FABRIC TRAILS: Napkins, napkins, napkins...

Okay – it is just a napkin; square or round or rectangular, it functions simply to clean contain/catch/absorb/gather... your 'trails' of crumbs, drippy chin – you understand the simple process. But consider life in their absence... Exactly!

I've seen expensive 'suits' decorated with the proverbial napkin gingerly tucked into the throat area above the tie-knot. Lovely gowns with a large, delicate napkin 'properly' draped across the lap, lest a minute piece of 'yummy' dare stray from it's designated path...dish to mouth. Oh yes....the excruciating manners involved...

Is the lowly napkin relegated to muslin fabrics? Or those horrid colors at the local pub? Some poor dears are so heavy they tire your lap before the main course! And some are so small, there needs to be an orchestrated rescue operation co-ordinated from a command center...to get their job done!

But in 2018...NATURE PREVAILS...in the 'napkin world'. Napkins now present in laps with as many choices as do the eclectic range of current garments – a myriad of colors, fabrics, sizes, weights, etc.

Napkins, it turns out, are not difficult to create at home, just between you and that lovely sewing machine that rests so patiently for SOME sort of interaction... Different type of corners seem to be the main focus, along with – of course – the gazillions of fabric choices one has (is there REALLY a day out without a visit to Hobby Lobby, Joanns fabrics or maybe Hancocks?!). There are other places to purchase the lovely stuff, too.. But I digress...

Is the process difficult? Not really – unless...you are a perfectionist (which I confess...may be a genetic trait...).

Once you get the corners down pat, mitered or squared being the big crossroad, the rest is a simple matter of how straight you - and that demon that runs down the folded edges, can co-ordinate your efforts.

Crafty Gemini makes EVERYTHING appear simple and fun!

Laura at SEW EASY makes ALL her creations look...SEW EASY!

Some folks even sell their napkins (IMAGINE THAT!).

And for those of you craft masters...complicated versions prevail;

But no matter the fabric, color, types of corners, size, etc., napkins are a mainstay of life. They adorn meals from the simple picnic gathering....to the Waldorf Astoria dining room in New York City.

They are purposeful – without which our clothes might be forever ruined from remains of any manner of yummies consumed.

If you are a beginning sewer, napkins might serve your 'practice sessions' to better encourage your crafty prowess at the sewing machine. Even a simple needle and thread in hand could create your perfect set of napkins.

For the experienced sewer, the gamete of creative choices can entertain your imagination for months.

If you are only looking to buy napkins, your choices may rest at your local consignment store or any other place where such lovely creations are marketed.

As always...NATURE PREVAILS! Especially at the fabric stores; cottons, cottons and more...