Over the years, I stayed away from purchasing linen clothing because, well, I don’t enjoy ironing my clothing. Ironically, I spend hours at the ironing board for my sewing projects, but for some reason, pressing clothing feels like a burden—laundry is my least favorite household chore. And so, after trying linen once or twice in early adulthood, I eschewed it forever. Or so I thought.

Through the business mentoring group that I am a part of, I learned about a company named Linen Bee, which is located in Latvia. Read more about the company here: Linen Bee. Anyway, I asked my friend who helps her mother with the business about the wearability/need for ironing linen clothing, and she said that ironing the clothing isn’t always necessary. So, I reconsidered my previous stance on linen clothing.

I was also looking for clothing that I could wear frequently and that would endure the washings needed for a minimalistic wardrobe. I have very few clothing items and like my clothing to be well made! And considering that I have gained a crazy amount of weight this year (and I don’t know why), I have nothing that fits well. So, I placed my first order from Linen Bee.* The lovely thing about ordering from Linen Bee is that they custom make each piece of clothing based on the measurements of the buyer! I have a hard time finding clothes that fit me well so this was an added enticement to order from them. If you are interested in trying well-made linen clothing, please consider ordering from Linen Bee. They offer worldwide free shipping. Take a look at their beautiful products by clicking here.

When the package arrived, the contents were beautifully wrapped in brown paper and string.

I was delighted to find that the dress inside was even prettier than I was expecting! I was amazed by the quality of the sewing. As someone who sews, I was delighted by the beautiful handiwork!

I was even more surprised to see a bundle of scraps that Zane sent to me along with the order as a gift! (She knew my interest in them—in a prior conversation, I had agreed to pay the shipping on them.)

I was so excited about the possibilities. I was hoping to use them to make scrap quilts or decorative pillow covers, but all of the bright colors and the sizes of the scraps gave me another idea of making linen covers for eye pillows. I had made a silk lavender eye pillow earlier this year, and I wanted to give it a try with linen.

I have had several people ask me, “What is an eye pillow?” So here are two pictures to demonstrate how to use an eye pillow. Because the pillow contains lavender buds, the aromatherapy is very soothing.

Now, I am making an inner pillow with removable linen cover that can be washed. I don’t know about you, but if I am going to put something against my face I want it to be clean! I have made quite a few of these pillows to sell now! Here are some examples of ones that I made, but I sold quite a few that are not pictured.

The blue one with the crocheted edge went to Marian at Miss Mustard Seed; the coral one went to Shaunna West at Perfectly Imperfect, the green one went to Melanie at Cedar Grove Farms; the gray one is going to Hanna @lifestylebyHannaG. I still have this one remaining for sale and some off-white ones that I showed in my last blog post.

I also created one using silk and linen for my friend Wendy, who is a business coach for small retailers, located in Nova Scotia. If you look very closely at the fabric (hint: look to the left of the large lighthouse), you will see why it was the perfect fabric for her. I didn’t realize how long it would take her to get it! The package is still stuck in customs, according to tracking.

Another linen project that I have made recently is a nursing scarf/cover. You can find pictures of that on my Etsy listing, or if you want to make one to give to a new mom, you can find my instructions as a guest post on my friend Elizabeth’s blog, A Well-Purposed Woman.

Another friend was looking for a replacement for paper towels. I had seen this fabric and showed it to her, and she pre-ordered towels. Most of the day yesterday, I worked on the first pattern of the fabric, which you see stacked below. I succeeded in getting the prototype towel made, cutting the rest of the fabric into squares and loops, and getting one made for the order. I still have the second pattern to press and cut. And then I will need to assemble and sew them.

I was shocked by how much the fabric shrank! I ordered extra fabric, and I am so glad that I did. I didn’t measure the first fabric before cutting, but I measured the second and it shrank over a yard! I was planning to have some extra towels to sell, but I definitely will not have as many as I thought! Just pressing the first pattern took me about an hour earlier this week, so I will need to queue up an audiobook and press the second fabric today!

I am adding a loop in the corner so that the towel can be hung on kitchen cabinet pulls. I love how this style of towel stays put once it’s hung in place. My very first video tutorial found in this blog post was about hanging a towel with this kind of loop.

And here is the beautiful fabric that I get to iron before cutting the next set of towels!

I don’t know what direction this new-found love of linen will take me next, but I still have some scraps remaining from Linen Bee to use and some more off-white linen ordered. And this week, I received this shipment of scraps from a linen clothing manufacturer located in California.

My sweet friend, Mary, from Trout Lily Hill, has given me a few suggestions for these scraps to create items for Memorial Day, July 4, and Christmas.

I have more ideas for making things with linen so stay tuned…

*Disclosure: I received a discount when ordering from Linen Bee; however, all words and opinions are my own!

My Newly Discovered Love of Linen Fabric