By Kelly Rand •
May 7, 2009
If you’ve been waiting to add some hemp fiber to your life now has never been a better time to do so. Hemp for Knitting offers a wide variety of yarn in a multitude of weights and colors.
I know we’ve already sang the praises of hemp but it stands to be repeated. Hemp is a fast growing plant that is pest resistant reducing the need for both water and pesticides and herbicides. Hemp also helps nourish the soil right where it is planted, reducing the need for fertilizer.
By Kelly Rand •
December 4, 2008
If you’ve ever wondered what Churro wool was, then look no further than Tierra Wools. Complete with a full history of the breed of sheep, Tierra Wools also offers all of their Churro yarn and other wools as certified organic.
For the curious amongst you, Churro sheep were introduced to the New World because of their hardiness and adaptability to the new climate. They are an old breed dating back to the 1500’s. They were adopted by the Navajo and Pueblo Indian Tribes, soon after their journey.
Their fiber is similar to that of merino, but was eventually found to be secondary to other breeds and their stock was rapidly diminished. Today, it is rare to find pure bred Churros because they had been pushed to the brink of extinction, for many reasons. Largely found in the Southwestern part of the U.S. their fiber carries a luster not found in other wools. It has less lanolin then other wools as well and popular among spinners because of this.
By Kelly Rand •
November 4, 2008
Tasked with creating a non-toxic couch back in 1994, the company Furnature was born. Created specifically for those suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, a sensitivity or severe allergy to pollutants, Furnature has continued to be sought out by those sufferers and those of us who prefer to live a toxin free life.
Beyond the couches, futons, ottomans and bed frames, Furnature offers some interesting non-toxic fabrics.
The company offers a line of 100% organic cotton weaves found in a Houndstooth Check (pictured), Oblong Dobby, Herringbone, a Textured Weave, a Finer Texture, a Washed Cotton Chenille and Dimpled Chenille Texture. They also offer a couple of cotton/bamboo blends in a Diamond Dobby pattern and Greige Herringbone. They even have a pretty decent looking organic cotton velvet, something that you definitely don’t see every day!
