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No Sew Beeswax Wraps: My Introduction to Zero Waste

June 7, 2018

Recently, I have been reading more about zero waste and it really has me re-evaluating my life and how I can do more for our planet. Zero waste isn’t hard but I do find that requires a different way of thinking. So here I am trying to adopt some easy swaps into my life.

First up is single use plastics. There is just so much waste from one time use plastics so I really wanted to start eliminating food packaging wherever possible. In fact, the UK is set to ban all sales of single-use plastics like straws and plastic bags. It’s estimated that 13 million tonnes of plastic items are finding their way into our oceans each year. World Environment Day was two days go and an in an effort to clean up our environment, the theme is #beatplasticpollution. Every small change can impact our environment and cleaning our oceans up from harmful plastic can protect our marine life.

At home, we already use pots and bowls with lids, glass jars and cloth bags as much as we can (although not as much as we should). Sometimes, at the grocery store I realize I had left my reusable cloth grocery bags at home. Take out is another struggle that I’m having because often they come in plastic containers. Really the best option is to cook at home more but sometimes you just need a break right? I’ve also recently ordered some reusable metal straws and I’m excited! It’s definitely a work in progress!

WHY BEESWAX WRAPS?

A friend of mine told me about an amazing idea of using beeswax wraps and knew I had to share this with you all. This is a no sew project and takes only a few minutes to make. These wraps are meant to replace single use plastic wraps like ziplock bags and plastic wrap in your everyday life. Beeswax has antibacterial properties so it helps keeps things clean and reduces the risk of bacterial contamination. Personally, I use it to cover bowls that I put in my fridge or to wrap around snacks and sandwiches. All you have to do is warm it up in your hands to mold. Added bonus is that I got to use up my extra sewing scrap fabric to make mine.

IT IS OKAY CHANGE YOUR WAY OF THINKING

One of the lessons I’m slowly learning is that it’s okay to change the way you think and to break out of the norm. Going zero waste is not the norm, it really means buying less, spending time looking at alternatives and finding time-saving tips. Marie Kondo says “does this REALLY bring me joy”. Honestly, this is a  great way of thinking and I can definitely apply that perspective to all aspects of my life. It also reminds of the Gilmore Girls episode where Emily tries to get rid of everything she owns haha!

As with everything, I’m making small changes into my life. Once I feel comfortable with these I’ll adopt more. It’s a transition like anything else. Personally, I’m really considering my everyday use of single-plastic items, trying to see if it’s necessary and if there is something I could use instead.

So, onto making your own beeswax wraps. Let’s get started!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
  • Cotton cloth (cut to whatever size you prefer). If you plan on wrapping your food directly with the cotton, you may prefer to use organic cotton.
  • Beeswax or vegan alternative 
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife/grater
  • Oven

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 250F. Cut small chunks out of your beeswax or use a grater. I opted to cut mine to avoid the cleanup with the grater.

Step 2: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Then place your fabric on top and sprinkle the beeswax evenly across.

Step 3: Place in the oven until the beeswax has fully melted ~ approximately 5 minutes (keep an eye on it!). If the fabric is not fully coated, lift it and move it back and forth along the melted beeswax on the parchment paper. Sometimes the beeswax hardens while you do this, so place back in oven until it’s melted again. Then remove from the oven and lift the fabric up, let the excess drip off and place on another parchment paper to cool.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BEESWAX WRAP

It’s easy. Rinse with cold water and wipe down with a sponge. If needed, use a natural soap. If they start to crack, simply reheat and spread the wax. They are super easy to maintain!

Have you tried to minimize your waste? Definitely give this a try with your scrap fabric.

 

 

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Retro boxy tee hack gives me all the summer vibes! Retro boxy tee hack gives me all the summer vibes! This time I decided to use the #MNjarrah to make a t-shirt using leftover striped cotton jersey fabric that I had purchased from @blackbirdfabrics last year. I am finally making my way through my fabric stash! This was a make it work moment with limited fabric and a stripped print ah! If you have sewn with stripes you know...getting those lines to match up is something else. This tee is far from perfect but I LOVE it so much!

