Last year, we tried our hand at featuring boxes with just linen options. Those boxes were so popular, we knew we had to bring the theme back! It's hard to deny the luxury of linen. As sewists, it's one of those fabrics that you love to sew and wear because it immediately feels luxe and sumptuous. The long fibers make the fabric strong and durable and the fabric actually gets better age and washing. It also happens to be the perfect fabric to kick off warm weather.
This June, we're focusing specifically on linen tops, the ultimate in comfort dressing for hot weather. You can throw them on with shorts for a fun afternoon or dress them up with a skirt or trousers for a more sophisticated look. And, oh yeah, we're also including a pattern with a dress option in case you want to go full linen for your look.
Inspired by the beachy feel of linen, we gravitated towards neutral creams, light blues and simple blacks. All colors that can go with basically any outfit. The easier summer dressing can be, the better, amirite?
So, without further ado, let's dig in!
Sew Essential Box: Revel Topper from Sew House Seven
A new pattern, released only last month, the Revel Topper is classic Sew House Seven. I'm pretty sure they often design with linen in mind, and you can evidence with this new shirt. The boxy fit, oversized sleeves, and simple shawl collar all show off the many, many attributes of our favorite flaxen fabric.
We love the drape and simple shape of the top, like a slouchy T-shirt you wear all the time. The top can be paired with jeans, shorts, heck, practically any bottoms you want. The look is easy going and effortless, exactly what you want when the days are long and the temps are high.
- Cadet Blue Essex Linen -A mix of 55% linen and 45% cotton, this medium weight fabric has a full-body drape that is ideal for this boxy top. The beauty of linen is that the more you wash it, the softer it becomes. Plus, it's eminently breathable and durable. With a pale blue hue, this fabric is classic and beautiful and a great addition to your wardrobe.
- Jet Black Handkerchief Linen - Light and airy, at just 3 oz, this linen is perfect for summer tops. The dark colors helps with opacity, while the crisp, dry hand keeps you cool and comfortable. Easy to sew and easy to wear, there's a chance this might become your favorite top!
- Funfetti Metallic Essex Linen - We love the texture and heathered look of Robert Kaufman Essex linen. And here, they've upped the ante with a linen woven with rainbow lurex thread, giving it a wonderful shine and sparkle. The&;contrast of the homespun linen with the more modern metallic makes us swoon. Embrace the sparkle and turn it into a one of a kind summer top!
Sew Select Box: Donny Top from Friday Pattern Company
The Donny Shirt is an all-time fave for us and many sewists. And it's hard not to see the craze for it. The boxy shape, cropped length and simple camp collar make it a quick and satisfying sew.
Plus the top can be worn with practically anything! Simple shorts, elastic waist pants, jeans, pencil skirts, and more! The loose style allows you to contrast with more fitted bottoms or to really play up the volume with wide leg pants or a full skirt. Linen really helps to accentuate the shape, while still having some softness and pliability.
- Tile Weave Ivory Linen Viscose Blend - If you want a summer linen with a little bit of sheen, this is the fabric for you. A tile weave, sort of like a tone on tone windowpane, adds texture to this lovely ivory woven. A healthy dose of cotton also helps prevent wrinkles, always a concern when it comes to linen. Easy to care for and easy to sew, this fabric is sure to become your new favorite top!
- Denim Weave Utopia Linen - We fell HARD for this linen. A yarn-dye weave, this fabric has the look of denim, but the feel of super soft linen. It has to be touched to be believed! Plus, the classic blue has Mediterranean beach vibes, making it a perfect match for a cool summer top. An awesome option!
- Cross Stitch Black Linen Cotton Blend - Printed with a cross stitch pluses, this fabric looks like sashiko without all the hand sewing. Airy and dreamy, the fabric combines linen and cotton to create softness and sturdiness, all the better for a top you'll want to wear over and over again. A gorgeous fabric!
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Sew Indulgent Box: Cielo Top & Dress from Closet Core Patterns
We love featuring Closet Case Patterns in our boxes when we get the chance. They're styles take classic wardrobe staples: the jean, the maxi dress, the shirt dress, and elevate them with really interesting details. The Cielo Dress is no exception.
Part of their first pattern collection, Rome, it is designed to evoke simplicity, chicness and versatility. Basically everything that you'd want in a dress! A boxy bodice gives way to a loose-fitting skirt that falls straight from the bust. In other words, a simple shift that is made for linen. But, it's all in the details. Back shoulder inserts create opportunity for color-blocking or bias contrast (and an easy way to adjust for the very common rounded shoulder). And several sleeve options allow you to make this dress many times over without it every being the same dress or top twice. And who couldn't love that?
- Black Sandwashed Linen -This fabric is one of our favorites, and it's hard to resist using it for practically everything. The fabric takes dye beautifully, like with this classic jet black, and the washed texture has extra softness. A slightly slub weave adds texture, and a structured, lightly crisp drape adds volume, which is ideal for the loose fit of this top/dress. A dream of a fabric!
- Oatmeal Pinstripe Linen Cotton Blend - Soft and serene, this fabric is made for the beach (and beyond). A natty pinstripe weave elevates the neutral oatmeal color to something wonderful. Call it coastal grandmother meets tailored chic. We just love it!
- Denim Blue Tablecloth Check Linen - To look at this check linen is to fall in love. Different tones of blue combine to create a patchwork check that hints at quilted fabric and country gingham. But the linen content elevates the fabric to something divine. A supple, fuller bodied drape means a looser fit for this top and swingy kick for the dress. Just looking at the fabric, we want to twirl. So imagine how you'll feel when wear it!
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In our Tried and True boxes, we're reviving our summer favorites, the day dress. These boxes were released right before the summer of Barbie and they feature some bold yellows, blues, and hot pinks. If you want to stand out this summer, these are the dresses for you!
Until next time. . .
Happy sewing!
-Mary
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