heavenly hemp #hemporium

I got my first taste of hemp quite a few years back. I was searching for a dress shirt for BK and I found one made by Hemporium at Lifestyle Surf Shop in Muizenberg. I bought it, he loved it (and wore it to death) so I had to go and get another one in light blue. 

BK's Epic Hemp Shirt - still going strong after many years

Then, a couple of years back I popped in and got myself two knitted tops that are perfect for anything and anywhere and any time - from an after-gym workout to a parent-teacher meeting to the beach to a braai. They have worn beautifully, are soooo comfy and I love their colours.

My knitted hemp pullovers. How gorgeous are the colours? 

They say that hemp dates back to 8000 BC. Despite its industrial beginnings (it was used for items like sailcloth, sacks, rope, paper and rough canvas) it is now one of the softest, but most durable, fabrics around. Once manufacturers had found a way to finish the hemp fabric, there was no turning back. Nowadays, hemp is sometimes blended with other fabrics like cotton or silk which give it a softer handle or a luxurious sheen. 

Hemporium fabrics are available in different weights, weaves and widths. 

There is plenty of info to be found online about the wonders and uses of hemp so I won't go into lengthy detail. What I will say, however, is that it's one of the most eco-friendly, and sustainable crops to produce. I read that it beats both cotton and flax when it comes to crop production, producing 250% and 600% more fibre than cotton and flax respectively. This makes it both cost effective and kind to the environment.

Knits and flat weave hemp from Hemporium. Laid-back look, soft, breathable, natural and lovely against the skin. 

Due to its tap root system, it requires very little water. It's fast growing, very hardy, mould resistant, and is said to contain anti-bacterial properties. No herbicides or pesticides are required either. The bast fibre within the hemp stalk is where the magic begins for fabric production.

Some of the colourways in the lightweight, knitted and heavy weight hemp from Hemporium.

Although this is a fabric blog, I'm bowled over with the wide range of uses for hemp. Hemp oil is used in a variety of products from cosmetics, soaps and body products to salad dressings and ink. Hemp seeds get the salute for being a nutrient rich wonder-food. They're used in breads, cereals and health bars are also used to produce protein powder and hemp milk.

How stunning are these bags! For their full range of clothing and accessories,  visit their website on  https://www.hemporium.co.za

Last but not least, Tony Budden of Hemporium has been blazing a trail in South Africa, promoting the use of hemp for construction. Not only is he a trail blazer, but you will search far and wide to find someone as passionate and knowledgable about hemp as Tony. 

Hemporium bedding is soft and durable and gets better and better with every wash.

To see Hemporium's full range of prodcuts, visit them at https://www.hemporium.co.za.  Or, if you're in Cape Town, pop into their store at Westlake Business Park. Even though you can order everything online, it's great to see their products in REAL LIFE.

Till next time nerds :)

x

Resources:

https://www.hemporium.co.za/Fabric

https://www.hemptraders.com/Hemp-Textile-Properties-s/1881.htm

https://hempbenefits.org/hemp-textile-uses/

https://learn.eartheasy.com/guides/hemp-clothing/

https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/hemp-101-what-is-hemp-whats-it-used-for-and-why-is-it-illegal

The Big Hearted Enviana Quilting #passionproject #charity

(Image via myfrenchawakening.wordpress.com)

Ever since watching How to Make an American Quilt and more recently, Alias Grace, I've loved that quilts are imbued with memories and love and history and adventure and all round specialness.

(Gorgeous traditional quilts above clockwise via Jen Kingwell pattern on etsy, @todaysquilter on twitter and www.cabbagequilts.blogspot.com)

Today's post is dedicated to quilting and the wonderful Diana Kraak who recently finished quilting one of the pieces that will be sold for charity in favour of TEARS.

I first met Diana a few years ago when she lovingly quilted a throw I had made up using vintage embroidered tea towels and napkins (yes, I also got all of the tea towels and napkins at charity shops.) She took such care in selecting a design that would work well with the look and feel and her expertise and knowledge about her quilting machine is something to behold.

(The very first vintage tea towel and napkin quilt Enviana made for me)

When I came up with the concept of using fabric samples to make up pieces for charity, she was the first person I thought of because her work is SO BEAUTIFUL. 

I love the idea of using scraps and discarded fabric to make up gorgeous things. The image on the right uses mens dress shirts. (Images clockwise via www.themoernquiltguild.wordpress.com, Pintrest and Pintrest)

Inspired by the French quilting style that I'm crazy for (top right), Diana made up the 100% linen and cotton quilt on the top left. It would be perfect for a double-bed guest bedroom or as a throw to add colour to a country-style lounge (Image right via Pintrest.)

I asked her to give me some background and whereas I'd normally work it into the post, I really loved her answers in interview style.

So, without further ado, I give you Diana Kraak from Enviana Quilting...

FN: How long have you been doing machine quilting 

DK: I started sewing at the tender age of four years old with my grandmother.  Quilting did not interest me until 2002 and then the bug bit. I joined a group to meet people little did I know that it would stimulate a creative passion.

FN: What kind of machine do you use (long arm?)  

DK: Initially I used my sewing/embroidery machine to quilt but my interest in long arm quilting was aroused at a visit to the International Quilt Festival in New Zealand.  It was then that I started researching the subject and this lead me to the purchase of a Nolting Pro24 Longarm Quilting Machine to which I added Intelliquilter, a quilting software.  I was also blessed to become the Southern African Agent for both Nolting and Intelliquilter.  Nolting has a range of machines to serve both the hobbyist and Commercial user.

FN: Do you do quilting yourself? (i.e. putting the little pieces together).  

DK: Yes, I do quilt myself, doing both traditional quilting and just simply using bits and pieces to create some art.  In addition, I enjoy creating whole-cloth quilts.

FN: What do you love most about what you do?  

DK: For me, the love of fabric and colour, seeing the skill of others and being able to enhance their work gives me endless pleasure.  I now work with a group of ladies, teaching the art of quilting.  The reward for that is seeing their eyes light up as they too realise that they are capable of learning new skills and creating items using scraps of fabric.

FN: What is the best way for people to get in touch with you? 

DK: My mobile number 0833883444, website www.envianaquilts.co.za; facebook: EnvianaQuilting Studio.

In addition to being a "Master Quilter", Diana's other passion is Toastmasters. She is passionate about the supportive learn-by-doing environment that it fosters, resulting in improved communication and leadership skills. She gets much joy out of seeing the transformation of people as they home their skills and how this translates to their live as their self-confidence grows.

Thank you so much Diana for your big heart and eagerness to help. You are an absolute LEGEND!!! 

Till next time nerds
x

The Epic and Wonderful Diana Kraak.