oh - maybe I should take a look at that book, then! Thanks!

Cleta

Might add that some of those antique table linens ARE made of linen. I own many such !

Thanks, Rosemary - don't know about Superwoman, but I learned a lot from that. lol. I think I should clarify what I am talking about...I'm using the mid-to heavy weight linen made from flax. I have Cindy Needham's book, but she uses vintage table cloth, bed linens, etc. I do appreciate your comment, though - pictures, hmmm....not sure I took any, but will look. I've discovered that cotton velveteen as the backing for baby quilts or any quilt is just so scrumptious...worth the effort usually.

You used cotton velveteen for the backing - wow! working with a pile fabric = superwoman.... photos, we definitely need photos!

Cindy Needham is noted for using old linens for quilts, she was a guest on either the first or second series, and has her own website where you could probably find additional advice.

Hi - just looking for some input from others who have quilted with linen. I've done one twin size whole-cloth quilt using a medium weight Italian linen - and it turned out really nice. I did find it difficult to work with because it is heavier than cotton fabric, moves around a bit more, and requires a ton of starch if you wash it first.

However, I am giving it a go again on two (oh yes - I am a glutton for punishment) king size whole-cloth linen quilts. This time I think I WON'T wash it first so that it isn't so "shifty"...I will still starch it to death. I know that linen shrinks a lot if washed in hot water, but I plan to wash in cool water after quilting. I will also use a lighter-weight batting. And the backing for both quilts will be cotton...the first time I used cotton velveteen for the backing which really added to the weight.

I would like to free-motion quilt these two quilts. The first time I mostly just did straight lines, with one large curve thrown in for interest (quilted horizontally inside the curve and vertically outside it. REally looked nice - kind of art deco).

Anyone else using linen in their quilt tops and do you have any advice?