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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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