Linen is one of those fabrics I thoroughly enjoy sewing with and wearing.  Who am I kidding, it’s one of those fabrics I will buy just to add to my stash!  Apparel linen is comfortable, wears well, and gets softer with each wash.  One of my favorite things about it is that it has that “crumpled” look, and it’s ok, because linen is so wonderful that no one questions the wrinkles.  If you’re not going for the super crumpled casual look, then a blend can be your solution, such as this lovely cotton/linen I’m sharing with you today.

I selected this brown rustic midweight cotton/linen blend fabric from Cali Fabrics on a whim, and I have to say that at first I thought the “rustic” meant that the texture would feel rough, but I decided to take the gamble and get it anyway (like I said, I love linen!).  I wasn’t entirely sure what I was going to make with it and had played with the idea of a dress that could be layered, but when I finally held the fabric in my hands, it was screaming to become a pair of Burnside Bibs.  Now I really didn’t think I was going to be jumping on this overalls bandwagon, but you know, when a fabric tells you it wants to become something, you just roll with it.  Plus I’ve been crushing on everyone else’s, so there was that!

The slight texture of this fabric isn’t rough at all like I thought it might be, and its weight and moderate drape make it perfect for these casual overalls.  The fabric softened up considerably after the first washing too, and the only rustic quality of this fabric is the variation in color.  The natural whitish color compliments the brown nicely, perfect for a fall wardrobe piece.

The Burnside Bibs by Sew House 7 are a great match for a wide variety of linen fabrics.  I selected cotton/linen for a more “flowy” look, but a stiffer linen would provide a more utilitarian look.  I made version 2 to avoid messing with any closures.  I selected size 0 based on hip size and shortened the cropped length by 2″ since I’m 5’3″.  When sewing with this cotton/linen fabric, I simply used a size 80/12 universal needle on my sewing machine, and that’s it!  The only “difficult” part about sewing this fabric is the variation in color and pattern which kind of made my eyes jump, although that could just be my tired eyes!

A closer look at one of the fun tie options for the overalls…  This top is the Sweetheart top from the book Gertie Sews Vintage Casual, made in a lightweight slub rayon jersey knit.  It’s no longer available but this Designer Lightweight Slub Textured Light Tan Jersey Knit looks like it comes close to it.  I love rayon jersey knits because they have a lovely drape that gives a t-shirt a little bit something extra.  Plus because most simple, fitted t-shirts don’t require a whole ton of fabric, the weight of the rayon isn’t too much of an issue.  This fabric was also simple to sew up on my serger, no curling at the raw edges, but it would’ve been easy to sew on my sewing machine with a jersey needle and a walking foot.

I’m crazy in love with this outfit, and this fabric is simply perfect.  I’m so ready for fall weather, and I can’t wait to bust these Bibs out whenever I have the chance!  What do you have on your fall sewing list?  If you don’t already have linen on there, then I highly recommend checking this fabric out!