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Sarah Takes on the Textured Viscose Linen

This is an image of a woman wearing a blue linen shirt standing outside on a bridge

 @wren.handcrafts

Pattern Name and Designer: Fen, designed by Amber Corcoran for Fancy Tiger Crafts
Size Made: M
Materials used (fabric, notions, kits, etc.): 1.5 yds Pyper Linen Viscose, matching thread
Modifications: None

 

This is an image of a woman wearing a blue linen shirt standing outside on a bridge

 

After a few days of our new Pyper Linen Viscose sitting in the shop, I saw several customers eye it, feel it, ponder it, yet it sat there. When we received this new-to-us fabric, several of us found inspiration from the colors and texture. Additionally, I was excited by how well the colors went together. I realized the same reason our customers might not be buying it was the same reason I hadn’t - this fabric needs a project!

 

This is an image of a woman wearing a blue linen shirt standing outside on a bridge


After our Anniversary Sale, we have been selling the remaining shop samples at the front of the store. There have been several variations of the Fen on the rack, leaving to new homes. I have worked here close to a year now but haven’t had the pleasure of making our number one pattern. I was also inspired by Jaime and Allison’s Plisse Fens (https://fancytigercrafts.com/blogs/projects/plisse-fabric-fens) and thought this textured fabric would handle similarly.

 

This is an image of a woman wearing a blue linen shirt standing outside on a bridge


Initially, I was worried this fabric was more sheer that it ended up being. I think light fabrics are gorgeous; I’m just not that comfortable wearing them. I chose the dark blue fabric labeled Petrol to make the shirt version of the Fen. Once I washed and dried the fabric, I realized it wasn’t very see-through at all. The texture also became more apparent, reminding me of those one-size-fits-all popcorn shirts from the ’90s. To cut out the pattern and sew the Fen, I ironed on a low setting returning its fresh off the bolt appearance. I ironed the neckband a little more aggressively because I love the look of the crisp V-neck on the Fen.

This is an image of a woman wearing a blue linen shirt standing outside on a bridge


To make the shirt version, 1.5 yards of this 56” wide fabric was plenty to cut out the top and the neckband on the bias. One extra step that makes turning small hems easier is to stay stitch along the first turn. This step makes pressing the hem of lightweight fabrics much easier to handle and more even.

 

This is an image of a woman wearing a blue linen shirt standing outside on a bridge


This top will be versatile in my wardrobe. It can be dressed up for more formal occasions but is also comfy and simple enough to wear day to day with blue jeans! My coworker and friend, Kim, suggested a dress with a fitted top and flowy skirt for this fabric - which I agree would be an excellent project for the Pyper! My next project? Maybe a 3 or 4 toned Pinnacle Top out of Pyper!

This is an image of a woman wearing a blue linen shirt standing outside on a bridge

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