We often talk about fabric in two categories, natural fabrics like linen, cotton, wool, silk or synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon and spandex/lycra. Then there is this whole other slightly ambiguous category of semi-synthetic. This is where we find rayon.
Read MoreBreathable, durable, versatile, crisp, hardwearing. These are just some of the ways you could describe cotton fabrics. Cotton is an extremely versatile fibre, especially when blended with other fibres to create a myriad of beautiful fabrics for many different sewing applications. Cotton is pervasive in the textile world but its production has a sordid history and it’s no secret that cotton requires a lot of water for both its crop and the many manufacturing processes required to get the fibres from boll to finished textile.
Read MoreIt’s popping up everywhere, but what is it? Correctly labelled, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, this eco-responsible viscose fibre made and trademarked by the Lenzing Group is another step in the right direction for sustainable fibres. Although it is still a viscose fibre produced in much the same way as rayon, with toxic chemical use and issues with wastewater pollution, the steps Lenzing has taken to ensure a lower environmental impact and their commitment to sustainable forestry practices gives this fibre a leg up on generic viscose and some cotton production as well.
Read MoreSo what is bamboo, really? We know it as that extremely versatile fabric that has a beautiful drape and luxurious hand feel but is it really the more sustainable choice when it comes to eco-friendly fabrics?
We don’t have all the answers but definitely some food for thought.
Bamboo is a versatile raw material and increasingly recognizable as a sustainable alternative to plastic used in construction, home decor, personal hygiene items, kitchen utensils and even reusable coffee cups.
Read MoreTencel™ and lyocell fabrics are gaining rapid popularity in the sewing world and they often come with the “more sustainable option” tag line but you may be wondering, what does “more sustainable” actually mean. Let us break it down for you!
The terms Tencel™ and lyocell are often used interchangeably, bringing about some confusion. Tencel™ is the registered name for the fabric lyocell, made and trademarked by the Austrian company, Lenzing. Lenzing is world renowned for their closed loop production system which recycles over 99% of the non-toxic solvents they use to produce lyocell fibres. They are a trusted partner in sustainable forestry practices, renewable energy and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
Hemp is a strong fibre from a plant that uses the land well, providing more fiber per acre than cotton or flax. As a robust annual crop, it grows quickly and successfully in many different climates and requires significantly less water than crops like cotton. The plant itself replenishes the soil around it with minerals while also cleaning toxins from the ground and acting as a natural weed suppressor. For this reason, hemp is considered a carbon-negative crop meaning it removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it adds, reducing its carbon footprint to less than neutral. How cool is that?!
Read MoreIt’s no secret, we love linen! From its temperature regulating, antimicrobial properties to its crisp hand and soft drape, we think linen is a great place to start on your natural fibre journey! In this fabric spotlight we discuss the properties and production of linen and the exciting ongoing #FlaxToLinenPF project led by @pembinafibreshed right here in Treaty 1 territory!
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