"We interrupt this Python" or Sidetracked by Organic Cotton Flannel

You know that old chestnut about women being afraid of snakes? Well, I can't vouch for its accuracy or lack thereof, but I can say that, much to my surprise, every woman who has caught sight of my python jacket-in-progress has totally oohed and aahed over it -- my octogenarian mother included.

I feel a little guilty because, if truth be told, I'm not that into it. It's just so...synthetic.

Perhaps the gods are listening, because last week I received an email from an online fabric store specializing in organic cotton, Organic Cotton Plus, offering me a few yards of the fabric of my choice in exchange for a review. I said yes -- not just because I was up to my neck in a PITA petroleum-derived project, but also because if there's a good source of organic fabric out there, I'd like to help spread the word.

I love cotton flannel and when I saw the colors offered on the site (perfect for a "summer" like me) it took me exactly ten seconds to select my fabric. A few days later, my package arrived. Hello, gorgeous!

It even came shipped in a recycled "eco" mailer -- nice.

As soft as this flannel was when I received it, after I laundered and machine-dried it this morning (pics below) I wanted to wrap myself up in it and go back to bed. It reminds me of a vintage chamois shirt I used to own from L.L. Bean -- the flannel is soft, sturdy and has marvelous loft.

Organic Cotton Plus is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards) certified. You can read more about the environmental benefits of using organic cotton here.

I hope to have an organic cotton flannel sewing project to show you next week -- probably before my synthetic, fossil fuel-derived python jacket is finished.

I am not what you would call an environmentally-conscious fabric shopper. I'm much more focused on organic food production than I am on fabric production, since I put food in my body and fabric just goes on it. Perhaps it's time to pay closer attention.

Do any of you seek out organic sources of the fabric you need, if it's available? If so, I hope you'll give Organic Cotton Plus a look. (They're also a great source of hemp fabric and have a specific Made in the USA section).

Have a great day, everybody!

PS -- Are you a woman and afraid of snakes?