Here in Northern California spring has most definitely sprung. While this is a joyous time of warm sunshine and unfolding blossoms, it also means there is a lot of work to be done in the garden. Namely, pulling copious amounts of weeds while the earth is still soft. I was toiling away, when inspiration struck, why not use a couple of dish towels to sew a washable, upcycled kneeling pad?
I used dishtowels that were a bit passed their prime (AKA perfect for the garden), added velcro so that the cover could be removed and washed, and filled it with a piece of foam (left over from this project). Oh, and I used a length of grosgrain ribbon saved from a wrapped gift to fashion a handle.
I would be lying if I said this was the difference between loving weeding and hating it, but it does make it more comfortable.
And, of course, it also makes a cozy seat to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
What to make one? I put together a quick tutorial.
Dishtowel Garden Kneeler
Supplies:
2 - dishtowels
1 - 8-12" piece of ribbon or twill tape
1 - piece of velcro the length of the short side of your towel
foam or other stuffing
sewing machine
Instructions:
1. Lay out your first towel right side up. Line up the ends of your ribbon (raw edges folded under) with one of the short edges, so that the handle is on top of the towel like this:
2. Lay the other towel over this, with the wrong side facing up. Pin short side with handle together. Pin up the long sides, stopping before the edge, so you have room for the velcro.
3. Attach the velcro to the right side of each towel, so that when it is turned right side out that will act as your final seam. My towels were not the same length, so I put the velcro farther from the edge on the long one so that every thing would match up. Also, stop your velcro about a 1/2" from the edges.
4. Sew: First attach the velcro by sewing all the way around each velcro piece. Next, sew around the rest of the cover, on the inside of the seams of your dish towel, being sure to start and stop before you reach the velcro.
5. Turn inside out. Cut a piece of foam about an inch shorter and an inch thinner than your finished cover. Stuff, and get back in the garden already!
Happy Weeding!
