I’m excited to share this embroidery hoop door hanger I made for our home last year. The best part about this project is that it can be done without a Cricut or Silhouette. This embroidery hoop door hanger is a festive way to welcome family and friends to your home! This project is easy enough to customize and make a few at a time as gifts for friends I hope you enjoy the tutorial!
Materials – all items were purchased at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, & Ulster Linen)
String or twine – I had red and white baker’s twine so I used that
Fabric scissors
Directions
Lay your embroidery hoop on top of your fabric and trim your fabric down so it’s just slightly larger than your hoop (including the thickness of the hoop).
Place the fabric in between the two hoops, making sure to keep the tightening device at the top and center of your layout. Tighten the device and pull on the fabric on all sides. Pick one place to start and work your way around the hoop.
Turn the hoop over so you are looking at the back. Trim the extra fabric off the back off the embroidery hoop.
Select the letter you would like to use. Center it in the hoop. I peeled the sticker backing to keep it in place then used two very small black stitches to keep it in place.
Cut your desired length of ribbon, string, or bakers twine and make a large loop through the tightening device at the top of the hoop.
Add any extra finishing touches or leave as is. I hung ours on the front door or added them to Christmas gifts as an extra decoration.
We noticed that many of our customers are choosing to spend their time at home during the Covid-19 pandemic by getting linen crafty. Many textile artists have turned to us to provide the perfect linen by the yard for their linen craft; needlework, hand & machine embroidery, rug hooking, toweling, cross stitching, and crewelwork.
Learning a new skill can be a frustrating endeavor at first. A lesser quality fabric or tool can often make linen crafting a difficult undertaking. Which is a shame because it can really discourage a beginner from continuing! Ulster Linen is 100% devoted to superior linen. We believe material matters. Every part of linen matters, from the flax and where it’s grown, to where and how it’s woven. Linen is literally all we carry and care about!
Linen Craft Community
Occasionally, I get a chance to browse the blogs and websites of some of our consumers. When visiting our clients we find it is such a treat to see the beautiful textiles and artwork they produce on our linen!
This is why we love it when you considered any of our linens for your next project. For that reason we ask you to share pictures of the process or completed projects. Linen is beautiful on its own, but is often a background for some gorgeous works of art. If linen by the yard isn’t your thing, we carry a range of hand towels & handkerchiefs that you can personalize and keep or give to a loved one.
All our linens are expertly woven to produce an even weave and soft feel. The reason Ulster Linen’s is asked for by name time and time again is our consistent high quality. Whether you are a textile artist, linen craft enthusiast, historic reproduction company, or designer, we believe that Ulster Linen fabrics are the best choice for your project’s needs. We hope you agree!
Need advice?
Do you have more questions about quality linen and how to tell the difference? We are here to answer your questions and would love to send you a sample so you can see the difference for yourself. As a 4th generation business, Ulster Linen has an wealth of knowledge and history that has been passed down through the years.
Stay connected to Ulster Linen
Do you want more information about Ulster Linen? Be sure to follow our Blog for updates, tips and advice about all things Linen! Follow us on Social Media and be sure to email us if you have any questions! Sales@UlsterLinen.com
It’s summer; going to the beach? Vacation wouldn’t be complete without your husband’s linen suit and your white linen dress. Don’t show up in a disheveled mess! Follow these tips for packing linen from the linen pros at Ulster Linen! We have 4 generations of linen expertise to guide us. If it’s linen we’ve handled it!
Packing Linen 101
Linen Shawl
Don’t start with an uphill battle! Set yourself up for success and iron linen garments before packing for a trip.
Stuff it! Stuff sleeves of garments with tissue paper or clean socks and unmentionables. 😉 You can use regular tissue paper for packing for travel.
Cover your garments with plastic dry cleaning bags to help prevent wrinkling.
Fold or hang garments in luggage at the last possible minute. When hanging garments in a garment bag or fold-over luggage, pull arms of jackets and blouses around to the front.
Unpack and hang up garments as soon as possible upon arrival.
Use a travel iron to press out any creases that may have developed in travel. Do not try to steam out wrinkles with a garment steamer; wrinkles must be pressed out with an iron.
