Having just read Eggyanne's tip, I have one too. Here in South Africa, maybe in other countries too, we have sheets of "tear away" wipes at the entrances of our grocery stores. These are a perfect fit for a 4x4 hoop, they have perfect perforation lines and they are scented too!! I love this free stuff LOL ;)

I'm a little paranoid about using things that aren't intented for sewing/embroidery. I don't want to hurt my baby, she's getting old...and I can't afford to take her to a repair shop. But if they are washed and dried maybe all the chemicals are washed out and they are OK. But my re-purposing as it is sometmes called...is...I work in a pharmacy and I keep the non-child proof lids and used vials (they are thrown out as they can't be reused as it is against the law for health reasons) and use them to make crocheted catnip kitty toys, to sell and give away. Not an embroidery re-use but a reuse non the less.

By the way this is such a silly slam against you...it's not like you are ripping the whole container off the post and stuffing it in your purse to take home...LOL

Muffy :)

3 comments

by debswebster 08 Sep 2012

Thanks Miffy, no I couldn't possibly use a whole container full it wouldn't fit into my husband's re-used shopping bag LOL!! I only embroider for personal use which, I am afraid is rare as I am more of a seamstress. Just to clarify though, the wipes are not as thick as toilet and bathroom or dryer types. They are completely lint free, and unlike tearaway, have a little more strength to them. It's like a mixture of vilene and tear-away. As I said,(and so did Meg), using "Stabiliser" is a newish application for a very old product which has been used in sewing for many years... the product is the same, the name just changes to suit the application.
Hugs,
Debbie

by debswebster 08 Sep 2012

are thinner than the bathroom/dryer types, and are completely lint free. Unlike tear-away, they are stronger. As I said,(so did Meg)"stabaliser" is a newish name for an old product which has always been used in sewing...the name changes according to the application it is earmarked for, it's that simple. Hugs, Debbie

by debswebster 08 Sep 2012

application for which it is used. Simple as that.
Hugs Debbie

Are any of you using the wipes for bathroom and kitchen cleaning? I think they are made out of the same material as the ones offered for use by the supermarkets to clean the cart etc. They are pretty sturdy and I use them numerous times after drying. Just a thought for the Cuties that don't have supermarkets offer them for free to use.

try re-distribution of stock.
and a far as not spending money on expencive stabilizer for card makeing. what is stitch and tear other than paper that has been re cycled into an expencive commodity, this is why i put the warning on my tip for the purists not to read it.
creating cards is a good way to finish of those needles allready blunted from embroidry work on fabric and as said placeing a sheet of paper in the hoop and tearing it away at the end is only different for stitch and tear in its composition and price
no one is saying use these ideas for the expencive embroidery work but its great for card makeing.
and it will not damage the machine any more than if it is sewing on heavy fabric.
annie in the uk

I think this is a great way to recycle this item. As we have them in the entrance in one grocery store, I use one or two every time I go and they have a garbage bin for them. I don't consider that stealing - not at all. Each time we go and every time we use one, to be able to reuse that is great (less waste). I've always had a hard time seeing some of the things people throw away that are still good for something! I've always had to watch what I spend - so now it is very ingrained into me. Besides, if we asked for the used wipes in the bin, I'm sure they'd say take it all if you like.

I have a question. I understand the wipes in the stores are used as tear-away. But what about the dryer sheets - are they tear away also? I have used them, but have left them on whatever it was I was making.

As far as recycling - here is another one. I have taken care of a friend for several years who was in and out of the hospital on a fairly frequent basis. Here in Kansas they uses disposable washcloths instead of the cloth ones. Once you go home - they throw away the open packages so we take them home (with approval from nursing staff). I fold them up and use them as an absorbent material in the middle of the layers when making coasters.

I used to work with a lady who would take the toilet paper home from the restrooms. She said she was going to use it anyway,just not there. lol
Bev

Yes, they are lovely. I am going to try and use one tomorrow. Thanks for the tip.***

Gosh - I never knew these items existed for free in shops; sounds like a great idea. I shop at a little corner shop here in Malta, so not much chance of me getting them here; I knew you could get plastic gloves and paper on a roll at garages, but these wipes sound great.

