Linen has been woven from the flax fiber for the last 10,000 years, making linen is one of nature's most useful fibers. In fact, the Shroud of Turin is made of Linen. While every part of the flax plant is used - for oil, paint, fertilizer and even banknotes - flax is most renowned as the raw material for this extraordinary fabric. Today, linen is made in many parts of the world. However, climatic conditions in Western Europe are ideal for growing flax and there are nearly 130,000 acres under cultivation annually. Flax requires considerably fewer pesticides and fertilizers than other crops, and the fibers are recyclable and biodegradable. To preserve the fibers during harvesting, flax is never cut, but always uprooted. The flax is then weathered, combed and spun into fibers. After weaving, it is finished and often dyed.

Irish Linen has qualities which make it particularly desirable. The soft water in Irish streams, the fineness of the yarns achieved by Irish spinners and the skills of the weavers, handed down through generations, produces linen which is especially soft and beautiful. And of course this hand finishing comes at a price. Linen is strong, soft and lustrous with a distinctive drape, a luxurious touch and crisp coolness. The more it is used, the softer and stronger it becomes. It can absorb up to 50% of its weight in moisture (more than cotton) before it feels damp, and easily releases moisture to the air to remain cool and dry to the touch. The combination of smooth fibers, luster, natural porosity, strength and durability make linen a very desirable natural fiber fabric.

Living in Texas we feel that linen is the best fabric for this climate: breathable, wicks off moisture, and washes easily. Linen is admired by designer and consumer alike; its brilliant colors, crisp drape, pleasant feel and its dimensional stability are unexcelled. Fashion is fond of linen for its elegance and the feeling of luxury it generates. Linen remains colorfast, washes easily, travels well, and is non-allergenic. Linen sheets are again popular, and we have all always loved linen for the kitchen and table. Linen offers a unique blend of luxury and comfort, supreme elegance and down-to-earth practicality

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who can deal with wrinkles and those who can't. For those who can, wee carry two weights of Linen. We have handkerchief weight that is 4oz and medium weight that is 5.5oz. Both are 60 inches wide and $16.95 a yard

Want to know what that fabric is? The Burn Test is a quick way to determine the fiber content of an unknown fabric: In a well-ventilated area, and away from flammable materials, unravel a few threads of the fabric in question. Lighting a match or lighter, move the sample slowly first up to the flame and then into it, watching carefully. Remove it from the flame, still watching it and extinguish it if necessary. Linen fibers won't shrink from the flame, will burn with a yellow flame while in it, continues to burn when the flame is removed, and smells like burning paper. There is a little grey ash residue after extinguishing. Cotton reacts much the same, because they are both cellulose, but cotton has much shorter, limper fibers. Practice with a little of each known fiber to get a feel for the difference. See the other main fabric pages for more burn test results.