Storing Linen 101
Before you start packing up linen for storage, be sure to follow these few tips from Ulster Linen. Ulster Linen has immense linen knowledge and history that has been passed down through the years. It is because of this reason that we are one of the top providers for quality linen and your one stop shop for a truly superior product. Not to mention that we have also handled every type of linen imaginable!
Always launder or dry clean linen before storing. Wash it. Wash it real good!
Soiled linen encourages mildew, so linens must be clean before storing. Ventilation, light and lack of available food discourage mildew growth. If mildew does attack your packed linens, brush the mold off outdoors to avoid scattering spores in your house. Then soak the linen item in a solution of oxygen bleach and water before laundering. If possible, dry in the sun.
Be sure to rinse thoroughly all soap and detergent from linen items to avoid formation of “age spots,” caused by the oxidation of cellulose, linen’s primary component. There are no anti-aging creams for linen so give it a good rinse to keep the aging in check!
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. We mean it! No dingy yucky basements!
Use pure linen, cotton or muslin, not synthetics, as covers or garment bags instead of the drycleaner plastic bags.
Use acid-free tissue paper, not regular tissue paper. The acids in regular tissue paper can yellow linen.
Do not pack linens in plastic bags- fumes from petroleum-based polyurethane can rot and streak the fabric. And avoid those cedar chests and cardboard boxes. Cedar fumes and the acids in unvarnished wood yellow linen, as does the acid in cardboard.
When storing for a long time, refold the packed linen occasionally. Folding goes quickest when done to music!
Stay connected to Ulster Linen
Be sure to follow our Blog for weekly updates, tips and advice about all things Linen! Follow us on Social Media and be sure to email us if you have any questions! Sales@UlsterLinen.com
Are you worried about wearing your linen for fear of dreaded stains?
Spilled Wine on Linen
Don’t fret, Ulster Linen has immense linen knowledge and history that has been passed down through the years. It is because of this reason that we are one of the top providers for quality linen and your one stop shop for a truly superior product. Not to mention that we have also handled every linen stain under the sun!
If dry cleaning is recommended, choose a dry cleaner who does work on the premises. Ask whether solvents are regularly changed. If white linens turn gray or yellow, it may be an indication that the solvents need to be replaced.
Probably the most quoted reason for choosing dry cleaning over laundering is that it is easier, and less time-consuming. The decision rests with the consumer if the manufacturer’s care label offers the choice of laundering or dry cleaning.
If you are going to launder your Linen, follow our simple instructions for removing stains. We have a story for just about every stain! So keep reading for the best tips per stain offender!
Ballpoint Pen
Did you have a late night at the office? The dreaded ballpoint ink stain is sure to send your favorite linen to the trash. Think again! Hold the stain to remove against a towel, spray closely from behind with aerosol hair spray. Ink should transfer to towel. Presto!
Beverages
It was a beautiful linen tablecloth. One you hoped to have for years and years to come. Its too bad that Aunt Betty’s sweet tea took a spill all over it. Don’t fret! To remove stain from linen, simply soak in cool water. Re-wash with stain remover. Launder using chlorine bleach (if safe for fabric) or oxygen bleach. Voila!
Grease Spots
What a great day for a BBQ! Hot dogs, hamburgers and GREASE SPOTS! Don’t wait, pre-treat with pre-wash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. For heavy grease stains, place stain to remove face down on clean paper towels. Apply cleaning agent to back of stain. Replace paper towels under stain frequently. Let dry, rinse and launder using hottest water safe for fabric. Bam!
Perspiration
It was a BIG interview on a hot day in August! Linen was the perfect fabric choice to wear to keep your body cool. Sadly no matter how you shake it, perspiration stains can be tough to remove! To get your clothes back in tip top shape use pre-wash stain remover or rub with a bar of soap. If color of fabric has changed, apply ammonia to fresh stains, white vinegar to old removing stains and rinse. Launder using the hottest water safe for fabric. Swoosh!
Red Wine
Wine tasting sounded like a great idea, until the wine found it’s way on your new linen pants. Hurry and find the nearest saltshaker and cover the stain to remove with salt if the stain is fresh, then rinse with cool water. If the stain has dried, try club soda. Phew!
