These pretty, reusable “paper” towels, handmade by Anne Riggs in Portland, come in sets of 12 and even snap together into a roll.

They’re the most popular of Riggs’ handicrafts, which run the gamut from sandwich bags and bowl covers to baby wipes – yes, baby wipes.

Riggs, a retired teacher, started her sewing business three years ago to earn a little extra money. Her environmental aesthetic came from her parents, children of the Depression who taught her how to be thrifty, conserve resources, and never throw anything away if it still had some use left.

Riggs’ “paper” towels are 11 inches wide by 10 inches high. Each towel is made of two layers, one premium cotton and the other cotton terrycloth, and has three snaps on each end so they can be snapped together into a roll. They’re available in four different prints, and cost $50 for a roll of 12.

Find the towels in Portland at the Merchant Co., Circa Home & Vintage, and at the Portland Food Co-op. Riggs also sells them through her Etsy store and at local craft fairs.


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