The beauty of burlap!

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?