All Things Considered

So there's a link between skinny jeans and Tar Sands after all. According to an article found over at the Knitting Industry News blog:

"RadiciSpandex Corp., a U.S. RadiciGroup company engaged in the production of RadElast spandex, is developing the world’s first eco-friendly elastane using a 100% renewably sourced material (biopolymer).

“The innovative product line will be the world’s first spandex consisting of 80% biomaterial made from a 100% renewable source (corn), as opposed to propylene, an oil derivative,” a statement from the company said today.

According to RadiciSpandex, not only does the use of biopolymer help reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but the production process also emits fewer greenhouse gasses and uses less energy than petroleum-based processes. The company claims its new green elastane fibre will ensure the highest environmental sustainability while providing excellent performance (greater stretch and high-speed spinning) and good quality."

Knit & Weave I

I propose a link chase. Below you'll find a small handful of sites and pages that might be of interest to anyone wanting to learn a little more about textile production. This is Part I...

The articles and links on this website could easily eat up a few hours of any workday so watch out for this gem: Knitting Industry News.

This lesson in woven suiting is very informative: 'Sharkskin, Herringbone, and Houndstooth' via Department of Textilesmithing

These links speak for themselves:

Textile Technologist
Textile Source Blog
Textile/Weaving Library

Always fun to look at...An Ambitious Project Collapsing

The Footprint of a Bra

Ever wondered what it would be? The Knitting Industry News Blog has an answer for you. Apparently, Marks and Spencer has come out with a carbon neutral bra. I like that companies are adopting environmentally and socially ethical practices in the production of their wares. It's good business. What I wonder about are the convoluted, marketing-driven formulas that beg and borrow credits to make their products and manufacturing processes appear environmentally benign.

If I were to reverse-spin the carbon credit logic and take out the green-wash, it might look as if some companies are granting themselves permission to pollute and then making it a selling point. Are you buying it?

Embellishment

Really, this post is more of a meandering treasure hunt. I'll post a video or two and a few links and you can take it from there -just follow the bread crumbs if you're hoping to learn more. 

First, I will channel the most famous, French Master of Embroidery, Jean Francois Lesage, via Youtube :

Next, to the Jean Francois Lesage website for a lesson on the History of Embroidery. See also the Lesage Embroidery School where one may enroll in full or part-time Embroidery programs.

What. Can't get to Paris? How about a DIY tambour beading video or a couple of internet pages with hand stitching diagrams:

-Victorian Embroidery and Crafts
-reference chart for hand stitching


Finally, for those in need of a refreshingly different take on embellishment, Alabama Chanin will not disappoint. This link will take you to a video about the designer and company (scroll half way down the page).

Good hunting.

How Much Polyester Would a Pop Bottle Make?

According to the video below on "Recycling Plastic Water Bottles", it takes 19 bottles to make enough polyester for an extra-large t-shirt and the same to make 1 square foot of carpet, 63 bottles to make enough for a sweater and 114 bottles to make enough fiber fill for a single sleeping bag.

I've often wondered what the reclaiming process for bottles is like and how difficult it is to make usable fabric from the remains. The following video is informative -if you have ever been curious about the process check this out:

Aha!

I look forward to reading this someday: Making Sustainable Fashion:Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes, edited by Allison Gwilt and Timo Rissanen.

Making Things Interesting

There are so many companies making jeans. I like discovering those who inhabit interesting workspaces, use clever machinery and have a well-considered process. Enter Roy and Tender Co.  I'll let the video below speak to the amazingness of Roy's set-up and Tender Co.'s website is worth clicking around to learn more about how they add local value to their product.

(Mind your ears, delicate flowers, this is real life.)

There's another video on Roy's website that shows off the vintage machinery a little better but I can't seem to upload it so just click *here* to see it instead.