We dont have these in the UK. but if we did I would give them a try AFTER I HAD USED them. I have a lot of uphostery fabric from my bussiness, and it would not need a stabalizer except it has a fire retardent back coating that I need to protect the feed dogs from, these would be just the ticket.
Hugs Pam.

gosh we dont have this in the UK.. not fair lol..

thank you i will tray These wipes we are paying for if you take it or not noting is free

1 comment

by airyfairy 07 Sep 2012

We are certainly paying for these wipes one way or other. I feel nothing about taking one that I have used. The supermarkets certainly just throw them away.

I think its a great idea cant wait for my next shopping trip.something to look forward to. LOL

I applaud and support ANYONE who recycles and I say GOODONYA MATE!!!
And please ignore negative comments, I am sure you are your own conscience.
Hugs n roses, Meg

1 images:[1]

3 comments

by lenamae 06 Sep 2012

meganne Yhank you for supoeting those of us that try to save and keepour wonderful land clean I do not throw boxes ans stuff in the trash I take it to the recicle ben in town if I can find a use for the I will use them.
Lenamae

by debswebster 06 Sep 2012

All hands up for re-cycling!!xxxx

by meganne 06 Sep 2012

I re-cycle every conceivable thing. We have had recycle wheely bins where I live since 1984, the Council even mulches all our green waste & sells it back to the community & they use Grey water on all the parks/ovals etc. :-))

Clever idea :)

1 comment

by debswebster 06 Sep 2012

xxxx

By the way, my husband does the grocery shopping and has no clue I use them for embroidery. Tehe. Sometimes I find then in the shopping bag, then I wipe my phone and computer keyboard and mouse or the kitchen counter, rinse them off and leave to dry. 2 pieces are all I need. It's such a shame to see them tossed in the bin at the shop, and I know they're just gonna end up in the tip. I believe in waste not-want not.

1 comment

by airyfairy 07 Sep 2012

Good on you. Hugs Sarah.

Thank you for the tip. We don't have these is Australia but if it works why not use it. It is NOT stealing to use them and take them home. That is why the shops would put them at the door in the first place. I have used the dryer softening sheets
Hugs Raelene

1 comment

by meganne 07 Sep 2012

Raelene, here in NSW they have just started putting free dispensers in the entrances and hallways of the public hospitals, "in the interest of public health". I'm sure it won't be long before the shopping centres follow suit.

I have to ask - do you use these the same as tearaway. I am going to the shops tomorrow I will have a look. Thank you for the tip. Sarah (SA)

2 comments

by eggyannie 06 Sep 2012

yep the very same way

by airyfairy 06 Sep 2012

Thanks Annie

Have you thought about recycling used dryer softener sheets?

5 comments

by crafter2243 05 Sep 2012

I look at them and wonder as well.

by lbrow 06 Sep 2012

I use the used dryer sheets when I embroidery on TP. they work well for me/Lillian

by meganne 06 Sep 2012

I use them as dusters because they leave an invisible anti-static film on the furniture, that repels dust. TRULY! It is so good not having to dust so often and they R Gr8 2 use on TV screens.

by chenille 07 Sep 2012

Yep,and they are great for picking up pet hair!

by eggyannie 08 Sep 2012

try re-distribution of stock.
and a far as not spending money on expencive stabilizer for card makeing. what is stitch and tear other than paper that has been re cycled into an expencive comodity, this is why i put the warning on my tip for the purists not to read it

We don't have that in Canada can you please show me/us a picture???hugs carolyn

6 comments

by debswebster 05 Sep 2012

Wish I knew how to d/l a pic! These wipes are for sanitising hands and basket handles and are contained in barrels at shop entrances. Imagine a smaller version being like baby wipes in pull-up containers. Some shops have blue ones and some have white ones and these are just fabulous used as stabilisers and/or tear-away.

by pldc 06 Sep 2012

they have them at WalMart entrances

by bevintex 06 Sep 2012

aren't they also at gas pumps?

by cooperal 06 Sep 2012

I live in southern British Columbia and many of our stores have these wipes at the entrance. Great to wipe off buggies when you have a little one in it.

by chenille 07 Sep 2012

I live in south east British Columbia,so far we just have the liquid pump dispensers at the door.

by blueeyedblonde 08 Sep 2012

I also live in Canada (Alberta) and they have them in the entrance to Sobey's.