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. And that is why, this May, we're going all in on the fabric.
This month is our first foray into featuring a fabric instead of style or sewing technique, but it only made sense to celebrate this fantastic fiber. Linen has a unique look that makes it iconic. A bit of texture, a bit of wrinkle, and a wonderful dry hand make it a dream to wear and work with. It's cool on hot summer days and layerable on cooler ones. And it works for so many occasions that we think this month's picks will become an essential part of your wardrobe.
To celebrate the warm weather, we picked fabrics that remind us of the beach and the sun. The colors are bright and simple, a reflection of the linen fabric's natural qualities. Blue stripes, earthy greens, and vibrant reds are not our usual fare, but we love them for the season. We hope you do too!
So, without further ado, let's dig in!
Sew Essential Box: Donny Shirt from Friday Pattern Company
The Donny Shirt took the sewing world by storm last spring, immediately popping up all over my Instagram feed. 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.
Because this box features a top, we felt comfortable playing with more saturated colors and bolder patterns. A little goes a long way and the fabric choices we've picked will allow your shirt to shine. So here they are!
- True Red Brussels Washer Linen - With perfect blend of linen and rayon, this fabric is breathable, soft, and drapey. And with the addition of rayon, it wrinkles far less than most linens. Plus, depending on how you treat the linen, you can create different looks. When dried flat, the fabric maintains the broadcloth look but softens with each laundering. When tumble-dried, the fabric shrinks significantly and takes on an almost herringbone texture that accentuates the fibers. But no matter how you treat the fabric, this bold red color will be perfect for your next picnic, party or anywhere else you go to enjoy the summer weather.
- Lime Gingham Check Linen - Gingham worked for Dorothy and it can work for you! This yarn dye check (each square about 3/8") alternates undyed natural line and lime green threads for a look that is bright and stunning. The medium drape of the fabric will give some flow; the dry linen hand will ensure it is cool and breathable; and the spring green will help you welcome the season. We see this top paired with shorts and skirts for the perfect summer outfit!
- Reeded Hibiscus Striped Royal Floral Linen - This linen has such a fantastic print! A cobalt blue floral on a pale blue background is striated with white stripes for a combination that we've never seen before. The blue floral is tropical while the stripes add a mariner vibe that we just love. Combined with the Donny top pattern, the fabric will hint at aloha shirts with a twist all its own. A shirt as unique as you are!
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Sew Select Box: Austin Dress from Grainline Studio
Like many Grainline Studio patterns, the Austin Dress is all about elegant simplicity. Released last Spring, the dress is an A-line cut with a subtle keyhole opening and armhole darts. But the real standout are the side button bands that take the dress from ordinary to outstanding.
And what a dream it will be in linen. the long fibers of linen will emphasize the sway and sweep of the skirt while the natural cloth will add texture and softness. It also has enough heft to handle the button bands without distorting the shape. We see this dress at the beach, at the park, and, let's be real, walking through the parking lot of the grocery store. It's a go-to fashion that you can throw on for so many occasions!
We tried to capture this versatility with our fabric options. In keeping with our summery mood, the greens, blues, and red are present with gorgeous, large scale prints and tons of texture. Let's take a look!
- Green Maze Linen Cotton Check - Is it just us or does this linen cotton blend remind you of English gardens and country hedge mazes. Windowpane checks combine the symmetry of plaid with the simplicity of a stripe for an exploration of negative space. And this fabric adds a twist with a verdant grass green as its background. The fabric itself is summer weight and swingy, a perfect match for the A-line cut of this dress. Plus, you have the option to cut the bodice on the bias for a fantastic twist on a simple dress. We just love it!
- Blue and White Beach Stripe Linen - This beach stripe linen is straight out of your next vacation photos. This fabric has alternating bands of light blue and white, evoking mediterranean beaches and French Navy stripe. The whole effect of the fabric evokes a serene, natural calm, and who doesn't want that when they get dressed. Plus, you can play with the direction of the stripes on the bodice and skirt and turn this fabric into a show-stopping a summer dress!
- Crimson Viscose Linen Slub - This bright crimson hue comes in the form of a linen viscose blend, meaning not only is the fabric bold, it is also soft and textural, everything you want in a fabric and more. The saturated color will really make this dress shine, and it will create a great palette against which you can play with jewelry, sandals, and maybe a nice summer scarf. A stunner of a fabric!
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Sew Indulgent Box: Wildwood Wrap Dress from Sew House Seven
Of our three options this month, the Wildwood Wrap Dress is the one we know for a fact was designed with linen in mind. Sew House Seven always has an aesthetic that features natural fibers and lots of linen, so it's really no surprise. Linen works so well with the draped neckline and wrapped style of this dress.
The shawl collar, cut-on sleeves, and tapered skirt take advantage of the structured drape and long fibers of the linen weave. Combined with a fantastic, detachable belt that adds waist shaping and an unconventional closure for a wrap, the dress has a casual elegance that we truly love. It's sophisticated yet relaxed, stylish yet not put-on. It's also perfect for the summer parties, like graduations and casual weddings, that always get added to your calendar in the summer months.
Our fabrics are truly indulgent this month, too. A stunning mariner stripe, a luxurious washed linen, and a knockout European tartan are on offer, and we truly can't pick a favorite. Can you? Take a look!
- Blue on Blue Linen Cotton Stripe - We fell HARD for this variegated stripe linen. A yarn-dye weave, this fabric has vertical stripes that are nautical and cool. Plus, the classic blue has Mediterranean beach vibes that are perfect for this dress while the linen is breathable and fresh for summer. And I can't tell you just how soft the fabric feels. It has to be touched to be believed. I swear, you won't want to wear anything else this summer!
- Ruby Red Washed 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 gorgeous ruby red, 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 draped style of the Wildwood. A dream of a fabric!
- Mossy Greens Tartan Check Linen - To look at this tartan linen is to fall in love. A variety of greens - lime, kelly, grass - combine to create a patchwork plaid that hints at Scottish glens. But the linen content elevates the fabric to something divine. A supple, fuller bodied drape matches the shape of this dress, and the color will take you into spring with ease. Just looking at the fabric, we want to picnic. So imagine how you'll feel when you put this dress on!
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Since warm weather is fact approaching, we decided to revive our Sleeveless Blouses from last March for the season. They are stylish and cool, with rayons and cottons to keep you comfortable through the hot months. Plus, the colors are so lush! You can read more about them on our blog.
Until next time. . .
Happy sewing!
-Mary
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