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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Napkin DIY & Giveaway (Sponsored by Online Fabric Store)

Today's post is sponsored by Online Fabric Store, and if you're looking for all-things fabric and crafting, definitely check out their extensive, affordable selection!


On Monday, I queried you readers about your napkin usage at home. I'm trying to end my paper napkin habit and begin a lifelong commitment to cloth napkins. Many of you chimed in, and mentioned that you regularly use cloth napkins, to which I say: 
Wow! I'm thoroughly impressed! Who knew I had such classy readers?

Well, when Online Fabric Store approached me about sponsoring a post, I knew I wanted to use the opportunity to use some of their amazing fabric inventory for a practical project--namely cloth napkins. They  were kind enough to issue me a gift card for the fabric of my choice, and I wanted to pass along the generosity in the form of this giveaway!

I chose the Gold Irish Linen Burlap fabric which, at $17.15, was both affordable and rich looking.
In person, I was also able to feel just how soft this fabric is.
(via Online Fabric Store)
I ordered my fabric and within 2 days it was at my door--how great is that?
If prints are more your speed, I recommend checking out their Portfolio fabric collection.
With fabric in hand, I was ready to make a set of four mitered napkins.

If you want to make your own napkins, here's what you'll need:
1 yard of fabric
scissors
pins
an iron
sewing machine and invisible thread or embroidery floss and an embroidery needle

Let's begin, shall we?

Step 1:
Lay out your chosen fabric. I recommend using an existing napkin as a template for cutting.
The napkins I made measured 17" x 17" unfinished and will be 16" x 16" when completed.
Cut four 17" x 17" squares and iron each so that fabric is crisp.
Step #2:
With each 17" x 17" square ironed, take one square of fabric and use your iron to press down 1/4" of fabric down on each of its four sides. Repeat this step all the way around your napkin once more.
Each side of your napkin will be 1/2" smaller than before.
Step #3:
With 1/2" ironed down on all four sides, open up your folded corners.
Take your scissors and snip the corner (see the second picture).
Step #4:
From the corner you just snipped, fold down about 1/8" of fabric and iron flat. Now, fold your fabric in at each corner so it meets at a 45 degree angle--leaving you with a mitered corner.
Iron that corner down and pin.
Repeat for the three remaining corners on your napkin.
Step #5:
Proceed to the sewing machine (or, if stitching by hand, get your embroidery floss and needle ready!).
Sew, sew, sew--this is the easiest part!
Now, sit back and admire your handiwork.
And, as a special treat to you, my lovely readers, I am giving away a set of 4 Gold Irish Linen Burlap napkins, fabric courtesy of Online Fabric Store!

To enter the giveaway:
Make sure you're a follower of Meet Me in Philadelphia* and comment below.
Be sure to have a valid email address so I can contact the winner.
(Sorry, U.S. readers only)

*To become a follower, click on the 'Join this site' button on the sidebar that looks like this:
The giveaway will be open until Sunday, March 4 at 11:59PM.
Good luck!

Thanks again to Online Fabric Store for sponsoring this post, so be sure to check out their budget-and-style conscious offerings!

7 comments:

  1. What a great project!!! I have been gone too long, but it is great finally catching up on your blog! Take care, Caroline

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  2. Thanks for this easy and completely doable project! I just moved to my own place and want to decorate the place in as much of a DIY fashion as possible, and I look here for inspiration for it. I do not sew all that much and love that your projects are easy. This one seems like the perfect one to start, the red trimmed curtains are next! :-) Ketki

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  3. They turned out great! Love the rich gold.

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  4. Nice. Not only are you using fabric napkins, you are making them.

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  5. Love online fabric store! It's a fantastic resource. Fun napkins too :)

    p.s. I tagged you in an 11 question blog tag post here. No pressure obviously but it was actually kinda fun.

    http://honeyandfitz.blogspot.com/2012/03/11-question-blog-tag.html#axzz1mqrr78cn

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  6. Oh, how fun! And super cool that you got a gift card. I need to try my hand at making some napkins now that I've got a good tutorial!
    Camille

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  7. Awesome! Maybe I would stop using lame paper towels? ;)

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