Getting and Spending: Pure fibres, sizes for all!

Wendy inspired today's windows with her comment on last week's "Season of Secondhand" post, when she mentioned the difficulty of finding natural fibre clothing in large sizes. 

She decided to literally take matters into her own hands and return to sewing, an excellent strategy. 

Because not everyone sews, I scouted retail possibilities. Wendy mentioned making shirts, so I've put shirts, blouses and knits in the window—all available in a wide size range.  

Clockwise from top left:

J. Crew's smart chambray jeans shirt, feminine but not fussy. The tie can be worn as a bow, ascot-style, or left looped and loose. Sizes US00 to 24. 

Universal Standard make basics, and offer natural fibre pieces, from XS to 4XL. I like the deep contrast cuffs on this Rhine v-neck pure cotton tee, and the terracotta/eggshell stripe. Other combinations available.

Boden make sizes up to UK22. This ruffled cotton jersey top interests me—if returning to the machine, all those ruffles would be daunting. That green, "Midnight Garden", departs from their usual Crayola palette.

Poetry's silk crepe de chine placed-print blouse: a special piece for the holidays, when we hope to see friends in person. Sizes UK6-22. That is an easier style to sew, but silk requires more attentive handling than a sturdy woven cotton.

Knits

 Left: Larger-sized knits in pure fibres and colours are hard to find, but Boden's Collar Jumper , 70% cotton/30% wool is one, and how those two greens and ivory pick up navy! 

Top right: Cashmere offered to plusses rarely ventures into pattern—so this J. Crew cashmere rollneck in snow/dark berry stripe is a standout. Sizes from XXS-3X. 

Bottom right: My petite-plus friend Rachel collects Talbot's "Audrey" cashmeres, which are midweight, and made with bracelet-length sleeves—we do like to show a bracelet! This season the colours include some appealing shades (shown, Goldfinch) and two prints, and the size range is outstanding: misses, petite, plus (to 3X) and the nearly-extinct petite plus (to 3X).

My experience with J. Crew and Talbot's cashmere: usually acceptable; don't expect the plush hand and double-decade wear of the best British houses, or European innovation. If high-end cashmere is your price point, Rachel recommends ponchos from Brora, which she wears over a crisp oxford-cloth shirt.

I deeply admire sewing; that accord of skill, talent, and creativity that can provide the wearer with a garment that's hers alone. From apron to evening gown, there's joy in realizing a vision. (Anyone returning will be wise to revive her skills incrementally— take it from me, maker of several silk scarves that were meant to be dresses.)

But those of us with fingers inflexible as pins and patience shorter than a '60s hemline resort to retail. Some companies I thought of as far too restricted have recently extended their range, and have even provided more pieces in natural fibres.