Linen Lovers

👋Hey cuties, welcome to this cozy corner for all things in plant-based sewing! To kick us off, please share what you are sewing or dreaming up, from first experiments to long-term obsessions. A short intro plus a photo of your latest work-in-progress or pattern/fabric haul fits perfectly here. I'm so happy to be here with earthy, creative people who are kind, curious, and open to learning together! 🥰

Sempstress (a variant of seamstress) is a 17th-century term for a woman whose occupation is sewing. It derives from the Middle English semester (sewer) and Old English seamestre, combining seam (n.) with the feminine agent suffix -ster and further reinforced by the suffix -ess to denote a woman.

Old English seamestre, designating a person whose work is sewing.

Structure: It is formed by seamster (originally a gender-neutral, later male, term for one who sews) + -ess (a suffix denoting a female, added in the 1640s).

Sounds way better than sewer 🤣

Yes, I am a nerd 🤓

Little introduction, taught myself to sew in the 1990's when 99% of infant & toddler clothing was sweat suits. 🤣 So started sewing simple toddler dresses & jumpers.

I've been sewing for a looooong time-I'm pretty sure I was using my Mom's old Singer as soon as my feet could reach the pedal-and that pedal because it was an old machine-had a button that you pressed down with the big toe to make it go. My Mom was my teacher-she was a professional seamstress and I guess to save her sanity when she tried to sew at home she had to teach my brother and I both to sew. We started by tracing squares onto scraps and hand sewing little 9 patch quilts. I moved on to making clothes for my dolls and by the time I was in middle school I was making A-line skirts for myself and my friends. After I had kids I made a lot of clothing for my daughter and now I'm making clothes for her daughter! I'm retired and I make …

Hello, I’m Cynthia.

I am a textile artist in Northern California. Although I use my sewing machine regularly, I’m new to sewing clothing.

Since I participate in Art festivals to sell my art, I’m in the sun for many hours and need professional attire that I won’t melt in and linen seems to be the best option. I am hoping to make something stylish that will protect me from getting more skin cancer.

Happy to learn more from others here.

Since I was in HS taking apart a pair of jeans to add a fun leopard print detail down both sides, I have loved to sew. My first time sewing I was probably 7 or 8 and hand sewed a pillow then 12 or 13 I used my moms sewing machine and I made a little drawstring bag and curtain. Then my next time sewing was the jeans, I was 16 or 17… I loved it and wanted to make my own clothes but never did until… I had children and I didn’t have a lot of money and needed to mend things and I just wasn’t sure how so I taught myself and then I was making their school pants and skirts! It was wonderful! Also pj pants! I was hooked and so I started to make their backpacks (simple messenger bags) Now I am 42 and I have…

Hi, I'm Frannie. I'm currently visiting a friend in Vernon, France (from US) and have been shocked by the array of Linen & natural Fibre clothing & home decor I see everywhere in France...even at the grocery stores! I'm a hobby sewer & am now inspired to learn how to make some Linen clothing. Starting my linen journey here.

I have made the Finch and Ladybird linen blouses and enjoy wearing them. I like to mix and match cotton, linen tops and pants. I have also sewn with linen cotton blends and like them very much. I plan to make some dresses for this summer. Also more tops, pants, skirts.

Looking forward to being in this group and seeing what everyone's sewing.

Mary

Hi! My name is Matthias; I'm a fairly experienced sewist with a background in both cosplay and historical fashion. Historical fashion and recreation is what first introduced me to how truly functional natural fibers are, and I loved the feeling of the blinders of plastic falling away from my eyes and seeing how things were done before plastic existed! I've been saying for years I need to sew my own wardrobe and make it all out of natural fibers, and yet I haven't done anything about that. I'm hoping this little program will give me the motivation I need to start!

In addition to loving linen and having a few thrifted pieces of it in my wardrobe, I'm a massive fan of wool. I absolutely love it! (I am also a knitter and spinner, so that probably accounts for it...) I'd like to work some more silk into my wardro…

I'm so thrilled to join this group. The struggle to finish projects and the ever present need to have comfy, functional, natural fiber clothes has led me here. I attached a picture of my favorite dress I made to date. It's also the only linen garment in my wardrobe, which I believe contributes to my love of it, as it's so breathable and comfortable. My hope is to find the discipline to finish projects that I will love and actually wear. The amount of unfinished projects and unwearable garments I have is appalling. Thank you for having me!

Happy to be here with other linen lovers. I'm looking forward to sewing up the recommended garment pieces. Actually, I already have the patterns and have sewn a couple of them. My issue is always with fit, especially with the waist of pants and when they involve elastic. I always manage to cut it too small, then when I adjust it's too large. After several adjustments, I sometimes manage to get it sort of right and wear them anyway. I'm excited to jump in again and learn to improve sizing garments to fit my body, building a wardrobe that fits perfectly and one that I can to wear year-round or mostly year-round.

My name is Karen and I am really looking forward to sewing several new pieces for my capsule wardrobe. I am transitioning to all natural fibers for my wardrobe, and really like the look and feel of linen. I have several of Leah's patterns and I'm stuck trying to decide what I want to make first. I made a mock up of the Olene pants out of a thrifted bed sheet and I wear them all the time! Looking forward to connecting and being inspired by everyone on here!

Currently, I’m Frankenstein two pant patterns to incorporate different qualities of comfort. While navigating issues of garment openings.

I love tailored yet flowy silhouettes. And have been navigating this look to not look frumpy.

I take inspiration from early 1900s garment silhouette/designs, and want to blend them with modern simplicity.

My goal this year is to sew six different pant patterns. I’m hoping this will help me understand the process better in order to navigate fitting issues. In the past working with crotch curve fitting issues, I have removed the whole crouch and put in a gusset. 🙃

My other goal is to sew with knits. I have a little to no experience with knit fabric, but would love to make mock turtlenecks (wool knit) shirts for the winter.

Almost forgot to add, once I figure out the perfect pant design for me, I want to take that pattern and…

Hi everyone 😊

My name is Maiken , and I’m joining from Denmark. I started sewing a few years ago and have mainly been working with thrifted and repurposed fabrics, which I’ve really enjoyed. It’s been such a creative and sustainable way for me to learn and experiment.

Now I finally feel ready to take the next step and sew some of my favorite patterns in linen. At the moment, I’m planning to make three pairs of trousers, one top, and maybe a dress — and then I’ll take it from there.

I’ve also chosen a specific color palette that I want to stick to, so I’m excited to see how everything will come together as a small, cohesive wardrobe.

Looking forward to being part of this group and getting inspired by all of you!