Linen, linen, linen

I have mentioned before how much I love linen. It is not easy to find linen garments, so when I do, I grab them.

I made this jacket out of linen fabric from Jo-Ann about 6 years ago.  I was also able to use a massive button from my collection.  I still wear this, although the style is a little dated.I buy most of my RTW at the jobber stores, Ross, Marshals, T.J. Max.  I can spend good money on fine fabric, I love creating garments. If I am going to buy ready made – I simply can’t pay retail.

I only bought this shirt because it is linen, the color d great on me, but it’s linen! Here it is after the wash, yup, it’s got that wrinkled linen look.

Because I love the feel of linen so much, I willing iron this shirt before wearing it.Look at the lovely details! Well worth the effort. My iron is always out, since I use it for both quilting and garment sewing, so really it’s not a great chore for me to iron a shirt from time to time.Look what I found this summer, a light breezy linen top, made out of 100% linen knit. I am in love.

So I went to The Fabric Store yes, I know how to be a fabric snob. It’s not all about Jo-Ann. This Chain is from New Zealand, with stores in Australia and Los Angeles. I feel so lucky to have them locally, they source wonderful hard to find fabrics – like knit linen.I bought this navy and a gray knit.  Look how crisp the detail of the neckline is!

Or the clean edge of a very simple cuff.

I chose a t-shirt pattern that is designed for woven fabric. Linen has no memory whatsoever! It might stretch out but it will never ever bounce back. Which is one reason why you never see very tight-fitting linen clothes.

So the shirt is roomy, but not an unshapen box. There are darts and curves in the pattern. The goofy smile is because this shirt makes me so happy. It is beyond cozy. I know I’ve mentioned that my love for linen exceeds my love for cotton. It gets much softer than cotton ever will. Speaking of softness, a new blend I’m seeing on the market these days is 90% rayon with either spandex or cotton. Another yummy soft t-shirt material.

Love the fit! I need to make more of these! I do have a light gray linen knit, but that one might end up in a dress instead. Next time I go to the Fabric Store it will be for merino wool knit – another luxurious fabric.

I know how lucky I am to have this store in my town, they do mail order, and I consider that a blessing for people who can’t just walk into the store and touch.