There is something to say about the cycle of life and the return to the tried and true. Whether you are talking about health remedies, lifestyle practices, fashion, or even fabric. And with go-green and eco-friendly practices on the rise by mainstream consumers from Cali to NYC, more and more designers and textile industries are jumping on the bandwagon and taking it back to the basics with the use of natural fiber alternatives. As they do so, consumers gain more insight into just how far behind western culture is in comparison to the rest of the world in terms of sustainable living.
Noticeable as well are the differences seen in authentic hand weaved materials and machine manufactured ones. In the attempt to maximize production and corner the market, westerners and overly ambitious manufacturers have tried to replicate natural fiber texturizing techniques using various mechanical devices in order to ensure faster processing, bigger volume, and lower costs. The result, a product of inferior quality and substance.
One such plant whose fibers have been cultivated, sustained and hand woven in the plush tropical province of Aklan, Philippines for centuries, is the Pina cloth. Not only natural, it is a great eco-friendly textile source. Pina cloth starts with fragile hairlike fiber strands from the leaves of pineapples that are then woven into unique high quality cloth of intricate designs and sold to not only international textile and design mills, but to the high society in the Philippines Islands as well.
From sophisticated hand weaving techniques like "ringgue" (lattice affect) and "saeanigo" (twill weave), to specialty hand embroidery like "sombra" or flower designs which have become a dying skill, these lost techniques are seeing a revival through modernized replications done in manufacturing plants and made into wearable textiles for mainstream consumers.
Traditionally used in high-end garments like wedding gowns, the finer than hair yet stiff fibers carry their own natural sheen, are easy to wash, and don't require dry cleaning. Talk about eco-friendly. Pina cloth has also earned a niche as one of the worlds finest traditional crafts comparable only to China silk, Belgium lace, and Italian leather. More recently, a mixture of silk and pinya (the so called 'pinya-seda') has also been produced, making the humble beginnings of the pineapple seem like a Cinderella story.
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Labels: eco-friendly-fabric, go-green, natural-fibers, organic-fabric, pina-cloth, pina-seda, pineapple-cloth
In the world of go-green eco-friendly fabrics, bamboo, hemp, and organic cottons rank on top of the popular fibers that most people know list. But just like any exposed treasure, it is only a matter of time before the possible risk of overconsumption and resource depletion start to creep into reality. With this unfortunate pattern of abuse in mind, scientists and researchers are always looking for new fiber sources and improved methods of sustainable processing. The goal being to provide an all natural and preferrably organic fiberous material that can be used in the textile industry for the use in garments, interior decorating and upholstered goods.
One boutiful source of not only alternative nutritional supplements, but fiberous material as well, is the ocean. Still a vast resource full of marine life, plant life, and mystery, the ocean has given birth to several organic fibers used today in fabrics such as seacell and water hyacinth.
Raw water hyacinth stalk fibers are being researched for use in the manufacturing of clothing and home fabrics. The stalks have been tested through a series of chemical and mechanical treatments to achieve the crimp like property of wool for better processing, reduction in the plants gummy content, and softening of the fibers to make them fine and fit for knitting and weaving. Blends of 80/20 and 63/35 of polyester/water hyacinth fibers were ideal for home textiles such as curtains, upholstery, table cloths and bedding.
Water hyacinth fabric is not available on the market yet, but keep your eyes open for this innovative step in sustainable apparel technology. In the meantime, visit us online for selected organic fabrics just in time for the upcoming season.
organic bamboo fabric
organic kona cotton fabric
organic sea-cell fabric
Posts by J&O
Fabric StoreLabels: go-green, go-green-gina, natural-fabric, Organic, organic-fabric, water-hyacinth, water-hyacinth-material
When I was a child, one of my favorite field day games at my school was the sack race. I remember the thrill of pairing up with my best friend as we climbed into that woven beige colored bag that would soon become our mode of transpo in a race to the finish line. Though somewhat rough to the touch, the burlap material I knew back then is not too different from the one that I use today for my unique one of a kind handcrafted bags. The difference, a little less abrasive, a little more color selection.
Tough enough to be used as a building material and loose enough to place over the ground as a weed barrier, burlaps versatility and potential are as endless as the artists imagination. From flexible draping paper and decorative wall hangings, rug backings and decorative dollies, record of burlap use dates back from the biblical days, all the way up to modern times. Its durable yet flexible nature makes it a great fabric for a wide array of uses.
A natural fabric made from jute, hemp or flax fibers, burlap is grown all over Asia and Central America. It prevents soil erosion, promotes plant life, and acts as a natural soil enhancer. On the go-green sustainable planet scene, burlap is recyclable and may one day surpass cotton as the most used natural fiber. In the meantime, post consumer burlap composts create a constantly renewable product that increases soil fertility rather than depleting it.
Weave it, wet it, embroider it, shred it, braid it, mold it, stretch it, fold it.....With so many positive attributes and usage techniques, burlap offers some great crafting ideas for the decorator, seamstress, agriculturalist, and artist in all of us.
Top Ten Burlap Craft Ideas1. Use loose weaved burlap as a carpet backing.
2. Embroider with fabric scraps, yarn and other odds and ends to create beautiful wall hangings.
3. Shred into paper pulp and add to paint for a textured look on any surface
4. Sew up ends for a rustic and natural window dressing.
5. Lay over lawn to encourage grass growth.
6. Wet into a paper mache like texture to make bowls, vases, and sculptures
7. Laminate on card stock to make beautiful cards and paper art.
8. Stretch fine weave burlap on a frame to make a textured canvas for art.
9. Braid or weave strands and add beads for creative jewelry.
10. Sew up to make cute satches for potpourri or jewelry.
11. Create a potato sack.
12. Line and paint to make unique back packs and hand bags.
13. Line to make fun hats.
14. Leave raw and create great recyclable shopping bags
15. Sew up sides for a good old fashion sack race.
Whatever you are inspired to do with burlap, have fun doing it!
See all of our Burlap Fabric
View our Drapery FabricView our Upholstery Fabric View our Burlap Fabric
Posts by J&O
Fabrics StoreLabels: burlap, burlap-craft-ideas, burlap-crafts, eco-friendly-fabric, go-green, natural-fabric, sack-races
Today J&O Fabrics and millions of other folks striving to become more environmentally conscious are celebrating the 39th Anniversary of Earth Day not only across America, but in countries like the UK, Philippines, Venezuela, Spain and Togo too. If you've never heard of Earth Day or the ideology behind going 'green', then you're in for a treat. Today, and in the days and weeks to come, you will probably be bombarded with information and resources on how you can help create a healthier planet and give back to Mother Earth for all that she has done for you...without you even having to ask. From the air we breath, water we drink, and ground we walk upon, Mother Earth has been taking good care of us over the years, so why not show her how much she is appreciated by recycling our papers and cans, using less plastic and NON-biodegradable materials, and preserving our water usage. By just taking one step in favor of a less polluted and more sustainable environment, we can each play our part in saving our planet and ourselves!
At J&O Fabrics we are playing our part by carrying various 100% organic and pesticide free fabrics in a selection of all natural materials and colors. By using organic fabrics, we reduce the poisoning of the planet and its inhabitants by reducing the use of chemical treatments on fiber crops. Purchase 1, 5, or even 10 yards for your own personal use today!
To find out how you can contribute to the modern environmental movement, check out the websites below. One person can make a difference, play your part today!
Posts by J&O
Fabrics StoreLabels: bamboo-fabric, earth-day, environmentally-friendly, go-green, go-green gina, kona-cotton, Organic, organic-fabric, organic-material, seacell-fabric