Dairy
Little Timmy’s milk bottle spilled on your favorite linen scarf. Ulster Linen’s tips have you covered! Soak your linen in a product containing enzymes for at least 30 minutes (hours for aged stains). Then Launder. No need to cry over spilled milk!
For a full listing of stains and the best way to remove them from your linen visit our Linen Care section of our website! Chocolate, collar scuff, lipstick, blood and MORE! You name it, we’ve got a tip for cleaning it out of your linen.
Stay connected to Ulster Linen
Be sure to follow our Blog for weekly updates, tips and advice about all things Linen! Follow us on Social Media and be sure to email us if you have any questions! Sales@UlsterLinen.com
Your Ulster Linen textiles are begging for you to launder them! Don’t fear laundering linen. You have the power to enhance its natural beauty by simply doing your laundry. Follow these few steps to become a linen-laundering expert!
Laundering Linen
Don’t be scared! Linen is a wonderful fabric to launder. Someone who is knowledgeable when it comes to linen care will choose to wash linen articles because they know linen, as a natural fiber, launders beautifully. Table linens, handkerchiefs and bed linen launder especially well! This is because the more linen is washed, the softer and more luminous it becomes. Linen’s luminous quality is caused by nodes on the flax fibers, which reflect light.
Shirts and other garments worn close to the body are easily washed. Freshly washed linen has a naturally clean fragrance and gives one the sense of well being. In the case of hand or machine-washing, use a sufficient amount of water since linen is very absorbent.
What to Use to Launder Linen?
Use pure soap or gentle detergent when laundering linens. Soap works best in soft water. (In hard water it forms curds that makes fabrics dingy and stiff).
Launder any stains when fresh. If allowed to set, stains may be impossible to remove at a later date.
Use oxygen-type bleaches for white linen, instead of chlorine bleaches, which can cause yellowing.
Select a water temperature between warm to hot, depending on the care instructions.
Place delicate or fringed linens in a pillowcase before putting them into a washing machine.
Whether hand or machine washing, be sure to rinse the linen item completely in lots of water to remove all soap, detergent and residual soil. This will help to avoid formation of “age spots” which are caused by oxidation of cellulose (linen’s primary component).
Drying Linen
A variety of drying methods are recommended for linen: line drying, machine drying or rolling in terry towels.
(Pro-tip) Whatever method you use, remember to remove the linen from the dryer or the towels while it is still damp. If linen dries thoroughly, it becomes brittle and takes several hours to recover its natural moisture and full flexibility.
Avoid wringing out linen before drying! This is not the movies, no need to wring out your linen!
To keep white linens white, try drying them in the sun.
Now you are ready. Reference this blog anytime you have questions! Be sure to tune in every week to learn more about the incredible and versatile Ulster Linen. Next week we will give you tips for stain removal! Here is a sneak peak tip…
How to get rid of those pesky PERSPIRATION stains!
Use pre-wash stain remover or rub with bar of soap. If color of fabric has changed, apply ammonia to fresh stains, white vinegar to old stains and rinse. Launder using hottest water safe for fabric. Want to know how to get red wine out? You’ll have to check in on next week’s blog!
Do you have more questions about laundering your linen? We are here to answer your questions! Being a 4th generation business, Ulster Linen has immense linen knowledge and history that has been passed down through the years. It is because of this reason that we are one of the top providers for quality linen and your one stop shop for a truly superior product.
Stay connected to Ulster Linen
Be sure to follow our Blog for weekly updates, tips and advice about all things Linen! Follow us on Social Media and be sure to email us if you have any questions! Sales@UlsterLinen.com
Don’t fear linen! Embrace it and all its incredible features. Follow these simple steps and you will have the most well-kept linen around.
How to Iron Linen
Most people regard ironing as a chore. But ironing linen can become a less intimidating task if you follow these simple steps from Ulster Linen.
