Hello lovely people. Let’s talk about linen. I am obsessed with fabric, and linen fabric has always been one of my favorites. Although linen wrinkles very easily it is a naturally breathable fabric with great versatility and many uses. The fabric even looks good with wrinkles. Linen comes in several weights from a very lightweight to a heavier weight. Here are a few facts about linen. Linen is a porous natural fabric made from flax fibers, the flax or linseed plant. It holds dye better than most fabrics and it can be used for clothing as well as around the house, for bedding, towels, curtains, and cushions. Linen dries faster than most fabrics and can be washed in your washing machine and dried in the dryer. I know years ago, people used to dry clean linen, but it is really not necessary. Linen is also a naturally antibacterial fabric, and some countries use it for bandages in hospitals. Just a quick tip if you are working with linen. Always wash your linen and dry it in the dryer before cutting it for sewing. If you do this prior to sewing, whatever you make will not shrink, because you have already washed and dried it.
If you are interested in buying some really beautiful linen fabric, you can go to Fabric Store. They have really nice linen fabric, and I have been purchasing from them for years. All of the linen for my new sewing projects, I am calling Linen Series 2021, came from Fabric Store, and I highly recommend them. I am never disappointed with my fabric from them. They have lots of lovely colors for all seasons and several weights for your various home and clothing projects. During my Linen Series 2021, I will be posting several items I made from linen this year in hopes of inspiring you to pick up some linen and see what you can create or to take another longer look at this beautiful fabric and see the limitless potential it possesses. Some of the posts might also be of linen pieces I have made previously but are worth posting. Needless to say, I hope you enjoy this series. I am hopeful I will be able to add to this series as the years follow.
So, let’s get into this red dress. This is Simplicity 8132. Here is the pattern. Simplicity 8132. This is a simple maxi tank dress that I have made many times. The reason why I chose this pattern is that I love it. Period! And that’s what I love about sewing. You can make what you want as many times as you want. I did not want to make a dress that I did not absolutely love. The fabric was too pricey to make something just for the sake of making something different. You have to always make what you love for two reasons. It’s your money, and it’s your wardrobe. It’s also your expression. If you like elaborate and bold, make that. If you love colorful, make that. And if you like simple and easy comfortable clothes, by all means, make that.
[…] 2021 Part 1, the red linen dress, without embellishments. Here is that post if you missed it. Linen Series 2021 Part 1. The Linen Maxi Tank Dress. But I think when I make this view, I will use rayon or an ITY knit. We’ll […]