Y'all!!! I could jump out of my skin I'm so excited! As many of you who follow me may know, I'm not a sewer AT ALL. I've tried and tried but have never been able to master the art of sewing. I've been wanting to do this project for years but was too intimidated by it--especially since it involved a sewing machine--and now that Rob and I will be welcoming a baby girl in a few short months, I'm going coo-coo about wanting to learn to sew so that I can make her bibs, dresses and everything girlie. After a lot of soul searching and researching, Rob and I came to the decision to finally invest in a legit sewing machine for me (not a super cheap one like I had a few years ago that I broke after project attempt No. 3 or 4--haha--true story!). So without further ado, here is the No. 1 project I've had on my "when I sew some day" list that is finally complete! I know there's probably tons of hiccups and mistakes but I'm happy as a clam because I finally got me some non-paper towels that didn't make me want to pull my hair out when I created. Now here's to a zillion more sewing projects!!! 
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) I too am intimidated by sewing.. I would love to learn, as I really enjoy doing projects with my hands 
. You'll usually find me outside in my garden playing in the dirt,, however.. in my neck of the woods, the summers can get well over 100 degrees 
outside. Too hot for me to play in the dirt 
...This would be a fun project, with little frustration to try as a beginning beginner 
whenever its too hot outside(or rainy) Thank you for the inspiration! Happy Mother's Day 
and God Bless! 
No I didn't.
As an avid sewer for over 60 years and also a former employee of both Singer and JoAnn Fabrics, it is advisable to pre-wash your fabrics. Not all fabrics shrink at the same percentage. This prevents puckered seams. Most if not all fabrics are processed with a "sizing". It is advisable to remove it by washing, especially for any fabrics that will be used near food, eating utensils, etc.
Being your first attempt, I think you will learn the tricks of the trade as you become more skilled so it's only my place to say how I completely adore your project it's great that people like yourself, that can think out of the box. Keep it up!😀
Great idea! These pretty and utilitarian towels would be an awesome green addition to any kitchen!
I think they are a great idea, and lovely. So what if they shrink differently or the red color run, they are non-paper towels. When they get beyond cute, you can finally toss them and make more. Still greener than constant paper towels in the trash. I applaud you.
Agree with Virginia R. Yes, it is recommended to preshrink cotton and cotton blend fabrics, especially those that are going to be made into kitchen towels such as these. The fabric will be much more absorbent when the sizing has been washed out.