a table runner but a yard is barely enough for that. I like my runners to hang over the table at least 8″ and it just wasn’t gonna cut it. I’m of the mindset you can never have enough napkins, so that’s what I decided to do. I was able to get nine 17″ square napkins from the fabric I had. Not bad. If you don’t have a Serger or a sewing machine with an attachment for rolled hems, or if you just want to have fringed edging, this couldn’t be easier. Well actually it could. You could start out with a fabric that has a loose weave. Don’t do what I did and work with a tightly woven one that takes FOREVER to unravel.
Cut off the selvage before you start, or as I like to say, the messy edge of the fabric. Why don’t they just call it that anyway? Doesn’t selvage confuse you? I know it does me, and I’ve been sewing for years.
Sew a narrow zig zag stitch about 1/2 inch from the edge. Then start pulling your threads.
After a few minutes you’ll have an edge like this. Do it for each side and you’re done.
So, did I mention I bought a Rebel? I’m just learning how to use it. Here’s a nighttime shot. I had the iso all the way up to 1600 for this one, but I still don’t know what I’m doing with shutter speed and aperture but I’m learning…slowly. Except for the first picture in this post which I think came out nice and clear, I don’t notice much of a difference in quality YET between my Nikon cool pix and my new Canon. I can’t wait until I do!
I had some burlap ribbon that I cut about 5″ and glued/hand sewed together for napkin rings and placed a wooden button. I had four of those so it worked out nicely for this tablescape.
So in addition to making the napkins, I removed some fabric from the bar stools by the kitchen island to reveal the old fabric which I think goes better with the AirStone. We had some stone leftover so we did the side of the kitchen cabinet which I will show you soon.
Hope you had a great St. Patty’s Day!
Partying At
Cozy Little House
One More Time
Susan says
I have never tried this, but now I will.
Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
The Honeys says
Thank you for stopping by Susan! I stopped by your blog but didn’t see how to leave a comment? Bentley is adorable!!
marlis says
Selvage or Selvedge just means the self finished edge. Keeps the fabric from unraveling ;-). I love the napkins. The frayed edges look great on them. And they look especially great with your dishes. Love love the pitcher and lantern.. so cool. Happy Spring. xo marlis
The Honeys says
Thank you Marlis! Glad you like it and thanks for stopping by!
Whitney Jones says
OOOOOOh, I’m so happy I found your blog, because I was looking for a look like this for my mom’s dinner next weekend. I have some floral fabric that I wanted to use for the napkins, but my sample looks so unfinished. I now know what to do with the edges!!
Whitney
The Honeys says
I’m so glad Whitney! Don’t forget to take a picture of the tablescape and put it on your blog. I’d love to see it :).
Donna Wilkes says
They look lovely in the candlelight. Great use for leftover fabric.
Tammy says
Doreen love these napkins…what a great idea and making the best of left overs. Thank you for sharing at One More Time…