Cotton Lawn - Not just for PJs

Lawn cloth or lawn is a plain weave textile originally made of linen, but now it is chiefly available in cotton. Lawn is designed using fine, high count yarns which results in a silky, untextured feel. The finish can be applied to a variety of fine fabrics, prints or plain. It is lightweight, sheer cloth, crisper than voile but not as crisp as organdy - absolutely ideal for pretty little underthings, curtains, and blouses.

What I love about cotton lawn is that because of it's sheer quality, the ink of the prints often go through the fabric, giving it a reversible feeling.  And today, the prints available are even more vibrant than the lawn your grandmother chose for her nightie.

Lawn prints can either be soft and light, such as this one chosen by Laurel to make New Look's summer blouse (#6213)

Or bolder prints such as Victoria's Victory Satsuki dress...doesn't she look amazing?

And my 1950's Decades of Style Object d'Art Dress...

To add to my Fall wardrobe, I chose a bold geometric print to make Sandra Betzina's flowing blouse, Vogue 1291. I loved the detail of the wrapped sleeves on this pattern.

Hint: You need to read the pattern directions carefully, Laurel reports. In her words, "you have to be smarter than the pattern" on this one, as it is a little tricky to assemble. Once you figure out which edge is sewn into which seam, the sewing part of this cotton lawn blouse is easy.

Hemming cotton lawn is easy. Sew a stitching line along the edge and use it to roll and fold into a hem - then just top stitch!

The back section of the sleeve is brought to the front and gathered at the neckline.

I love the finished blouse...so very feminine.

How about wearing this soft top over a turtleneck sweater for added warmth on a Fall afternoon? It could work.

It's a great look with my jeans. For a dressier look, there were a lot of color choices for pants to coordinate with this blouse - tan, beige, gray and black. I chose a beautiful charcoal wool crepe and Colette's Juniper slacks, #1024. I like that these slacks hug my waist, and because the Sandra Betzina blouse also is designed to fit snugly at that point, they should pair up nicely.

Now that we are all invigorated with sewing garments again, nothing could be better than an excursion to Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics. Victoria and I have been so inspired to buy lots of garment fabrics in every category - Knits galore in all fiber choices, Wools in all weaves and colors, Silks that will make you feel beautiful, Rayons like you have not seen in years, Linens for every season and color, Special Occasion fabrics for that next event and much more...Come join in the sewing revolution...just come by and touch and feel and look through our wonderful pattern books...what more is possible?

Thank you for reading my blog and sharing your passion with me

Much gratitude for my seamstress, dear friend and blogging partner, Laurel of Laurel's Quill

 Love and many blessings to you all,

FabricLady

Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics

2518 Shattuck Ave. @ Dwight Way

Berkeley Ca 94704

510-845-6106 for any and all questions!!!

OPEN 7 days a week

M-F: 10 - 6:30 pm

Sat: 10 - 6 pm

Sun: 11 - 5:30 (parking is free on Sundays)

For more information on how to sew these garments and classes to take with us

Please check out our beautiful website at

www.stonemountainfabric.com

"I'm looking for something in green.."

Country artist Lorrie Morgan wrote a song about a woman shopping for dresses in various colors - colors that represented her life experiences throughout the years, from dating to marriage to children.  "Something in Red" is a catchy little song that reminds me of how the colors of our clothing reflect our personalities and our moods at any given moment. The colors we chose say something about us.

Because I'm such a lover of all things in nature, I love green and I wanted to include it in my Fall wardrobe. Among my favorite shades is Celadon, named for the transparent ceramic glaze used by artists since before the second century in Asia.

Celadon glazes can be produced in a variety of colors, including white, grey, blue and yellow. However, the most famous shades range in color from a very pale green to deep intense green, often meaning to mimic the green shades of jade.

And what could be more magic than finding this color in a rich wool crepe?  I chose this simple mock-wrap skirt from Very Easy Vogue Patterns, V8835.

 

Don't be afraid to try sewing on wool fabric. Wool crepe sews like a dream.  When you press it, the seams and darts just lay perfectly.

Since the zipper is in the back of this garment, Laurel was able to get the fit just right.
I can't wait until it's done!!

What a week it's been at the Stonemountain & Daughter fabric store! Not only have the many fabrics I found on my buying trips been showing up, but I am also greatly inspired by the personal connection made with many of our customers. Thanks to each of you for taking the time to share with me your appreciation for my blog and newsletter. We are truly encouraging each other here in garment sewing. Please send me photos of what you are making or even better yet - bring them in!

I would like to send out a special thanks to Marcia Manzo (Art to Wear Garments) and Angela Steen, PenWAG Program Chair, for a getting excited with us and all our new fashion fabrics. 

Marcia and Angela meet at the store for some fabric research!

Beautiful veggies from the garden continue to inspire my healthy choices
in eating. I love eating the Whole9 way of vegetables, fruit and protein!
My energy level, food cravings and healthy body keep me motivated!

Many blessings and much gratitude to you,

Suzan

FabricLady