Vegetable fibres

H1

Hemp top, premium quality, natural

Today, hemp is being grown all over Europe, but the primary goal is seed production for food, so the fibre of the stalk is a by-product. Over-maturity results in a harsher more coarse fibre.

However, our hemp was grown in India and processed in China. It is softer than most and is a lovely pale gold colour with some lustre. The Chinese have an enzyme retting system superior to all others and the hemp is grown especially for its fine fibre. Hemp is an environmentally friendly fibre that grows so fast, and is so vigorous, that no pesticides or herbicides are needed.

Hemp blends well with wools and silk, and hemp yarns and fabrics will soften with wear. A popular blend is Hemp/Romney(lamb)/Soy. Spun fairly fine it will make a lovely lightweight summer sweater. Another surprisingly nice blend is Hemp/Icelandic.

Y1

Soy top, natural

Soy fibre is made from the residue of tofu making. It is a protein fibre and dyes well with weak acid and natural dyes. It is available in natural, which is a pale honey gold colour, and white, which is more like cream. The white has been bleached and is slightly more expensive. Soy spins like silk, but due to the shorter fibre lengths is a bit more tricky. It has a nice lustre and blends well with fine fibres. Try it with merino, polwarth, or any fine fibre with lots of crimp. It adds softness and lustre - even 10% soy will make a difference.