Re: Linea polyester

GraceCO · ‎11-16-2011

@Sammijo10 wrote:
I love Louis' designs, but the fabrics lately are unfortunately not for me. I know he sources the best poly he can find, but every time I try it, I send it back. Just can't wear poly - especially in tops.

I find the pebble crepe ok - majority rayon, made from cellulose, so technically while man made, not a synthetic fabric. And I do love the WK, again, majority rayon.

It's disappointing to me that his budget doesn't allow better fabrics, when Martha Stewart, D & Co, and SG can all do linen blends for summer.

I'll just stick to Whisper Knit and outerwear. Sigh...all those beautifully designed items in non-natural fabrics.

@Sammijo10

That's a good point. If other "boutique" lines at QVC, like Martha Stewart & Halston, can do linen blends for summer, why not Linea. I do have Linea linen pants from a few seasons ago, but haven't seen anything recently, so I'm guessing there were complaints about "ironing." (roll eyes). Louis has an mpossible job making everyone happy. But, if I had a choice, I'd pay more for natural fibers, even if that means fewer selections in the line, due to the budget. And, not everything has to be linen, cotton, etc., but just a few pieces.

Sammijo10 · ‎05-14-2011

Oh, Sheesh! I stopped counting my various Whisper Knits when I hit 35! I've got most styles in at least one and usually two or more colors. I wear them from mid September till at least May here in upstate NY.

I was dismayed to read on Louis' blog that there will be no re-orders and only one new design. I can tell you my original boyfriend cardis are looking a little long in the tooth and I do baby them when washing, but wear them over EVERYTHING! Could have really used a new long cardi to replace them.

Happened to spend a few days in Eastern Mass a couple weeks ago and thought of you! I accompanied DH on a business trip and visited the historic sites around Concord and Lexington. Am I right to remember you are in Mass?

Sammijo10 · ‎05-14-2011

Grace, absolutely! I have worn my Linea linen pants from several years ago to DEATH, they are getting shiny now. I mean after a while even the best fabrics give out through wear. I hate to complain about the fabrics, because Louis works so hard to bring us a curated design collection every season and he's much better at it than Halston or Martha - they seem to just have one off items that we then have to figure out how to make the work with our closets. Even the same color within a collection (obviously not Linea) don't match!

P.S. LOVED the eye roll on ironing. Of course, I'm not in the 120 degree south, but I iron my linen only minimally - i figure that's how folks know its linen!

Writer with Flair · ‎08-21-2013

@Barbara in Virginia wrote:
Yes, it is often the finishing materials used that cause the problem. I am also very reactive to cheap dyes. I can smell them at 40 paces! Another thing that can affect comfort and wear is the quality of the fibers used. Those with very short fibers, sometimes even recycled with much shorter pieces fallen on the manufacturing floors swept up and reconstituted, will pill very quickly affecting the look as well as the comfort in wearing those garments made from them. This is also true of the thread used.

I don't have any problems with Louis's polyesters. In fact, the quality of them is beautiful and also much cheaper to maintain than silks: easy care and the dyes used are stable. I have actually come to prefer them.

I agree 100%, Barbara. As a cancer survivor since 1998, I try to avoid all unnecessary contact with chemicals (especially dry cleaning ones). I, too, prefer Louis' polyesters to silks as far as ease of care and color stability.

I use Dreft detergent and stain remover. If it is gentle enough for a newborn, it is gentle enough for me. I get it at Kroger and sometimes our Costco has had it.

By the way, I use a professional Jiffy steamer on much of my clothing and love it. It has saved me a fortune in sending things in to the cleaners to get them pressed.

GraceCO · ‎11-16-2011

@Sammijo10 wrote:
Grace, absolutely! I have worn my Linea linen pants from several years ago to DEATH, they are getting shiny now. I mean after a while even the best fabrics give out through wear. I hate to complain about the fabrics, because Louis works so hard to bring us a curated design collection every season and he's much better at it than Halston or Martha - they seem to just have one off items that we then have to figure out how to make the work with our closets. Even the same color within a collection (obviously not Linea) don't match!

P.S. LOVED the eye roll on ironing. Of course, I'm not in the 120 degree south, but I iron my linen only minimally - i figure that's how folks know its linen!

@Sammijo10 I had to laugh when I read your description of your linen pants "getting shiny" as mine are pretty close to that condition! I wore them again this year and that slightly wider leg is totally in fashion! I love that pant.

I agree that Louis does a wonderful job of bringing us a curated design collection and we can't complain. He finds us terrific alternate fabrics, like moss crepe, and I know we are among the devotees of his Whisper Knit, which feels like a cotton cashmere. Guess I just long for a few of the natural fabrics from years ago in the line. But, for now, I'm holding onto those linen pants! I have no problem ironing or steaming, even in the summer

Nonametoday · ‎03-09-2010

@Marlyn1 wrote:
I'm alergic to silk organza. I bought a beautiful sleeveless cocktail dress with a fitted bodice and a full skirt in an amazing coral color. My husdand and I were going to a wonderful event, and I wore the dress with turquoise jewelry. I had never had it on for very long. It was an out door event and it was warm. I started to feel very uncomfortabe not thinking it was the dress. Silk had never bothered me before. My husband said are you feeling alright? Your back is beet red as were my arms and chest. When the hives started to pop up we took our leave. I took an alergy pill, and a shower. Need less to say I returned the dress. I was told it was the finish of the fabric that makes it stiff. Who knows, but I never went near the fabric again.

@Marlyn1 Was it the silk organza, or a chemical that made the silk into organza, or a finish after the silk was made into organza?

I never knew chemicals were required to make silk into organza. I thought it was a weaving process.

I rarely wore evening wear in my youth other than peau de soie and silk organza and never had a reaction and I react to everything almost, due to asthma and MS.

Nonametoday · ‎03-09-2010

@Carmie wrote:
Polyester is plastic. There are a ton of chemicals used to make it. If you use fabric softener on poly, it will stick and make a film.

If you use fabric softener, give it up. Rinse your clothing in vinegar water to remove the buildup. That might help.

@Carmie I use vinegar as a rinse in my washer and I do not use fabric softener. I use the ball things in my dryer. I don't have a problem with polyester except that it is hot in summer and I prefer cotton and linen but I don't have issues otherwise. Is this why?

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

@Nonametoday Vinegar helps remove soap scum and oils from all fabrics. These items will build up on the fabric and cause it to yellow. It is especially difficult to remove that yellowing or grease spots on poly.

It sounds like you are properly caring for your poly fabrics.