Last night I was watching Fox & Rabbit’s Flosstube #25. At about the 12:24 mark, they start talking about the difficulty in getting linen. I think it may be somewhat affect aida also but am not real sure about that. If you’re a linen stitcher, you may want to listen to at least that part of the video.
The bottom line, at least the way I think, is that we need to be sure we have whatever amount of linen we’re comforable buying and keeping. I would recommend keeping at least enough for a couple of projects.
I don’t want to be the voice of doom and gloom and it doesn’t sound like it’s a dire emergency, but the fact that the Zwiegart company is having to reduce the number of shifts they’re running because of lack of power . . I can see that getting worse before it gets better.
If I felt like I might need linens, at this point I would buy a few of the less expensive linens. I try to use Zwiegart base linen only. Those that are not hand dyed are less expensive. This Cafe au Lait linen is $80 for one yard and $40 for one half hard. Of course, there are fat quarters and fat eighths too. This Dunes by Fiber on a Whim is $140 for a full yard and $70 for a half yard. So, get at least enough to keep you busy for a while.
Just a note . . I rarely use the called for linens. The linens designers often use are the really popular hand dyed linens and some are almost impossible to get so I rarely use called for linens. When I am ready to begin a new project or kit a new project, I will first pull all the called for floss. Then I will pull several linens that I think might work. I will do a “floss toss” or spread out the floss on the linens. Almost always the first choices I make are not the ones that work. I struggle with white and ecru floss not showing up and with tans not showing up on tan fabric. I’ll either search for a different fabric or choose a darker or lighter floss – something that will show up.
Shops like Colorado Cross Stitcher, Fat Quarter Shop and various Etsy shops are great for finding different linens. I also love X Ju Designs and Needle and Flax. XJu is in Hungary. I’ve ordered from her for almost two years and have never had any problems with shipping or customs. I am paying attention to the news coming out of Hungary but for now, I have had no problems ordering from her. Several shops on Etsy, as well as retail shops carry her fabric. Needle & Flax, like everyone else, is having trouble getting 40 count linen and I think she has stopped taking orders for 40 count.
So . . pay attention to what’s going on and don’t be caught without the fabric you need for cross stitching.
What are your thoughts?