The fashion industry is amidst a revolutionary transformation, wanting to move away from fast fashion towards a sustainable future. There is growing awareness of the damage to the environment caused by textiles like cotton and polyester. There is a growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives such as Mycotex, Piñatex, and Orange Fibre. These are at the…
Sustainable products are becoming increasingly popular as consumers are looking for ways in which to reduce their environmental impact. However, one common hurdle many people are facing is the higher cost of these sustainable options. I wanted to try and understand the reasons why some sustainable products come with a premium price tag and whether…
As I explore different ways to integrate sustainability into my creative practice, I’ve become increasingly drawn to the art of natural dyeing. The thought of working with plant-based, renewable materials to create vibrant, organic colours deeply resonates with my desire to minimise my environmental impact and to gain a deeper understanding of how I can…
Exploring the Sustainability of Cork Textiles: A Natural Choice for Eco-Friendly Fashion As sustainability continues to be a priority for the fashion and textiles industry, designers and consumers are exploring alternative materials with a lower environmental impact. One such material that has been gaining attention is cork, a natural and renewable resource offering a unique…
Pineapple fibre, also known as piña fibre, is a sustainable textile made from the leaves of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). This fibre is remarkable not only does it showcase the ingenuity of traditional practices but it also aligns perfectly with modern sustainability efforts. Here’s a closer look at the properties, production process, and versatile…
Exploring Soybean Fabric: The Sustainable Textile Revolution Soybean fabric, known as soy silk or vegetable cashmere, is an innovative and sustainable textile made from the by-products of soybeans. As the fashion industry increasingly looks toward sustainable alternatives, soybean fabric has emerged onto the market as a remarkable option combining luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility. Here’s…
I have recently embarked on an exciting new journey into the world of natural dyeing and experimenting with organic materials like wool fleece, bamboo velour and fleece fabric. There’s something so satisfying about working with natural fibres, knowing that the end result will be sustainable, and beautifully unique. However, like most creative endeavours, there have…
Image Credit: Charles Etoroma via Unsplash As I explore different ways to integrate sustainability into my creative practice, I have become increasingly drawn to the process of natural dyeing. The idea of working with plant-based, renewable materials to create beautiful, vibrant colours resonates deeply with my desire to reduce my environmental impact. To better understand…
Image Credit: Emma-Jane Hobden via Unsplash Beetroot’s deep pink‑purple looks as though it should be a dream for natural dyeing, especially with the way its betalain pigment stains hands and cloth so easily. But newer studies suggest that this intensity is misleading; beetroot rarely performs as a dependable, long‑lasting dye. This beautiful red-purple colour which…
Medicinal dyes from plants, minerals, and other organic sources not only give colour but also have therapeutic properties. Historically, many natural dyes used in textiles and traditional arts have medicinal benefits. They were part of various cultural practices. Here’s an overview of some notable medicinal dyes and their uses: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Madder (Rubia Tinctorum)…