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With mandated self-quarantining and social distancing protocols in place extending way beyond borders and well into the summer, many are finding themselves exchanging vacations away for stay-cations at home, spending less by doing more DIY projects, and taking visual and emotional inventory on their new world formerly known as just ‘home’.
With the popularity in and demand for Industrial Hemp on the rise, everyone from fabric manufacturers, sustainable textile advocates and designers, to artisans, young entrepreneurs, and DIY crafters are discovering creative ways to cash in on the cannabis crop. But what is all the buzz about? And what are the benefits of this strand of hemp?
Industrial Hemp comes from the same Cannabis Sativa family of plants as its more notable female cousin, CBD Hemp…aka Mary Jane. The main difference between Industrial Hemp and CBD Hemp is that Industrial Hemp contains only traces of the psychoactive THC that has made its cousin famous. What makes Industrial Hemp special however, is what’s hidden in its fibers.
With her cotton/polyester blend of fibers and water-repellent finish, Aruba Getaway II Stripes Outdoor is a versatile and colorful fabric that loves the great outdoors, being the center of attention, and showing off her many talents. Looking to add some spice to your life?
The perfect parent for this vibrant fabric has creative vision and plenty of patio cushions to cover. When you adopt-a-fabric like Aruba Getaway II Stripes Outdoor, it’s a win-win situation for both, for a little bit of love and a home of her own is all this happy fabric needs.
Every once and awhile as we conduct research online for information, new innovations and stories within the textile industry to develop and share with you, we stumble on unique individuals and companies doing interesting and often times fascinating things with fabric around the world. One such company is Tosheka Designs.
'Mushroom dress' created by Dutch textile designer Aniele Hoitink. Courtesy Aniela Hoitink / Neffa
At first glance Dutch textile designer Aniele Hoitink’s ‘Mushroom Dress’ looks to be made of some kind of light tissue lame or crushed sheer, but mushrooms? What’s next!?
Known as ‘muskin’, this leather like material is made from spores extracted from the upper button or ‘hat’ of the phellinus ellipsoideus mushroom through a process similar used for animal leather but without the use of tanning toxins or other chemicals, making it 100% natural. In addition to the material from the hat, the fleshy underpart, or root of the mushroom yields a fine, thread-like fabric of cells called mycelium. Found in several other variety of mushrooms, this wearable fiber has been weaved to create everything from clothing to accessories.
With the summer quickly moving along and temperatures running high, naturally anti-bacterial and odor resistant organic bamboo fabric which is breathable even in the hottest weather, is also one of the coolest summer fabrics in town and we have Mother Nature to thank for that!
Traditionally used in China and Japan to make hats and shoes, and in the South Pacific for housing and utensils, bamboo has undergone many processes to create the fiberous form found in modern day wear. Whether you’re decorating your summer home, designing a collection, or simply making a few pieces for yourself, be beckoned by bamboo and keep your cool at the same time.
When we think about African fabric design, rarely do we as consumers give much thought as to the history, craft, and meaning behind the symbols, patterns, or design elements we see. Instead we ‘ooh‘ and ‘aah‘ at the bright colors and creative print, thinking about what we can make with this, what we can do with that . But until we have the opportunity to see its manifestation from concept to completion, we will never really appreciate the finished textile that seems to silently whisper…i am special, buy me!
Earth Day was born on April 22, 1970 as was the foundations of the environmental movement. Now, forty-two years later, we are still finding new ways to live a greener lifestyle and create a smaller carbon footprint for the good of our planet and future generations. Crafters have even picked up the baton and found new ways to repurpose clothing and recycle household waste into some pretty amazing craft projects.
image by cakersandco
As a crafter I find myself drawn to certain color schemes time-and-time again. I prefer cheery, vintage-inspired prints. If I’m looking for a solid color I’m often drawn to blues, greens, and pinks–cool colors. I’ll occasionally venture out of my comfort zone and wear a bright red or orange–warm colors. Oftentimes I prefer more muted shades. So, what does your fabric say about you? Check out some of the prints I’ve profiled below and see which one suits you best!
Living a green lifestyle has been popular for several years now. It seems everywhere you turn from your favorite magazine to the label on your household cleaner everything is becoming greener and more environmentally friendly. I have been striving to live a greener lifestyle for at least 5 years now. So, I must admit the pure organic cotton prints we offer are some of my favorite products. If you design your own clothing, sew handbags, create baby clothes, toys and accessories to sell it’s amazing how you can create a buzz over offering organic fabric for your customers. A lot of customers are willing to pay more to be green, which in-turn creates more green for you!
