IL041 Open Weave Poinsettia Softened - 100% Linen Fabric - Medium (5.01 oz/yd²) - 1.00 Yard, Width 57"

I bought a couple yards of this IL041 two years ago to make a shawl for travel to a tropical place, wanting something I could use for sun protection and to keep warm on the plane, but that woudn't be too hot to wear once there. I washed it twice, and ran it through the dryer, and the weave tightened somewhat, but remained translucent yet substantial. I very laboriously pulled threads to make fringe on the raw edges-- left the selvedge at one side, but then cut both ends and the bottom to make the shawl. I saved the threads I pulled, wound them around an old 120 film spool as I worked to keep them untangled, and used them to first blanket-stitch the edges above the fringe to prevent further raveling, and then put in a decorative chain stitch edging above the fringe on one side and braided some trim I couched down along the other. I know that's a lot of tedious handwork but to be honest I did most of it in airport waiting lounges, and then I had the scarf with me when I needed it. The fringe was a ton of work to make, and perhaps I should have knotted it, but it has stood up and not tangled in a lot of wear since. Though I'm a bit concerned about washing it again. Untangling it can be meditative; I'll do it when I have plenty of time. The fabric has settled down to be wonderful in texture. Soft, substantial, nice drape. It was invaluable to protect me from the sun on one particular boat voyage during my vacation; we were in a speedboat heading out to some islands and I could not keep a hat on, in the wind. But the scarf pulled up over my head saved me, and while I probably looked silly, I could pull it over my face and still see where we were going. I'm too old to worry about looking silly. I almost bought some of this in black at the same time, and now I wish I had, as the black seems to have been discontinued. The red is a beautiful bold primary, but it doesn't match every outfit the way black would. At least I have this red shawl; I will wear it for years and years. Right now it lives across the back of my recliner and I use it as a throw on chilly mornings.

Summer top featuring lace edging.

Sewed this beach cover-up using the free Fabrics-Store pattern Antonia. Its winter for me right now, so it's working as a great throw over dress for a tee and leggings.

Stunning fabric and perfect for a beach cover-up, or something to throw over a tee and leggings. The fabric is smooth and drapey and has gotten softer with each wash.

Fringed oversize linen wrap