Hemp, Linen, Paper, Plants
Hemp (Cannabis Sativa Linn) plant consists of roots, straw, shive, fibre, seeds and flowers and each part of the plant can be processed and used in different ways. Hemp is an effective carbon sequester and a good rotation crop which can help to break cycle of diseases and prevents soil erosion; it contributes to biodiversity and doesn’t require use of pesticides and consumes small amounts of water. Hemp yarns and textiles possess many desirable qualities: they are biodegradable, breathable and moisture absorbent; they provide antibacterial protection against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria; are durable and resistant to mold, moth and mildew; they are susceptible to shrinkage and resistant to pilling; hemp fabrics softness increases with use and with each wash; when dyed, hemp yarns retain colour better than cotton; hemp is a great insulator and has superior UV blocking qualities.
Hemp
Linen yarns, derived from the fibers of the flax plant, are highly valued in weaving for their strength, durability, and natural luster. Known for their smooth texture and slight crispness, linen yarns create fabrics with excellent structure and a distinctive drape. Linen is naturally absorbent and has antibacterial properties. It holds dye beautifully, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting colours. However, due to its stiffness and lack of elasticity, linen requires careful handling during weaving to maintain even tension.
Linen
Scrolls of packing paper play an important role in the weaving process, particularly when creating multiple layers of woven cloth. These strips or rolls of paper act as warp separator. They are inserted between the layers of fabric on the loom as the cloth is wound onto the beam. Their primary function is to ensure even tension and alignment of the woven fabric, preventing layers from sticking together or shifting during weaving. Scrolls of paper are an accessible, reusable, and sustainable solution and provide consistent support without damaging the cloth.
Paper
Plants play a central role in the natural dyeing process, offering a rich and sustainable source of colour for textiles. The dyeing process typically involves boiling the plant material to extract its pigments, which are then used to colour fibers. The resulting shades depend on factors such as the plant species, harvesting season, water quality, and mordants (substances like alum or iron that fix the dye to the fiber). Plants not only provide a renewable alternative to synthetic dyes but also reflect cultural and regional traditions, linking the craft to local landscapes and sustainable practices.
In my work I extract the dyes from seaweeds, nettles, rapeseed flowers, acorn and many more locally sourced and collected plants.
