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.
For many of us, the idea of ‘going green’ and playing a vital part in helping to save Mother Earth from resource depletion and over consumption, is more than just a passing fancy. J&O Fabric store is doing our part by bringing in more and more organic fabrics. As each day ushers in new devastating information pertaining to the effects of global warming, pollution in our air and waters, cancers in our food supply, and the long term effects of genetically modified textile crops such as our beloved cotton, more and more of us are raising our awareness to the fragile balance and co-dependency of man and nature, and are taking steps both big and small to ensure our survival and that of future generations. One such step that we can take as seamstresses, tailors, crafters, and designers, is to make our sewing environments more eco-friendly. With the running of our machines and the burning of the midnight oil (lights) to get our projects done sometimes, the amount of energy we use in the course of a day, a week, a month, adds up. When considering that the leading cause of our eco-system breakdown is still the burning of coal to generate electricity, we owe it to Mother Nature to do our part, one change at a time.
Dear Netfah,
I am working on reusable bags for my kids and Xmas gifts, but heard a lot of the nylon, PUL (polyurethane) fabric and other stuff are not food safe. Any sugestions for ‘food safe’ fabrics or alternatives for my project?
Thank You
Leilane
Dear Leilane,
As long as I can remember, I have always had an infatuation with fabric. Napped materials like raw silk, linen, unbleached muslin, burlap and hemp appealed to me because of their slightly rough texture, just as much as fleece, velour, and gauze did because of their softness. As a little girl, my fingers became my eyes into the world of textile goods, feeling my way around garment racks and my mothers linen closet. It was always about how it felt, before it was about how it looked, behaved, or cost. Still today, much of how I experience the world is based on how a specific experience makes me feel.
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.
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.
Top Ten Burlap Craft Ideas
In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibers. So what does that mean for crafters like you and me who stay in search of the latest and greatest in natural fabrics and textiles.
First, it means that we will be hearing a lot more about the pro’s and con’s of various natural fibers with animal and plant origins as well as their bi-products which can range from luxurious apparel, to more traditional and non-traditional industrial uses.
While most of our shirts have been, and continue to be made from cotton, bamboo fiber shirts are slowly becoming the popular ‘go-green’ alternative. Both are natural plant fibers, absorb moisture well, and are strong and durable. The benefit of the bamboo fiber is that it is naturally anti-bacterial and is known for its breath-ability as well. Much like cotton, it is not only comfortable, but carries an extremely soft hand too. One more thing they have in common, China. Both cotton and bamboo are grown and harvested in abundance there not only to support their building needs, but their wildlife as well.
