Have you jumped on the linen bandwagon yet?
While possibly one of the oldest fibers known to man it is having yet another renaissance due in large part to the adorable ways that Japanese are producing patterns on and projects for this versatile fabric.
Linen has a wonderful hand, is easy to sew and brings a unique look to projects from clothing to quilting.
SnowCream is a combination of quilting fabrics and white linen
The only possible problem is the price. Like good quality quilting fabrics the price of good linens can be a bit hard on the pocketbook, but instead of being a barrier to working with linen I see it as the perfect time to utilize small bits of the joyful prints in ways that showcase but not overwhelm a project.
Linen is best washed before using since it does shrink but a hot steamy iron and some starch are the trick to sharp creases and very professional looking projects that you will be sure to cherish.
My potholder project was inspired by a trip to Ikea and some very functional but not so great looking potholders. ( My previous pot holder were eaten by one of the puppies!)
I simply used 3 inch wide strips of linen that I then folded back the edges on and gave them a good press… Wrapped the band around the pot holder to measure- add a bit for overlap and then removed the band and sewed it into a circle.
I then slipped the band back on the potholder and zig-zagged the band down catching the front and back in the zigzag stitch. I also stitched along the sides to follow the line of the binding on the potholder to give the project a finished look.
In total this project took 1 WOF 3.5 inch strip of fabric which I estimate at $1.50 and two pot holders at $2 for 2. So I would have to say that for two really cute potholders for under $3.50, the chance to feature some fabric I love and some quality sewing time this project was a real winner!
Now you ask.. where can I get such amazing fabric?
As much as I would like to tell you SPOOL.. alas it is not sew.. at least not yet. But I am THRILLED… THRILLED to point you in the direction of Bunny’s Designs online shop. Ang’s online shop is the be all and end all of imported Japanese fabrics and her service is second to none! So scoot on over there and check it out.. buy a little.. or a lot and have some fun!!!
