Journal

An update for our customers: things are shifting here at Willow Ship HQ

After more than a decade of the current version of Willow Ship, we have an exciting business re-direction in the works for 2024: a re-brand and re-imagining of our entire line.

The work that we currently do has (mostly) been a labor of love, feeding our creative spirits (and literally feeding us), fulfilling our desire to run a locally-based, hand-crafted business. But some of our ideas have shifted... the market has shifted... our resources are shifting... and we're growing in a new direction.

In an era of disposable convenience, the allure of cloth napkins is occasionally overlooked. Yet, these timeless essentials hold immense value, combining beauty with practicality in a way that paper napkins simply can't.

When considering cloth napkins, the choice of material plays a significant role. 100% linen, in particular, stands out as a premier fabric for its exceptional qualities. By incorporating linen cloth napkins into your household's daily routine, you not only add a touch of style to your table settings but also enjoy a range of unique benefits

I'm attempting to will Spring into happening (it's been a long PNW winter!) with some garment sewing projects, using our premium hand-printed 100% linen yardage. Manifesting via crafting is definitely a thing.

Last Fall, I spotted the Collage Gather Top from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club. Love at first sight. It's right in my want-that-now zone: a cute shape, just enough technique to keep it interesting, and multi-piece construction that allows for multi-fabric choices.

Now that we're on the other side of holiday markets, I love to think back to the chats with customers (the best part of events). Most of the time, there are frequently asked questions (usually about linen care), queries about our process, plus requests for new products (which were really consistent this year, so interesting).

It's also interesting to note what combinations of products people put together in their gift purchases (and gifts-to-self). Some opted for a full-on matching set of Sunshine Windows napkins and table runner, while others paired our top-selling Totem table runner with a wide range of items.

Ah, Summer in Oregon! It's hard to say goodbye. Our family just returned from our last camping trip of the season. We camped in the high desert, at the coast and in the dunes. What a beautiful state we live in. 

I was thinking about ways to camp (or picnic) a little more sustainably. This isn’t a critique of how anyone else chooses to play in nature. But for us, we like to be in the beautiful outdoors, eating well and being comfortable—and not making a lot of trash.

Do you wonder what using pure linen napkins on a daily basis would be like? Our family has been test-driving linen 3x per day for many years, and as you might imagine, we have some insights!
How should I wash my linen collection? 
The first time you wash your new linens, you’ll witness a remarkable transformation...

Happy Spring! Here in Portland, the long Winter-ish part of the season is lifting. Trees are in bloom, sweaters are cautiously being stashed. We made it! To celebrate, we’re so pleased to present a handful of new 100% linen styles for your Spring & Summer table! 

When we’re at in-person events, customers occasionally pause in front of the tea towels display and ask, usually in a quiet voice: “What exactly do people use tea towels… for? Does it have to be for tea?” We have a good laugh and I say, “Good question. It is kind of a weird name. They’re for whatever you want!” Shall we count the ways?? (Add your ideas in the comments!)