Ironing your Linen
Line dry linen till damp
Damp is key! Do your ironing when your linen is damp. Steam ironing dry linen is less effective than dry or steam ironing dampened linens. Sometimes a professional steamer is the only appliance that provides enough steam to remove wrinkles from heavier linens. The steam from a household iron might not be enough. If linen is taken out of the dryer or off the line while still damp and then ironed immediately, the chore ceases to be a chore at all.
Can’t iron right away? Don’t worry! Store your linen items in a plastic bag in the refrigerator or freezer from 6 to 24 hours before ironing. This will make them easier to iron when you are ready and will prevent mildew.
Check check check! Be sure to check that the soleplate of your iron is clean and smooth for quicker and easier ironing. If you have a steam iron, check for mineral deposits, which can cause brown spotting. Check your ironing board and its cover. For speedy ironing, use well padded boards with smooth heat-reflective covers.
To spray or not to spray? This is personal preference, try it both ways and see what you prefer! Use spray starch (if desired) and iron with a steam iron at a medium to hot setting. Starch provides extra crispness, particularly to napkins to be folded into fancy shapes. For a softer look, select spray-on fabric sizing instead. In a pinch, smooth things over with spray-on wrinkle remover.
Iron on the wrong side first, then on the right side to bring out the sheen, especially damasks and light-colored linens. Iron dark linens on the wrong side only.
Choose a temperature setting compatible with the fabric weight. Pure linen can withstand the highest temperature setting on your iron. Always test an inconspicuous corner first.
Iron linen until smooth but not dry. Once wrinkles are gone, hang the linen item until it is bone dry.
Ironing Specialty Linen
Embroidered Linen
Follow the same rule, start with damp linen.
When ironing embroidered linen, keep the embroidery stitches rounded and dimensional by pressing item on the wrong side atop a soft towel.
Use a press cloth to safeguard delicate lace and cutwork. A press cloth also helps to avoid pressmarks over seams, hems and pockets.
Place a table next to the ironing board when ironing large tablecloths. Roll finished sections of the cloth over the table rather than letting it pile up under the ironing board.
Minimize creasing ironed tablecloths by rolling them around a tube or hanging them.
Look at that! Now you are ready. Reference this blog anytime you have questions! Be sure to tune in next week to learn how to launder your Ulster Linen! We break it down for you!
Folded and Stacked Linen.
Do you have more questions about ironing your linen? We are here to answer your questions! Being a 4th generation business, Ulster Linen has immense linen knowledge and history that has been passed down through the years. It is because of this reason that we are one of the top providers for quality linen and your one stop shop for a truly superior product.
Stay connected to Ulster Linen
Do you want more information about Ulster Linen? Be sure to follow our Blog for weekly updates, tips and advice about all things Linen! Follow us on Social Media and be sure to email us if you have any questions! Sales@UlsterLinen.com
Ulster Linen textiles are sitting pretty as fresh faced designers choose its luster filled weave to create their high fashions for the runway at Parson School of Design.
Linen Textiles In The Workshop
This classic fabric, linen is hard at work helping designers reinvent themselves in the fast paced world of high design. Consequently, linen textiles are becoming the go-to luxury fabric for the runway 2022.
Parson School of Design
Historic Linen Textiles
“Linen fabrics have been reported ever since humans learned to make fabrics, and from many civilizations,” says Margaret Frey, professor of fiber science and apparel design at Cornell University. “Linen is harvested from the stalk flax plant, which grows in cooler climates than cotton and is robust against insects and drought and is also quite beautiful.” Designer Eileen Fischer has been using Linen as the staple textile in her collections for decades and it looks like the young New York Fashion scene is taking notice.
Ulster Linen Participation
Linen fashion gets noticed
Parsons School of Design recently asked Ulster Linen to sponsor the linen textiles for MFA student Venice Wanakornkul. Since her work and material selection showed a mastery of fashion sensibility, her collection was selected to debut at the “New York Fashion Week” in September.
Ulster Linen was able to attend the private debut of her collection; which will brave the catwalk this fall at NYFW. Following the event, Vogue Magazine will feature this incredible fashion forward collection of linen apparel.
