Totally random - I finally took the time to sit down and read through my Generation Q magazine, and wouldn't you know, right off on page 18 was an article by publisher Jake Finch, called "the glories of linen." Double surprise, the two print fabric collections they featured were the two above! The article told about "one of the oldest fabrics used on Earth", some of its unique qualities (it can be slippery when sewing), about pre-washing it (do - Rashida does!), as well as mentioning how beautifully it plays with other fabrics. An interesting and helpful read, not to mention, timely!
So, anyway, you know I've been Zakka-ing-along, but there's been only one quilt in the sew along.
Congratulations on your great wins! Beautiful fabric! Sorry, I am no help with your linen query! There will be more wise heads out there I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on those great wins! The only linen I've used is Essex linen so I'm not sure if that counts?
ReplyDeleteSometime before 1932 my grandmother embroidered baskets of flowers on linen and set them with alternating squares of a very highly polished cotton.
ReplyDeleteI haven't quilted that quilt top yet, but, clearly, it's held up well.
(And a lot of old scrappy crazy quilts were made with all kinds of different fabrics.)
The fabrics are beautiful Debbie. I really love the texture of linen and used a linen/cotton blend for the sashing in one of the first quilts I made, along with 100% cotton and they went together well.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/31957791@N08/5348200896/in/set-72157626226795714/
Well, I haven't but I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with. I saw your win over at LR Stitched the other day. Exciting for you!
ReplyDeleteI've used linen a lot, I think you can use it on its own or with cotton. The quilt I made for my king bed is half linen (the solid) and Red uses a linen solid on the front and there are others. I love the different hand and weight it gives to the quilt.
ReplyDeleteOooh, gorgeous! I'm afraid I always see bags, pouches and more when I see fabric, I'm really no use!
ReplyDeleteI love the look and feel of linen. I have a bunch of vintage tea towels I'm ready to make into a quilt. I think you need a deeper seam allowance due to fraying.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your wins!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of linen, but haven't worked with it much. Can't wait to see what you do with these lovelies!
Lovely wins. Congratulations :) I made a linen/cotton baby quilt once and it turned out nice. The linen was background and the cotton hst's. I'm told the quilt is still much loved and used and that it washes great and the linen gets softer and softer for each wash. I think you have some great options for making a lovely quilt with the wonderful fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI have some Japanese linen fabrics that I hoard... Thinking of making a bag with them.
Hi Debbie! Oh those fabrics look so beautiful and I'm impressed they are all linen! I have used linen for cloths and pouches and quilted table cloth. I just happened to make some shabby flowers with linen. You can make them later when you have left overs! x Teje
ReplyDeleteWow! You are linen-lucky! I know I would make some purses and some table runners/placemats and matching stuff like pot holders if I had that stack. Truthfully I can't quite wrap my head around a totally linen quilt, but let me know if you try it!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of cottons mixed with linens :) It's dreamy! What a haul! That was a few awesome wins- I heart linen!! I'm so excited to see what you decide on!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I think I would put them on a shelf and relish the thought that I won something! Then I would wait until that perfect project came along to cut into them. Lucky you! Enjoy ; )
ReplyDeleteWay to go! I've only used bits of linen so I don't have any tips. It looks like fun stuff to play with!
ReplyDeleteI have a lovely stack of those linen bots too...they have been sitting there because I don't know what to do with them either.... Can't wait to see what you do with them!
ReplyDeleteGreat wins! A linen quilt wouldn't feel that soft to me, I think. So, yes, mix them with cotton. And maybe just try a smaller one and see how you like the feel of it when you use it.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!
I loved that your name was drawn to win btw!!! Congrats
ReplyDeleteDo you put linen quilts in the washer/dryer?
ReplyDeleteI read above that it's recommend to wash linen before quilting.