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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: GoGoAndrea
Date: 10-13-2006, 10:30 AM (1 of 6)
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I just ordered some 100% Hemp linen canvas to make a friend some drawstring pants. Anything I should be aware of before I start???? 
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User: GoGoAndrea
Member since: 07-07-2006 Total posts: 43 |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-13-2006, 10:40 AM (2 of 6)
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I don't know about hemp linen but I have sewn with hemp. Much like linen with like qualities. I love it but I made up a navy blue outfit and it faded like crazy even with pre-washing. Best not to put it in the dryer I think.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: kmccrea
Date: 10-14-2006, 10:52 AM (3 of 6)
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Ooh! Where did you get that? Linen and Hemp have many of the same qualities and do require serious preshrinking...at least two times through the washer. I don't know why Mary's hemp faded, must have been a bad dye lot. Natural fibers (fibres) hold their color very well and through many washings most of the time. Of course, some fading happens over time. Hemp usually has a softer hand than linen and the lighter weights have a nice drape. Like cotton and linen, hemp is made in a variety of weights and weaves, all with their own characteristics and functions. You used the word canvas, if it is heavy like canvas it will not drape or move very well and may not be comfortable to wear. Good luck! Kate Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large |
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 173 
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From: sewingbeth
Date: 10-14-2006, 05:48 PM (4 of 6)
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I am almost ready to cut out my 1st linen garment after 2 days of class with Louise Cutting who loves the fabric and its "expensive wrinkles". Louise recommended using an 11 or 14, if heavier is needed, quilting sewing machine (not universal) needle in the Schmitz pink package and 50wt. cotton thread. She said the universal needles have rounded tips that "push" thread and you don't want that when sewing with linen. She also recommended using narrow 3/8" steam-a-seam for the hems and that can be sewn over if you wish or not. Another class with Linda Lee recommended dry cleaning the linen garment after sewing to preserve the sheen and hand. She had a white linen blouse with her that had always been dry cleaned until recently when she had washed it and was not pleased with its appearance at all after washing. Louise Cutting recommended using front loading washers to lessen the wear on all our clothes and pre heating the dryer 10 min. to get it really hot. Then dry the linen garment 15 minutes and take it out damp, hand pressing it smooth. Where did you find the hemp? |
User: sewingbeth
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: GoGoAndrea
Date: 10-16-2006, 11:28 AM (5 of 6)
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Thanks for the tips! For the fabric, I did a google search and was directed to http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/1643912-AA.shtml I was going to go with the "Summercloth" but it looked VERY thin in the second picture where it shows white and black behind the fabric. 
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User: GoGoAndrea
Member since: 07-07-2006 Total posts: 43 |
From: Nina Christen
Date: 10-17-2006, 05:27 PM (6 of 6)
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Here is another site for ordering hemp & linen. I have ordered from here and found their fabric is very nice. www.hemptraders.com It is nice to have several sites to shop and compare. Good luck, Nina 
Gmanina
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User: Nina Christen
Member since: 05-02-2003 Total posts: 36 
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