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This is 'How Dry I Am' Dish-Drying Mats

Writer: anupcycledartistanupcycledartist

Do you use dish-drying mats? I discovered them a decade ago and have been using them underneath my wooden drying rack ever since. You don't need to use them with a drying rack, but that's the method we prefer in our home because the rack provides more room, and the mat effectively catches the drips. It's a win-win.


After changing my kitchen's color scheme from red to turquoise, I revamped two red mats by adding a holiday-themed red fabric trim and then turned them into two Christmas gifts. I even purchased the fabric used for the trim as a remnant, so I felt good about that, too. See one of them below.

Boring mat
Boring mat
Festive fabric
Festive fabric
Fancy-schmancy pad that I haven't seen out there for sale anywhere...yet
Fancy-schmancy pad that I haven't seen out there for sale anywhere...yet

Since I was so pleased with the outcome of the red ones, I chose to trim a black one I had planned to keep. The edges were becoming a bit frayed, so adding the trim, which I also bought as a remnant, was a perfect coverup.

Trimmed out mat looking nice and finished
Trimmed out mat looking nice and finished

After creating the three mats, I decided to make more, but this time using my old dish towels that I will no longer use. The reason I won't be using them anymore is that I've discovered the superiority of linen towels, which I've been sewing for myself. That's another story though for another time. 😉

Starting out with two dish towels
Starting out with two dish towels
Cutting the checked one to match the size of the other
Cutting the checked one to match the size of the other
More towels to cut up
More towels to cut up
One for the holidays
One for the holidays
Front of one for everyday use
Front of one for everyday use
Here is the back of the one above, but actually, there really is no front or back when I think about it. It can be used on either side. Oh, and the black trim - that's part of a king-sized bed sheet. 😍
Here is the back of the one above, but actually, there really is no front or back when I think about it. It can be used on either side. Oh, and the black trim - that's part of a king-sized bed sheet. 😍

The beginnings of my drying mat arsenal 😍
The beginnings of my drying mat arsenal 😍

So, here's a sneak peek at what you can whip up with old dish-drying mats, dishcloths, leftover fabrics, and a bed sheet. Don't forget the bedsheet! 😍 Just like everything else I craft, I see these mats as the start of something much bigger—like embellishing them with some fun, handmade appliques! Once I finish the masterpieces, I'll share them with you. I'm excited to 'drip dry' into this project... one of these days!


This Week’s Tea Spilling

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season. It was quiet here, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. 👍

Regarding the holidays, isn't that typically when you bring out the fine china that otherwise stays in your cabinet all year? In my effort to consolidate and continue on my minimalistic journey, I've decided that we'll now use that beautiful china set daily. Why not? Who are we saving it for? Our kids don't want it. Many young people don't want it because most are not microwavable, nor dishwasher safe. Besides, aren't we deserving enough to use such finery every day? And if a piece breaks, it's not the end of the world—it was at least used and enjoyed daily. This is just something to consider if you have china that's just been sitting around looking pretty.

I’ll be back next Wednesday to show you what I’ve been working on. Hope you’ll stop by again for a visit.


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2 Comments


barbarabryant2010
Jan 11

Wow! I need this! So clever of you to think of this. Your brain never ceases to amaze me!! 🥰

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anupcycledartist
anupcycledartist
Jan 11
Replying to

Thank you, Barbara! Yes, it's a great way to upcycle towels and drying mats. You will have to show me yours when completed. 🤗

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Endlessly Embellishing & Upcycling Elements into Art
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