Linen Apparel
On June 6th Ulster Linen attended the 2018 MFA Fashion Design & Society Graduate Exhibition OPENING RECEPTION. As a result of attending the Parsons private opening reception, these incredible designs were available for us to get a sneak peek right here in Brooklyn, NY.
PARSONS School of Design will make this incredible collection available for viewing from June 6th-June 11th. Therefore the “work in progress exhibitions” will show all the student’s process/ portfolios/ samples and half of the final collection garments. Furthermore, for additional details message us at Sales@UlsterLinen.com
Venice at Parson School of Design
On September 7th-13th 2018 The MFA Fashion Design and Society program will present the MFA collections at New York Fashion Week. Consequently, if this event is of interest to you and you want to know more? Be sure to follow along at;
Ulster Linen has a reputation for quick, courteous service and high quality products. Ulster’s longevity (oldest US Linen Company of its kind, still active) is the result of placing the customer’s needs first and carrying ample stock of both standard and wide width linen textiles. Whether your project requires Irish linen, Belgian linen or any Western European linen, nobody has a larger selection stocked here in the Unites States.
Stay connected to Ulster Linen
Do you want more information about Ulster Linen? If so, be sure to follow our Blog for weekly updates, tips and advice about all things Linen! Also follow us on Social Media and be sure to email us if you have any questions! Sales@UlsterLinen.com UlsterLinen.com Follow us! Facebook: @UlsterLinenCompany https://www.facebook.com/UlsterLinenCompany/ Instagram: @UlsterLinenCompany https://www.instagram.com/ulsterlinencompany/
Find out why quality linen fabric from Ulster Linen is the MOST luxurious Linen available today.
We break down the key factors to set Ulster Linen apart from the rest.
What Makes Quality Linen Fabric?
1) The Flax
Quality linen fabric – France and Belgium
The quality of linen fabric is first determined by the quality of the flax used.
Top rated flax is produced by ideal conditions such as suitable soil, the correct climate and the under the expertise of experienced flax growers. All our flax is grown in France or Belgium. These locations are considered to be the best flax source in the world.
2) The Yarns
The yarn chosen is the next influencing factor is the quality. France’s yarn standards are very high and this is where most of Ulster Linen’s yarns are sourced. The spinner carefully examined and assessed the flax for strength, uniformity, color and other qualities that may affect its performance when processed. A good yarn produces a product that is less linty and will also be much more durable.
3) The Weaving
A consistent quality of weaving. Our weavers follow high standard and practices that create consistency. They use modern looms that can address varying factors in a natural yarn – weaving to the proper count to achieve the correct weight and characteristics.
4) The Finishing
Proper finishing to bring out the quality of the cloth. Ulster Linen insists on finishing that achieves the look our customers desire. Because of this, Ulster Linen’s finished linen is renowned for its for stability and durability, and why it is used in very high-end fashion products.
Why Choose Ulster Linen Above “the other guys”?
Natural Linen Fabric
There is always a way to make a product faster and cheaper. But for Ulster Linen we believe this just hides the cost to the consumer. In many cases, and especially with linen, some short cuts taken in the process can destroy the essential quality of linen. That’s why at Ulster Linen we continue to do things the right way, the better way. We choose quality from soil to loom to ensure that our product withstands the test of time. To produce linen done right, it may take a little more time. We want all that we produce to be the best it can be.
Ulster’s quality linen fabric is stocked in the US. This means that we have brought in the best product to be within your arms reach for whenever you are in need. No need to wrestle with big shipping costs and deal with customs, we have sorted that all out for you.
What does this mean from a manufacturing perspective?
It is important to have high quality linen for a few reasons: A less linty fabric means less problems – for example, a “linty” linen for printers often means clogged printer heads. For fabric workrooms, it means amassing a huge amount of lint in their sewing equipment, as well as in the surrounding air. Many printers and workrooms request Ulster Linen fabric because they know they will be working with good linen that will ensure smooth, problem free project completion. They also request it because they know they will get a product that will hold up to whatever handling and manipulation they need to put it through to get their desired design output.
What does this mean from a consumer perspective?
