Finding Contentment

No more paper products

My latest attempt to be frugal and self-sufficient involves the use - or lack thereof - of paper products. About a week ago I ran completely out of paper towels and paper napkins.  I went to a thrift store and purchased these cloth napkins (the basket is what I am keeping them in at the moment). Naturally, Mark asked what they were and when I told him they were cloth napkins he raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.

We have always been pretty good about using rags instead of paper towels and napkins to clean up spills, but still used the paper products to make sandwiches on, put crackers on for the kids, and to wipe our mouths.

I don't know what it is about cloth napkins that turn people off, but I've had more guests in the past week look at me in a weird way over the cloth napkins than anything else - including the homemade laundry detergent.

I even had somebody argue that it was too much trouble to put the napkins in the washing machine after dinner instead of throwing them away. The laundry room is just a few steps from the kitchen table!

Anyway, I have asked Mark to keep using them for a while longer just to humor me. Secretly, I'm positive he'll get used to them and it won't be a big deal any more.

I probably need to find some more cloth napkins to make sure we have plenty, but I'm not buying them new. This afternoon I go grocery shopping, and the only paper product you'll find me buying is toilet paper!

Hi

09:25 AM, Friday, March 23, 2007 .. Posted by Chas

You can go even further and make your own wipes!!! I am in the process of making ours and it is VERY much a eyebrow raiser! HA!! Your doing good for your family by being frugal and your helping keep down trash! Good both ways! Great job!!

Blessings,
Chas

We only use cloth napkins - they're great!

09:42 AM, Friday, March 23, 2007 .. Posted by Penni

I enjoyed reading your post. We only use cloth napkins.--Well, we use paper on occasion. :)
I have a post on my blog a while ago (a frugal tip I think) about it. Let family and friends know you are interested in using cloth and you are bound to be given a bunch they don't use. I have Oodles of cloth napkins now (probably 100) and nearly all were given to me as cast offs. :)

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10:01 AM, Friday, March 23, 2007 .. Posted by findingcontentment

Chas,

Post that wipes recipe! I'm going insane with excitement!

Penni,

Great idea. I'll let all my friends know.

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11:58 AM, Friday, March 23, 2007 .. Posted by thatday

Am glad you stopped by - I am new to quilting, but since I have retired, I feel like God has given me this time to do something I have always dreamed of learning.
I grew up with cloth napkins - use them occasionally, but now am inspired - so will see what I have put away. And, perhaps, make some more - or, even check out garage sales this summer. That is something else I have been wanting to do.
Love,
Barb

sewing napkins

12:10 PM, Friday, March 23, 2007 .. Posted by findingcontentment

Barb,

That actually brings up another point. When, not if, I learn how to sew, I can make my own! One thing at a time though, I'm not ready to sew just yet!

Barbara J.

cloth napkins

08:47 PM, Friday, March 23, 2007 .. Posted by mulberrylane

We got rid of our paper napkins years ago and it has saved us alot of money. I know I bought a pack nearly every trip to town. The only time we use paper napkins is when we are camping. I watch for sales at the end of the season for napkins and can usually get them cheaper than at the thrift stores... 75-90% off. One thing, though... don't get ones with glitter thread in them... sure they look nice for the holidays, but they sure are scratchy on your face! LOL.

My Dh didn't like the napkins at first, kept asking for the last of the paper napkins. (We never used paper towels much, I buy 1-2 rolls a year to do windows). Anyways, they have grown on him. I haven't figured out the distaste that he had. When I grew up... people that had cloth napkins... it was like a luxury and I always worried about getting their napkins dirty. If you go to restaurants, the fancy ones have cloth napkins where the cheap ones have paper... so chipper up, you are bringing some class into your home! *grin*
Warmly, ~Melissa

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05:29 AM, Sunday, March 25, 2007 .. Posted by crewchief

I just sewed my first set of cloth napkins. :) I've always had some but only used them for special occasions. Now I am loving having them. Definately cuts down on the shopping budget!

Another idea I have gleaned from you...

09:27 PM, Friday, September 7, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

See you have blessed me again this evening. I have a stack of cloth napkins in my drawer and that is where they stay unless we have a really really special dinner....hmmm I think the last time that was was like 3 years ago and it was just a dinner for Dh and I.

I think I will start looking for some more for everyday use along with the stack I have...by by paper!!!
Blessings,
Melissa D. SC