tallchick

I love the subdued colors in this line, but the blend is 55% linen and 45% cotton. Has anyone made a quilt with these lines? I would hate to end up with a horrible mess and a empty wallet......

http://www.robertkaufman.com/pre-cut...18_new_colors/

Barb in Louisiana

I haven't used them. The question I would have, is it washable? If yes, since it is packaged as FQ, which is typically used in quilting, I would buy them if I liked them. First I would find a pattern, with relatively small pieces. Linen from the past would wrinkle badly. It's probably much better these days. And I wouldn't mix it with other fabric. That way, all will react the same.

Ariannaquilts

Jenny Doan made a quilt using this fabric and of course I had to make it! The Essex fabric was I believe a brown color although I went to order it as soon as I saw it in the video it was sold out. No problem I ordered the gray color and made the quilt. I sent it to my godson for his birthday tomorrow or I would post a picture. I pre washed it with no issues.

Ariannaquilts

Had to go check on the name of the quilt, it's called Spice Rack and was posted in August. I loved it the colors were awesome and oh yeah she used it with flannel so I did too! Worked just fine.

tallchick

Thank you for the feedback, I think I will give it a try!

quilterpurpledog

There should be no problem with this fabric combination because cotton and linen are both natural fibers and would act very similarly in combination. Both take dye very well and evenly. Linen also wears very well when used in clothing, therefore, it would wear well in a quilt. I think it would offer an interesting texture and hand. I want to see it, I have not encountered it so far. I do not like to work with fabrics that are cotton combined with a synthetic such as polyester, nylon or rayon.

ckcowl

Cotton/ linen blends are Wonderful to work with and hold up- last through much use and laundering. The great thing about linen is it becomes softer and softer with use. These fabrics pair well with any other cottons. Flannels, Batiks, or other linen fabrics.

Jane Quilter

Tallchick: What pattern/project are you working on? Elizabeth Hartman's patterns all call for this Essex fabric. And, for all the reasons you mentioned, I have avoided it and substituted 100% cotton in its place. (that would be for the Fancy Forest, Butterfly, and Florence Flamingo). But for the Awesome Ocean pattern, I "cheated" and bought a "kit". Half of the fabric is this Essex (cotton/linen) and some even have a tiny metallic thread running thru it sporadically. The other fabric is kona cotton solids and her "reef" line of printed cotton. I am in the process of washing, dipping in starchy water, drying, ironing, and cutting all the pieces. The Essex is a little heavier, wrinkles a little more than cotton (but not like 100% linen). I will report back after I sew it, and assemble the pattern animals. But, so far, my fear level has decreased (LOL). And remember, Ms Hartman and Robert Kaufman have been selling this for years. If there was a problem, and/or complaints, she probably would be using less in her designs, not more. That is the theory I am going on as I work on this Awesome Oceans kit.

tallchick

Jane Quilter, I would like to make a log cabin quilt for my stepson with these, since I assumed it might be a little heavier and the colors are more subdued it would be more male friendly. Thank you for your tips, I starch everything before I start cutting and then starch again when a block is done, and starch again when I press the top before getting it on the long arm; I have a cupboard full of starch. You have assuaged my fears of working with this lovely fabric! I can’t wait to see what you are working on, they sound fantastic, so please don’t forget to share! Thank you again!

Doggramma

I made a couple quilts using this fabric. It does fray a little more than the other quilting fabrics. But it gives a unique look to my modern style quilts.