Making bamboo flannels

Way back when…ok a few years ago…, I joined in a washcloth knit/crochetalong. The idea was to make as many as we could and cheer each other on. Exchanging patterns and inspirations.

I think most people were making cloths for washing dishes, but I took it to mean face flannels. So I made flannels. Lots of them. Perfect for grubby toddler faces, as it happened. We still have them. The flannels, not grubby toddler faces.

Roll on to the present time. The toddlers have indeed been replaced by teens and almost-teens. Taller, and an answer for everything, but more to the point, able to wash their own faces. Along the way, they have grown to love face wipes. Disposable face wipes. Not eco-friendly, but quick and easy to use in their morning routine.

This is not ideal.

The wipes are used once and then flung away to start their journey to the landfill, along with the packet that they arrived in. I have no idea how long it takes for them to breakdown. How long those one-use face wipes are hanging around. Probably worse is the packet they came in.

This has to change. Now.

The solution is obvious.

Step one – I need to stop buying the face wipes and ensure that the flannels are used instead. I’ve moved the flannel collection from the airing cupboard into the bathroom, in easy reach.

Step two  –  to talk to the children. They like the idea and they understand why we need to the change.

Step three – to set up a routine to wash the flannels. I need to swoop in, on a regular basis, and whisk the flannels off to the washing machine. This needs to be fine tuned. There needs to be a balance between how many times the flannels are used between machine washes, which has its own green issues. Phew. Nothing is simple.

Step four – to make some more flannels. I’ve dug out a length of bamboo towelling from my fabric stash. It is supersoft, but sheds little bits of thread like crazy. Hemming required.

First bamboo flannel is made. I have a feeling that the bamboo is going to be popular as it has a pure luxury feel to it. So soft when I was sewing it, I could barely feel it. Like silk. Who says that when you take the eco-friendly route, that you have to rough it?

I’ll make a few more over the next few days. I might add smaller, two-layered versions, that would be perfect to use with make-up remover, as well. I used one of the knitted cloths as a size guide, but seeing it makes me want to dig out more yarn and knit a few too.

So far, I’ve been operating the new regime for over a week and it’s working. Fresh flannels available and being used. No more disposable face wipes for this house. Although I may make an exception for holidays. Especially as the Teen is off overseas with the school soon. Best to take one step at a time, as far as change is concerned.

I am so pleased to be getting this one off my getting-greener list. Are you taking any steps to reduce the things you need to throw away.