Cotton
homespun is the fabric I love the best for making my clothes. Its colours and handle are rough and soft –
comfortable, draping beautifully. It
makes clothes with a country feel.
I
get mine from Jubilee Fabrics (mostly - though the one on top of the pile in the photo is a homespun skirt made by Ringger), and they always tuck in a scripture on a card –
the perfect size for marking the place in my prayer book.
It’s
important to wash before you sew (wash the fabric, I mean not yourself!)
because it shrinks. But after the first
wash, I find it doesn’t shrink any more.
Compared
with the homespun, the other shirts I have feel stiff. Homespun has such a friendly feel.
Wonderful fabrics. Thank you for sharing the links.
ReplyDeleteHomespun is the absolute queen of fabrics in my home. My dresses and aprons have been almost all made of homespun for 7 years now, it is comfy to wear, easy to sew, and seems to last forever.
ReplyDeleteYour stack of homespun clothes is lovely Pen, you have a gift for photographing humble things.
Hi friends - waving!
ReplyDeleteBean, Jubilee is good - their fabrics are great, and a lot cheaper than others I've seen. They are efficient, and also they are people of faith, which I like. x
Rapunzel - yes, I love it that they are *both* soft *and* hardwearing - a rare and delightful combination! x
The prices seem to be excellent. I am going to order some material for a blouse.
ReplyDeleteAny suggestions for pattern sites that have blouse patterns that are of a modest, older style?
Thanks,
Bean
Sounds very comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI am reading Alan Jacob's book on the history of the Anglican prayer book. Do you mind telling which version you use?
It's frigid cold here. Glad you're warmer.
Those fabrics are lovely. I only started sewing with a machine last year the grand age of 56 having been a knitter since I was 5 and cross stitcher for about 15 years. So far I've stuck to making bags and cushion covers and don't really know where to start with making clothes. I know from a quick read through your old posts that you dress plainly and wondered whether you make your own dresses etc. and if so are there any patterns you would recommend for a complete novice? Sorry, that's another queation I've asked following the one about your little stove. As someone who's been an on-off-on-off believer since I was a teenager and as I'm starting to question life, the universe and everything again lately, and as a lover of solitude (that's an impossible dream with my large, noisy family),I find your blog fascinating. In the past couple of years I've started dressing more modestly having been inspired by the Duggar family and their friends in America and also the Amish. I wear jeans but always wear long tops or dresses over them, or I wear ankle length denim skirts in winter with leggings underneath and in the summer cotton skirts with knee length leggings. I no longer wear strappy tops and also make certain that all tops come up to my neck, and if not I wear a t-shirt underneath. I would love to dress more like the Amish as I really don't care for modern day fashion, and I have long hankered for an ankle length pinafore dress (or jumper as the Americans call it) but I'm nervous about my family's reaction, although my husband would never criticise. Sorry, again, this has become a very long comment. I'd really appreciate your advise if you have the time to answer. Best wishes, Helen
ReplyDeleteI love homespun but it's so expensive over here and ordering from America you get a huge customs charge since they lowered what you can buy from abroad! lol
ReplyDeleteHi friends
ReplyDeleteOh glory, have they lowered the customs threshold, Deb? I've been okay so far - I've bought 3yds at a time, but I just ordered 6yds to make a dress. Let's hope it's still within the limit!
Helen and Bean - the Kings Daughters sell their patterns, here: http://www.thekingsdaughters.com/patterns.html
Otherwise if you keep googling, quite a few Plain ladies are online and willing to share patterns and sewing tips.
The Seven Sisters also post about pattern sources here: http://sevenfarmgirlsisters.com/sewing-room/
I'm sure Angelia Burrell's family at Shepherd's Hill Homestead had dress pattern advice, but I've dug about a bit on their website and can't find it now. You might be successful, and the Burrells are lovely anyway. http://shepherdshillhomestead.com/about-us/
Lovin' your homespun, Pen. And LOVE Ringger! My Everyday dress (in Cumberland Wine) really is almost my everyday dress! I was able to customize it and the price point was spot-on. I love how it doesn't have any zipper or closures and just flips on and away I go.
ReplyDeleteRingger are (or should that be "is"?) excellent.
ReplyDeleteI confess to an irrational prejudice against zips. I just hate them. I'm a buttons fan. But not plastic buttons. Wood, or coconut, or shell.
Custom's threshold is £15 but you might be lucky and it might not be one that's looked at! lol
ReplyDelete£15?! Oh dear, that's a long way less than it used to be.
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