The Benefits of Linen The resulting linen fabric is two to three times stronger than cotton. Because of its porous nature, linen has natural heat and moisture-wicking properties that make it a good conductor of heat and a popular fabric to use for clothing or bedding in the summer. It also makes it possible for linen fabrics and accessories to hold dye colors better than some other fabrics. Linen is also naturally anti-bacterial, which had made it a popular choice for bandages for centuries and a favourite for window treatments and accessories such as accent pillows. Linen does have a few downsides as well. As a fabric, it has little elasticity so it can wrinkle quite a bit and difficult to align when sewing.
Linen fabric is made from flax fibers. The flax plant has been cultivated in just about every country in the world and has been used to make fiber for over six thousand years.
The Benefits of Linen The resulting linen fabric is two to three times stronger than cotton. Because of its porous nature, linen has natural heat and moisture-wicking properties that make it a good conductor of heat and a popular fabric to use for clothing or bedding in the summer. It also makes it possible for linen fabrics and accessories to hold dye colors better than some other fabrics. Linen is also naturally anti-bacterial, which had made it a popular choice for bandages for centuries and a favourite for window treatments and accessories such as accent pillows. Linen does have a few downsides as well. As a fabric, it has little elasticity so it can wrinkle quite a bit and difficult to align when sewing.
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This is only part of an “industrial" hessian or burlap wall hanging. You want the fabric to look recycled and as if it has achieved a purpose in its working life. Sacks were used a lot for carrying coal, potatoes and wheat, even meat in the not so long ago days. I’m experimenting with finding depth to portray images in order to honour the work of hessian. I find hessian an exacting medium. So many elements are involved with creating depth, labour and purpose. Even when you think you’ve achieved that then there is the art of balance and presentation. So many wall hangings, especially handwoven ones, can tend to twist or fail to hang straight against a wall unless there is a weighting mechanism. It is extremely difficult to achieve a satisfactory presentation. This wall hanging measuring 82cm by 43cm has varied artistic involvement. There is deliberate ageing of the fabric, creation of deterioration and indiscriminate staining with Japanese ink. A border of darning signifies an attempt to preserve the purpose of the fabric usually used as sacks or bags containing wheat, coal etc. as in past times. Words and image enhances the past function of the fabric to create a raw, industrial feel that is decorative in nature.
Khaki is a colour, a light shade of brown with a yellowish tinge. Khaki is an equal mix of sage and buff so it is considered a quinary (5th in ranking) color. Khaki has been used by many armies around the world for uniforms, including camouflage. This is a very simple bag, unlined, no pockets, made from a strong canvas cotton found in a second hand shop. It would be very cheap to buy if it wasn't for the very high cost of postage which is included in the price. See at Creatifbitsnpieces in the Etsy shop.
Yes, thanks to Barbara who will never know how much pleasure she has given us through her painting. She exhibited this Coromandel NZ scene at the Hawkes Bay Art Gallery all those years ago. She was a quiet redhead who lived in Waipawa, a small Central Hawkes town and who eventually escaped to a more stimulating environment.
La Brea Avenue is a prominent north/south thoroughfare in the City of Los Angeles and in California. La Brea is known for having diverse ethnic communities and many shops and restaurants along its route. I bought this fabric in Japan of all places as a curtain of all things and have now up cycled it into a large shopping bag. You can see it on Etsy at Creatifbitsnpieces.
Created from recycled damask and aged with a tea dye bath; stencilled images to give movement and distance and lined with black kimono silk. See it at creatifbitsnpieces on Etsy. Thanks.
A favourite poem which most people learnt at school many years ago. At the moment I'm concentrating on the more creative bits and pieces and on building my Etsy shop called Creatifbitsnpieces.
The name jandals is a shorter version of "Japanese sandals". I don't know whether it was a Japanese initiative or a New Zealand interpretation. Here in Australia they are called thongs probably because of the shape of the strap that attaches them to the sole. Anyway I think this basic footwear needs a bit of enhancing especially to hide ageing feet, bunions or just plain ugly feet. I've noticed not many people have great looking feet but that's just my opinion. Some people have problems with swelling and jandals or thongs provide more comfort, aeration and sunshine. However they could be a little chilly in winter time. Hee, hee. These very nice thongs which cost only $2.00. They are $2.80 if purchased in our local Japanese store. If you want to copy my idea use the pom pom system and your bits and pieces which lie around your sewing machine e.g. unused gift ribbons, string, glittery net fabric, piping or any attractive (narrow) fabric, threads or ribbon. Or you could craft some appliqué flowers.............. and tie them tightly to the neck of the thong.
This spotless tablecloth is vintage style and is round in shape. It is a medium sized cloth which measures 47 inches or 120cm in diameter. Found in very good condition this fine linen cloth would complement a tea service or could be used as an occasional table cover or simply a collectors' item. It is such a pleasure to discover a non synthetic tablecloth. A true quality linen has to be regarded as a treasure. There is an embroidered floral design around the edge and also a centre piece involving cut work which adds value to this vintage piece. This table tea cloth is in very good condition, white and clean at Creatifbitsnpieces on Etsy.
Every now and again you come across a real treasure. This small vintage style tablecloth or teacloth has inspired me to learn more about fabrics through the ages. This tablecloth you see in the photo has a special quality apart from it being a damask. The history of damask as you know originated from Damascus. A very specific type of fabric with the design woven into the fabric in such a way that it shimmers. The roses have been strategically placed to give the cloth balance and appeal. The colouring is extremely delicate and there is cut work to add to the value of this treasure. It was only in my possession for such a short time as there are many collectors out there in the big wide world.
This small bag has been deliberately aged (it's been at sea for years) using recycled damask, soaking it in a tea bath which has given it a surprising sheen.
I have stencilled an old ship onto the front and back and sprayed the stencil with water while it was wet. Then I've written the first line of a famous poem called "Sea Fever" by John Masefield. "I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by" The bag measures 24cm or 9.5 inches square, a nice size for underwear, cosmetics, hankies, shaving gear etc. Could be a unique gift also. It's on Etsy at creatifbitsnpieces. The drawstring top is pulled by a boot lace. |
My name is Catherine Rowe. I live in Australia.I'm busy producing new creative items for my Etsy shop called Creatifbitsnpieces. Fashion is becoming more artistic don't you think? It's now a challenge to think of new things. Archives
August 2021
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