Most importantly is what high quality means from a consumer’s perspective. Using a quality linen means a beautiful finished product that will have a long lifespan. Investing in a product that will maintain its intended use is not only economically wise, but environmentally conscientious. This also means, rather than disposing, you can pass down the cherished products made from Ulster Linen. High quality linen products will also perform better: for example, high quality linen draperies and sheets means less lint in the air so homes will have less dust (and who doesn’t want to do less dusting!). It means towels made for drying will leave stem ware shiny and clear, without leaving behind streaks and lint. High quality linen can also be washed time and time again, each time getting softer.
Linen Towel
Ulster Linen’s consistent high quality is the reason is it asked for by name time and time again. Whether you are a manufacturer, crafter, historic reproduction company, designer or consumer, Ulster Linen fabrics is the best choice for your project’s needs.
Do you have more questions about quality linen and how to tell the difference? We are here to answer your questions.We would love to get you a sample so you can see the difference for yourself! Being a 4th generation business, Ulster Linen has immense linen knowledge and history. That knowledge has been passed down through the years. It is because of this reason that we are the US top provider for quality linen. We specialize in a truly superior product.
Stay connected to Ulster Linen
Do you want more information about Ulster Linen? Be sure to follow our Blog for weekly updates, tips and advice about all things Linen! Follow us on Social Media and be sure to email us if you have any questions! Sales@UlsterLinen.com
A farmer, a fox and an unlikely friendship made the perfect recipe for business success.
A landmark business begins
Scrim Linen
The exceptional story of how Ulster Linen began…
John Sloan’s father was a farmer in Ireland who had five sons. And on that farm one day an event changed the families’ path of history – a fox hunt.
As in most hunts, and this hunt was no exception, farm land, fences, and crops were par for the course and consequently damaged in the process.
John Sloan’s father took exception to this folly and caught the Master of the hunt’s horse and dismounted him. Because of this action one would think there must have been a bit of a tussle. Consequently, the next day in a conciliatory gesture, the Master of the hunt returned to apologize for the damage caused by this folly, and as was the custom he presented a pup as a gift. So they talked and must have become somewhat friendly. As a result, the Master presented John Sloan’s father with a further gesture of friendship- recognizing that the farm could not sustain enough work for all the sons, the Master offered a position for one of the five sons to study in the school for European linen weavers. John Sloan was the one to take up this offer and from there on he worked hard to develop a successful weaving business.
Ulster Linen’s Roots
Ulster Linen’s roots go back to an Irish mill called The Ulster Weaving Co., Ltd. And it was here, John Sloan Larmor started the Irish Mill over 150 years ago as a small weaving division of the Ulster Spinning Co., Ltd.
William Hogg Larmor was the youngest son of John Sloan Larmor. And because of his youth he came to the United States and started the present New York company in 1933 focusing on European linen fabric and finished products. Ulster Linen continues to carry the finest linen products and fabric, and specializes in all weights and widths of linen- including 120” wide width linen.
The William Hogg Official Seal
Official Seal of the Trustees of the board of linen and Hemp Mfrs. of Ireland 18th Century
William Hogg was a venerable person in the linen business in the 18th century. Because of his rank William’s duties were to check the quality of all brown (what is referred to today as natural) linen and make sure it met with his high standards. Once he confirmed a linen as top quality, it was entitled to bear the official William Hogg seal of quality. An interesting side note, William Hogg was the inspiration for the name of John Sloan’s youngest son, William Hogg Larmor.
Product so pure you can feel the difference
Ulster Linen maintains that level of quality today. Because of Ulster Linen’s quality, their products have become the standard interior designers and fashion designers require. This is especially true when designers require a specific type of linen for their projects. Ulster Linen’s superb European linen can transform into luxurious draperies or the latest fashions on the runway at Fashion Week.
Ulster Linen fabric has many other important uses as well. American Artistry has it woven into it’s seams, as the canvas of many famous paintings, and you will even find it on the interior of some violins.
From Upholstery linen to Scrim linen and everything in between, Ulster Linen’s product never ceases to surpass your expectation of quality and luxury.
