There are times when a new blogger comes along and you just know their blog is going to be awesome and a daily read. Jami from Freckled Laundry is one of those special bloggers. She has a beautiful style, great pictures, and informative content. Jami has a passion for textiles that rivals my love of furniture. She also knows her stuff and was willing to share that overflow of knowledge with us today.
Thanks, Jami, for taking the time to teach us more about something you're passionate about.
"Hello. I'm Jami, stopping by from freckled laundry and completely flattered to be guest posting on Miss Mustard Seed's Creative (and very inspirational) blog. Thank you so much, Marian!
When I'm not completely absorbed in my blissful role as mom of infant twins and a second grader, I'm transforming my home into a vintage chic cottage on the cheap and creating handmade wares for my shop. (I also decorate babies in vintage chic style.)
Simply put, I love natural textiles. They are as essential to creating a comfortably chic space as eggs and flour are to baking a cake, so I thought I'd take a minute to talk about a few of my loves.
Cotton
What is it about our bed that leaves us longing to fall into it at the end of each day? Aside from being the one place where the world momentarily stops and we are left to our thoughts and reflections, it's the way that it feels...soft, fluffy pillows and 400 thread count sheets that welcome our toes with cool comfort. And, it's usually cotton.
Cotton is a tried and true secret to creating a comfortable, chic space. It is pure. It is simple. It breathes. Cotton comes in many weaves but here a few that have made their mark in both vintage and modern homes.
Voile is a 'whisper' of cotton. It is a delicate, lightweight, smooth weave. Voile is French for veil; its original use. It is perfect for curtains when you want to create a light filtered, airy, barely there look. In pure white, it's a shabby chic dream.
Muslin is a 'breath' of cotton and has been a European staple since the 17th century. It is a closely woven, breathable, soft fabric. It has evolved from an inexpensive lining material for quilts and dresses into a [still] inexpensive essential for sheeting, pillows,and light diffusing curtains. It's smooth texture is great for stamping or painting on when creating decorative pillows and is a staple at the freckled cottage for decorating on the cheap (average cost per yard: $3).
The muslin fabric in this photo is great but just look at that writing desk.
{sigh}
Canvas is the 'workhorse' of cotton given its heavy, tight weave. It is a durable, thick textile that comes in either plain or duck. It is perfect for slipcovers if you want washable furniture. One creative lady in particular with the initials M.M.S. has even used canvas drop cloths to make inexpensive, beautiful slipcovers.
How cute is this pillow?
Linen
Linen is a timeless fabric. It is one of the oldest textiles, most often made from flax. It can also be made using hemp or cotton. In it's natural state, linen colors include ivory, ecru, tan, or gray. Pure white linen is bleached. Antique Homespun Linen is highly regarded in cottage and farmhouse decor given it's rarity and handmade texture. Linen creates a lovely base to vintage decor. 
Burlap
Woven from jute, burlap is a very affordable, natural fabric. It tends to have a rough, scratchy texture although some French burlaps have a smooth feel. More than comfort, burlap provides visual texture, another important element to consider when creating a comfortable, vintage inspired space.
Hemp
Hemp ranges from a smooth weave (i.e. hemp linen) to a rougher texture but isn't nearly as coarse as burlap. It is an imported fabric and thus can be rather expensive. Used in rugs and accents, it has a softer, natural visual texture.
Osnaburg
Typically woven from low grade or waste cotton, Osnaburg is an inexpensive alternative to hemp and linen. It ranges from a loose, course weave to a tight, smooth, "sheeting" texture. Osnaburg was the fabric most commonly used for slave garments and the bodies of cloth dolls. In its natural color, it is tan with flecks of white and brown with a very earthen look.
Beachy, vintage, shabby chic, cottage, traditional, and farmhouse styles alike use these natural textiles to create a certain "nest" feeling...
I hope you enjoyed reading my first guest post!
Happy to meet you,
Jami"
Ok, I learned a lot of stuff I didn't know. How about you? Now, go show Jami some love on her blog for sharing all of this great information with us...while caring for infant twins!
Show off.
