What can I do with this fabric?

[Pumpkin_Pie]

Two years ago, I bought a hemp shower curtain. I tried and tried to keep it from mildewing, and it is just getting trashed. I am so ticked, because it was insanely expensive and I really thought it would last longer. I treated it with a "natural" anti-mildew, I kept it opened to dry thoroughly between showers, I really only shower 2-3 times a week, I washed it about once every other month or so (or when I remembered), and it still has these big, black ugly spots on it and some are starting to become holes.

Anyway, I am insanely low income now and am going to replace it with an icky cheapie dollar store shower curtain soon, but would love to salvage the fabric. The top 2/3rds is completely free of mildew, so I actually have a pretty big chunk of hemp fabric. It is pretty heavy and a bit scratchy, so I honestly have no idea what to do with it.

Any ideas?

[SuzyLee]

Well, first, I would bleach it. I know bleach isn't the greatest for the environment, etc, but if there is mold on the bottom half, there is probably mold spores on the top too.

You could use it for inserts in pocket diapers (won't matter that it isn't soft as it isn't against baby's skin). Or as an inner layer of a fitted diaper.

You could sew a pair of pants or a skirt for yourself, depending on how scratchy it is.

[katiemfree]

Might be too scratchy for this but it might be nice to make throw-pillow covers with it, I bet it would stand up well to frequent washing. I have been thinking about making some plain canvas pillows for our couch, but haven't got around to it yet.

[E.V. Lowi]

I had a scratchy hemp couch cover that softened up quite a bit with the use of commercial fabric softener. I bet a pair of hemp jeans or a jacket would be very long wearing.

[Pumpkin_Pie]

Hmmmm, a pair of pants for me would be fun! Thanks so much for the ideas. I think I am going to go hunt for a cheap pattern and make some. I bet it would really soften up with some fabric softener.

As for the bleach, would just hanging it in the hot sun work as well? I would rather not have it bleached if I can avoid it. I could wash it on hot with some vinegar and then hang it in the sun to dry and maybe wash it again and dry it on high with fabric softener? Just a thought...

[E.V. Lowi]

Diluted vinegar has been shown to kill mold better than chlorine bleach.

[Angelorum]

I bet it would make some awesome grocery bags.

[Pumpkin_Pie]

Originally Posted by E.V. Lowi

Diluted vinegar has been shown to kill mold better than chlorine bleach.

Good to know!

Originally Posted by Angelorum

I bet it would make some awesome grocery bags.

Now THAT is the most fantastic idea yet! I have a bunch of grocery bags, but all of them are looking a little worn and none are more than a year or so old. I bet I could even roll some for handles. Yippee!!! Definitely what I will be making out of this! Thank-You!