The future of Ulster Linen
The family legacy continues. Ulster Linen remains a family business to this day. With (father) Dever Larmor, (son) Joseph Larmor and (son’s wife) Trisha Larmor at the helm they continue to teach about the tradition and this incredible product. That incredible product is European linen and they pride themselves on providing a superior product to their clients in the United States.
When it pertains to Irish Linen, Belgian Linen and Western European Linen, you will find Ulster Linen at the forefront. Ulster Linen prides itself on having the largest selection of fine linen stocked in the United States. In stock means that your product can be rushed to you often next day shipping. No need to wait for items to arrive from Europe.
Stay connected to Ulster Linen
Do you want more information about Ulster Linen? Be sure to follow our Blog for weekly updates, tips and advice about all things Linen! Follow us on Social Media and be sure to email us if you have any questions! Sales@UlsterLinen.com
There are many reasons why linen fabric is the premium option for these two powerhouse industries, Fashion and Interior Design. We have highlighted our 3 best examples why linen is truly the fabric of the future – 2022.
Linen Fabric Drapery
Linen is often at the forefront of the luxury fashion industry and high-end interior designers. They both covet linen’s timeless look and surprisingly durable wear. This “modern” fabric dates back to 8000 B.C. and shows no signs of slowing down in popularity.
From hotels and hospitality décor to show houses, interior designers can’t get enough of the understated elegance that designer linen provides. Today’s modern home is required to handle a tremendous burden. It is expected to be sleek, visually appealing, stand up to wear and tear all while being delicate and refined. Linen in home products strikes this seemingly impossible balance by way of luxurious draperies, upholstered furniture, pillows and even linen accent walls. If you can dream it, linen can create it in the home.
Toweling and Runner Linen.
Linen is also the choice fabric for premium fashion designers in the Spring/Summer 2018 collections. Vivid colors reinvent this classic textile.
1. Designer Linen fabric is STRONG and can be light weight.
Today’s buyers desire materials that stand up to all the elements. Whether it’s the chic summer dress in the Hamptons or the flowing draperies in a NYC apartment, people around the world are choosing linen because of its durability, breathability and aesthetic sensibility. Linen is one of the most visually appealing textiles you can choose and one of the most versatile. Linen plays many roles in today’s luxury markets. It can perform as a fine-pressed men’s suit or a timeless Queen Anne’s Wingback Chair. Linen when used in home décor is a true showstopper. The delicate weave looks like fine china but is incredibly durable. That strength comes from not only its natural inherent characteristics but it is also very dependent on the linen process.
The process of creating linen is the most labor intensive one in the textile world. Patience and hard work pave way for a final product that is truly superb.
Linen fabric is made from the cellulose fibers that grow inside of the stalks of the flax plant and is one of the oldest plants in human history.
Flax Flower
From plant to fabric there are a series of steps; rippling, retting, scutching, hackling, spinning and weaving. The details are many and the process is laborious and time consuming but vital to achieve the end result, strong illustrious linen textile. A textile this labor intensive is sure to stand up to whatever life throws its way.
2. Linen is SELF-WICKING yet ABSORBANT.
When it comes to designer linen, it is thought of as nature’s wicking fabric. It can gain up to 20% moisture before it will first begin to feel damp. Linen has the ability to rapidly absorb and lose liquid. This way, you don’t have that icky feeling of dampness that’s often common when wearing clothes on a hot summer day. When it comes to furnishings having a fabric that can stay cool to the touch in varying levels of humidity is a big plus.
3. LINEN is COMFORTABLE yet STYLISH.
Linen fabric feels cool to touch. It is smooth and lint-free when it is made from quality flax and gets softer the more it is washed (a little reward for getting the laundry accomplished). Linen also has an incredible natural luster. That natural glow is so visually appealing that designers love to work with linen in its natural state to truly take advantage of its luminescence. Furniture designers especially gravitate toward linen in chaise lounges, bar stools, wing back chairs and benches. These accent pieces are just the right place to add a pop of style yet unparalleled classic comfort.
We often have to reach into the past to reveal the trends of the future. Linen is a rich part of our history as humans and has proven to be a tremendous value to our future.
To keep up with the latest designer linen trends, benefits and news be sure to follow our weekly blog or email us at Sales@UlsterLinen.com