The base was a sleeveless Jarrah Sweater. I altered the pattern by making two sleeves (check the blog for details) and shortened the hem all while trying my best to keep the stripes matched up... I would say 85% of the time it worked! Check my stories for the bloopers :)

Do you have any favourite tshirt patterns?
_____________________________
Pattern: Jarrah Sweater @megannielsenpatterns 

Fabric: Striped cotton jersey @blackbirdfabrics 

#mnjarrah #meganneilsenpatterns  #sewersofinstagram #sewcreative #memadeeveryday #sew #sewingblogger #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #diyfashion #sustainablefashion #isew #iheartsewing #handmadeootd #memade #ilovesewing #isewlated2021 #handmadeootd #sewcialists #ootd #momstyle #blackbirdfabrics #kukarudesigns #memadeeveryday #retrofashion
It has been some time since I introduced myself. L It has been some time since I introduced myself. Let me know if you have anything in common!

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2. I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Canada when I was 2
3. I have lived in 4 Canadian cities including Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa
4. My first creative hobby was playing piano. I played until grade 9 royal conservatory at which point I did not want to be hassled to practice and promptly quit ha! 
5. When i was younger I took traditional Kandyan dancing lessons and even performed on Parliament Hill
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7. I work in health research
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11. Sewing and diy is my creative outlet and has helped me through this pandemic.

I hope you got to know me a little better.  I’m excited you are all here and following along my chaotic journey.

#mnjarrah #jarrahsweater #imakemyownclothes #sewcialdistancing #isewlated2021 #sewistsofinstagram #ilovesewing #memade #memadeeveryday #ootd #diyfashion #sustainablefshion #isew #sewfashion #statementsleeves #heart #heartfashion #fashionsewing  #sewersofinstagram
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For Galentines day, we pair a sweatshirt with a fu For Galentines day, we pair a sweatshirt with a fun tulle skirt...

..and call it cozy high fashion ha!

I had been searching for weeks for a pattern to make with this beautiful dreamy pink leopard print terry fabric I purchased from @simplififabric and just could not settle on one. I finally decided to make the leap and use it to make the #mnjarrah– view  A.

Anyone else have anxiety trying out a new pattern?

Even after cutting into it, I questioned my choice but I am so glad I trusted the process. Since this fabric is not fleece-lined, it actually has the perfect amount of drape for a lightweight cozy sweatshirt for the Jarrah!

I had a lot of fun dressing up and wearing heels for #galentinesday ! I also wanted to participate in some online valentines day sewing community challenges this year which gave me the extra motivation to finish this make on time!

_____________________________

Skirt : Handmade by me - self drafted. Tutorial on the blog.

Pattern: Jarrah Sweatshirt @megannielsenpatterns 

Fabric: dusty pink organic French Terry Fabric @simplififabric 

#mnjarrah #memadevalentine2021 #pigeonpinkredparty #sewersofinstagram #sewcreative #memadeeveryday #sew ##sewingblogger #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #diyfashion #sustainablefashion #isew #iheartsewing #ootd #memade #ilovesewing #isewlated2021 #valentinesday #galentinesday #handmadeootd #sewcialists #ootd #momstyle #simplififabric #kukarudesigns #MNjarrah
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The tutorial will guide you through sewing two different styles of pillows a simple zipper cushion cover AND a pom pom pillow BBC!

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Throw pillows: handmade by me
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The details on how I got this look are up on the blog! 

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Fabric: Cotton/linen blend from @lensmillstore 
Curtain rod: Racka @ikeacanada 
Curtain hooks: @ikeacanada 

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I have been quiet this week.. I took a break from I have been quiet this week..

I took a break from sewing and creating this week. It has been a heavy week in more ways than one. Personally there has been some major life decisions in the background that are exciting but also emotionally heavy.

And now a fresh new year and we are back into a state of emergency and stay at home order. Of course this has not changed much for me since I’ve been following the same guidelines for nearly a year now. Yet, there are still so many feelings around the loss of normalcy, loss of connection and loss of routine.

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I will be starting some new projects this week to focus my energy. I find sewing and crafting a way to channel those feelings. 

How are you all doing?

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