The village of Naramata on the shores of Okanagan Lake just northeast of Penticton has long been known as a haven for artists of all types and the home of many hidden gems. Tucked into a storefront at 156 Robinson Avenue is one of those treasures, Shades of Linen Boutique. Proprietor Diane Jensen is always hard at work, creating unique designs for sale in her shop. She makes her own lines of clothing from preshrunk and prewashed linen fabric in basic wardrobe staple colours beige, white, black and cream. There is always something new there, and with spring at hand the store has been reopened for the season with the addition of fresh items in light pink and light grey linen as well. Diane is the creative force behind the shop, designing her own styles and patterns, washing and preshrinking all of the fabric, cutting the pieces and working with a team of local seamstresses to assemble them. Human rights-conscious shoppers can feel free to fill their basket with all of the ethically sourced goods that catch their fancy without any guilt at all. In addition to her own work, Diane also carries complementary items from other artists that come from home and abroad, each unique and special in their own way.
If you happen to be planning on wine touring your way along the Naramata Bench this spring, be sure to stop in and see what Shades of Linen has in store! You can also find Shades of Linen on the web at www.shadesoflinenclothing.com.
~ Courtney Fossett