The chatter is endless and getting louder. Whenever I walk into my sewing room, I hear it, and there is no avoiding it. All those lengths of linen, most of it vintage Moygashel, are vying for my attention, hoping they might be selected for a starring role in my sewing agenda for Spring and (now, mostly ) Summer of 2015. Is there any fabric I love more? Probably not, although of course I love woolens, silks and cottons, too. However, there is something about linen, with its crispness, its durability, its versatility, and its ability to evoke a summer day in the midst of winter that totally captivates me.
There is linen that looks serene:
Lovely pale blue
And quiet pale yellow
There is linen that looks a bit wild and crazy:
This piece is actually a linen/rayon blend, which has a lovely hand to it.
Big, bright daisies!
There is linen that says “Look at me!”:
Walking in a field of flowers!
There is linen that is demure:
A very early 1950s’ linen, petite black flower silhouettes on a pale ecru background.
There is linen that is happy:
Navy, rust and brown – perfect for early Fall.
There is a lot of linen in my fabric collection! Last year I was able to complete three linen dresses (1; 2; 3)during the warmer months. This year I will not be so productive, for a number of reasons, although I haven’t given up hope of making a linen coat and a coordinating dress. The question then becomes, which piece (or pieces) of linen do I choose for such an undertaking?
While contemplating the answer to that question, I am starting another project out of necessity: a dress to wear to a “black tie” event in early July. It’s an exciting project for me as it is my focus while I spend another week in Baltimore, Maryland with Susan Khalje and other dedicated dressmakers. The start of our week also began with lots of “chatter”: Alice Wildes of Mendel Goldberg Fabrics arrived on Sunday (the day before the official start of our class) with bolts and bolts of gorgeous and glorious fabrics. Did I succumb to any of these delights? What do you think?
An amazing silk charmeuse . . .
. . . with all the inspiration one would need!
Among the projects being started in our class are: a wedding gown for a daughter; a fancy dress for a grown daughter; a dress reminiscent of something Myrna Loy would have worn mid-century; a suit; shift dresses and “day” dresses; cocktail dresses; a dress and jacket; and, of course, my own dress, to be made from silk taffeta and embroidered silk organza.
Those aforementioned noisy linens will just have to wait a little longer – and share some of their space in my fabric closet with newly acquired silks and wools. There is always room for fabric!
fiftydresses 
What a fun week you’re in for! Have a good one 🙂
It’s been amazing, and I’m learning so much!
Oh so pretty! Can’t wait to see what you make.
Thank you, Jackie! Linen is definitely the stuff of dreams.
I agree! There is always room for more fabric! And you have such lovely fabric!
Thank you, Linda – beautiful fabric certainly makes me happy!
Can’t wait to see the dress you’re working on. Beautiful fabrics!
It is slowly coming together, and so far, I am very happy with it!
Oh how exciting. The linens, whilst lovely, can wait!
Yes, they have to wait, noisy though they are about it!
What gorgeous linens, Karen. I may need to sneak into your sewing room while you’re in Baltimore and “borrow” a couple of pieces!! Can’t wait to see what you create with Susan and that gorgeous fabric. Keep us posted!
Thanks, Cissie! I’ll definitely keep you posted – this time with Susan is just wonderful, as you know so well.
Lovely linens. i especially like the ecru with black flowers. I had a linen shift in a similar print years ago and was just thinking I wish I still had it. A crisp linen shift is just sooo summer. Looking forward to all your upcoming creations.
Thank you, Denise. I especially like that ecru linen, too. I know exactly the pattern I want to use for it, but just need prioritize it one of these months…
Sounds like such fun. The Mendel Goldberg fabrics look awesome and I can’t wait to see what you choose. There is always room for more fabric, especially ones so special!
It’s very difficult to restrain from buying more fabric when such an opportunity presents itself. It’s been such fun seeing what everyone in class has been creating with their purchases.
I love the embroidered silk organza. It gives me an idea for a whitework hand embroidery project for this summer. Wonderful photos, Karen.
The embroidered silk organza definitely has a summer feeling to it – I love that you have been inspired by it! Thanks, Carol.
Hi Karen,
What a great selection of linens! Think of them aging like fine wines as you work on this fabulous dress! Such beautiful fabric. I love how you work with natural fibers…really luxe!
My linens are definitely well aged, Marguerite! And yes, I am in love with the natural fibers…
So much amazingness. That giant-print charmeuse – oh my!!! And I could only briefly glance at that stunning embroidered organza because any longer and I would be combing the internet in search of it…