When I started sewing, I quickly became obsessed with the idea of making my own napkins. I think cloth napkins are great, and already had a number of them that we used on daily basis, but for some reason, the idea of making my own really seemed to appeal. It was a way of combining my love for fabric with my other love – rick rack!
(The above was purchased on Etsy from thestockroom)
Now, rick rack seems to get a bad rap from a lot of people I talk to. I’m not sure why – perhaps those same people grew up when rick rack was liberally applied to their garments, and perhaps this leaves them with bad memories. I don’t know. I can only speculate. In any case, I think it’s wonderful. Not wonderful if applied to my clothing mind you, but wonderful as a trim. On napkins, in this case.
When I say I love rick rack, I must clarify to say that I love vintage cotton rick rack. I really have no use for the polyester types that are sold these days. There’s something about the feel of the old cotton rick rack (and something about that smell, too – mmm… is that attic I smell? (yes, I do wash it all first!)). The cotton can be hard to find though, especially at the price I want to pay, so it can be kind of a hunt – thus adding to the allure I guess. [Note to everyone out there: if you have any you want to get rid of, send it my way!]
Now back to the napkins…
Here’s a stack from when I first started making them. I used whatever fabric I had, which was mainly smaller pieces, and ended up with a very mis-matched set – in size, fabric, and rick rack color.
I’ve now been trying to make matching sets of 6. This set that I just completed is made with Joel Dewberry Chestnuts fabric. Has a bit of the fall look, but I still really quite like them.
And this is another set of six – out of Amy Butler Full Moon Polka Dot fabric. These have been cut and are ready for the final sewing.
Now, what to do with them all?!
The Cathedral Window Quilt
Fabric in the mail
