I'm sure you've noticed that natural fibers have become extremely popular for home decor lately. I've had an ongoing love of linen fabrics since I started sewing as a teen.......a million years ago! Linen has now been joined by hemp, burlap, and hessian which is made from hemp and jute.
Hemp is the gorgeous one - the one the French grain sacks were made from, the sacks we all swoon over when made into cushion covers or used as upholstery for chairs and sofas......the most expensive one of course, but it's soft, non-scratchy and washable.
Natural burlap generously shared by friend Vanessa.
But don't pass up burlap. Very inexpensive, even comes in colors although I prefer the natural shade. The softer version is being used now for drapes. Small sewing projects such as table runners and place mats are easy - very Autumnal with pumpkins and gourds - you can even glue the edges if you don't sew. One of my weekend projects was recovering one of the dining room chair seats with natural burlap - love the country French look.
One important tip, don't ever try laundering burlap in your washing machine as Vanessa did! Like her, YOU will be picking tiny fibers out of your clothes for a long, long time! I'm considering trying hand-washing a piece...............anyone know if that works?
-crop.JPG)
Wow!! The chair looks amazing! It definitely has a lovely French look. I wish I could seat on that chair in that cozy corner with a cup of coffee specially now that the weather is getting cooler. Ah! The cushions are done! They look so cute in that wonderful toile. I was thinking about stoping by Suzanna's tomorrow morning. Would you like to come? How's your schedule look like? Love and hugs! ps. Now I know not to wash burlap! I'm gald you mention that on the post! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI actually washed a small piece in my washer to see how it did.
ReplyDeleteThe burlap was fine. It softened it a bit, which is what i was after. The lint came out in the lint trap, and was perfect for a bird nest. =0))
I know there are different kinds of burlap, so don't you all go off washing yours and blaming me if it does not turn out. =0))
Barbara jean
Such a simple yet beautiful fabric! Love the chair - nice job :-)
ReplyDeletebeautiful...the textural quality of the hemps, linens and burlaps is amazing and makes for a nice outcome in projects.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! So sorry to have been out of touch. Your blog is just too beautiful! Love all of the pictures of your 'finds' and such!
ReplyDeleteI recently purchased an old burlap grain sack from France. I made a point in asking the seller what the best method was to clean/launder it. I was told to hand wash the piece, then use fabric softner. Hang outside to dry. While the piece is still a bit damp, press.
I've yet to try this method, however, I thought I'd share it!
Will be in touch via email! Best to you and Bob!
D-
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI have a runner that I have handwashed multiple times with success ( dry outside), but for some reason I forgot that I had handwashed it and tried the machine on a 2 yard piece to "soften" it for a larger project. What I was left with was not a perfect bird's nest, unless it was for a large prehistoric dinosaur bird (can't remember that name of said bird), but just a very big mess. Fortunately there was nothing in the machine with it or I would still be itching!
Mary, it looks wonderful. I've never used burlap, so I don't have any washing advice for you.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of having slipcovers made for my four dining room side chairs. I think that it may have to wait until after the first of the year. I have too many other projects going on right now.
Oh I would have never thought of it as a seat! Whata great idea and it looks perfect! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Lisa
You chair looks great. I never used burlap, so I have no idea if you can wash it. Good luck if you try.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Only you, Mary, could convince me to love burlap. I no longer buy home decorating magazines so I did not know it was popular. It certainly does look beautiful in your photos. But...one whiff of burlap and I am brought back to my potato picking days and having to dump them into burlap sacks.
ReplyDeleteHello dearest Mary! I am behind on things again. Got sick when I had to go pick up my orthopedic shoes. They were all sick at the center and shared it with me although I wish they had not. So I am going to go back and look at blog entries I have missed here.
ReplyDeleteI love your chair. Being in Europe, I am used to seeing natural fibers like burlap and linen. It is timeless thing here. Wool is also a popular thing to use in this way especially on a chair like yours.
Your room is just looking so gorgeous!
Hugs ~
Heidi
Your chair looks wonderful! I made some pillows for my website with burlap a while ago....Here is a link to my Lavender Hill Blog where I pictured them,
ReplyDeletehttp://lavenderhillstudio.blogspot.com/2009/07/french-and-scandinavian-inspired.html
Hugs,
Penny
Love the idea of using it for a seat cushion! Beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteBurlap is so...I am loving it. But of course, Mary, it has become popular and I am jumping on the bandwagon and I don't like that in myself.
ReplyDeleteLast fall I was buying my Chrisymas tree. I read about wrapping the base of the tree in burlap and thought it was a cool idea. I asked if the garden center had any old burlap. Sure, and I was given a folded length. Once home and forgotten, we kept smelling something similar to the inside of a barn...horrible. Found out it was the burlap. Thank goodness I didn't whip up a pillow on the machine!!
xoxo
Jane