Benefits of Bamboo Fabrics: How Bamboo Becomes a Scarf, Shawl or Cowl
The Process of Turning Bamboo into Textiles
Here are the steps to organically turn bamboo into a textile- Bamboo is harvested. Only the leaves and soft pith inside the bamboo stalks are used.
- Bamboo is crushed using heavy rocks or plywood boards.
- The crushed bamboo is placed into a container with water and natural enzymes.
- Let the bamboo sit until it takes on a pulp like state.
- Drain the bamboo and allow it to dry.
- Cut the bamboo fibres into smaller pieces.
- Place pieces into a pressurized vat with water and amine oxide (a nontoxic solvent).
- Heat mixture until bamboo fibres dissolve.
- Pour the liquid through a filter. This will create long textile fibres.
- Place the fibres in a mixture of water and amine oxide. Wait for the fibres to become soft and flexible.
- Rinse fibres.
- Hand dry and comb out the fibres, separating them in the process.
- Spin fibres into thread by hand. You can also use a spinning wheel.
- Knit (or weave) the thread to create the fabric.
Benefits of Bamboo Fabrics
There are four main benefits of using bamboo as a textile:- Its antibacterial: Bamboo fabric is naturally antibacterial, and these properties do not diminish when washed.
- Its eco-friendly: Bamboo fabric is environmentally friendly. From the manufacturing process being easier on the environment, to bamboo requiring less water and energy to harvest, its quick regrowth, and because it does not require pesticides, it has much less of an impact than other materials used for textiles.
- It absorbs water well: Bamboo fabric naturally absorbs water. It can help to repel water, also, making it ideal for outdoor clothing, and it will help you stay cool and dry during the summer when it’s hot.
- It’s hypoallergenic: The fabric can be worn against the skin without the negative reactions that people experience when they wear other fabrics. Bamboo fibre is naturally smooth, making it less likely to irritate people who have reactions to other textiles.
Do You Know Where the Angora in Your Scarf or Shawl Comes From?
Mohair – A Highly Desirable Luxury Fiber
Mohair is one of the most desirable fabrics. It is known for its unique combination of strength and softness, something that is only produced by Angora goats. According to the Colored Angora Goat Breeders Association, “A good mohair fleece will be characterized by locks or bunches of mohair fibers held together by the curl of the fleece, with a light sheen of oil and a good long staple. Angora goats produce as much as an inch of fiber a month. Since Angora goats are usually shorn twice a year, fleeces have a four to six inch staple.”About Tsandza
“Our designs have an African soul but are inspired by international trends: the results are distinctive creations for individuals who appreciate the uniqueness of handmade pieces.”
Founded more than 35 years ago, Tsandza began as a hobby and has evolved into one of the most unique businesses in Africa. In a country where the overwhelming majority of the population lives in poverty, Rosa Roques’ vision has enabled talented local artisans to provide for their families. Tsandza started as a small workshop and today has become a successful business that employs more than 40 local women who produce products locally and internationally. Tsandza’s mission is “to create employment opportunities and a sustainable income for the women who work for us, and to be internationally recognised for our luxurious, handmade products.”And the most unique thing about Tsandza - the Angora in their textiles comes from their own goats they raise on their farm.
Making everything by hand, the artisans weave, crochet and knit a variety of house and home wares, clothing and fashion accessories. Everything is made from pure natural fibers of mohair, as well as organically grown cotton, bamboo, wool and silk.What (Really) is a Pashmina?
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In general, the term "pashmina" gets used pretty loosely. Without thinking about it, any large format shawl or wrap tends to be referred to as a pashmina.But that's wrong!
Pashmina is actually a special kind of wool that only comes from the outer skin of goats living in the high altitude Himalayas. As only approximately 4 to 8 ounces of Pashmina fibre is shed by each goal annually, it takes a lot of goats to make true pashminas! While we undoubtedly admire the quality of well-crafted true pashmina or cashmere (kashmir) pashmina shawls, they can be very expensive. The pashmina-style shawl or wrap is now often made from blends of materials that create a silky soft fabric without the high price! Our pashmina-style shawls and wraps are finely woven from a smooth, soft cotton poly/viscose blend and are so fine, they can be drawn through a ring with ease!How did Pashminas become so popular?
Well, totally aside from their beauty and warmth, you can probably (to some extent) blame Napoleon Bonaparte. He presented a Cashmere Pashmina Shawl to his wife, Josephine. Ladies of the court spread the news like wildfire, creating a "craze" for Pashminas all over Europe. Today, pashmina-style shawls and wraps are an essential fashion accessory. We have several collections of pashmina-style shawls and wraps and will be releasing additional collections over the next few weeks.Slow and Steady Wins the Race - The Benefits of Slow Fashion
That venerable tale of the tortoise and the hare isn't just an amusing story. It's a lesson in making the right choices - in the long run!
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Our commitment to the environment (and peace of mind) has brought us to embrace the concept of 'slow fashion' - a turn away from globalized mass production in the pursuit of environmental health and quality fashion.
Our grandmothers used to say 'always choose quality over quantity'. Such good advice. Take a look in your wardrobe today and reflect on what pieces are still there - still being worn. Bet you it's the better quality pieces - less faddish - made with more attention to detail and finishing. Fashion trends turned away from our grandmother's mantra and became 'fast-fashion' instead. Often fashion knock-offs made of lower quality fabrics. This has contributed to sweat-shop workers being exploited and to the 'buy cheap - throw it out after one season - buy more' syndrome. Try this challenge - not only to better your wardrobe - but also to better your planet, both socially and environmentally.Buy with conscious thought
Buy natural fabrics or materials made by talented artisans/designers who love what they do and execute their work with care. Slow fashion is ethical, ecological and 'green'. Slow fashion is a commitment to the state of our Earth - the planet we inhabit. Look for garments and accessories that are made with attention to quality production - pieces that will have longevity - pieces that broadcast contemplation, discernment and value. Zawadee has a commitment to 'slow fashion'. We are currently sourcing products from around the world that are socially and environmentally sound - as well as high quality, handcrafted garments or accessories to be proud of. Both fine silver jewelry and organic shawls of fashion accessories are 'slow fashion'. Handcrafted with pride by talented artisans who not only evidence great skills but also a commitment to being ethical and to reducing the environmental impact upon the planet.The Tsandza Collection
First established in 1979, Tsandza Weaving, formerly known as Rosecraft Weaving, is a social enterprise that produces high quality products, handwoven in pure natural fibres by talented artisans in rural Swaziland.
Consumers seeking ethically produced items that make an impact to a bigger purpose when making their purchase will find "forever presents" that not only represent beauty and skill, but also contribute to a more sustainable future for us allMADE BY HAND
Every step of Tsandza’s production process is done by hand. From the dying, spinning & weaving to the knotting & tasseling. Even our sewing machines for labelling are manual! This means every item we make is unique and exclusive to you. Our impact on our environment is greatly reduced, and it also means we need many hands, ensuring we continue to be a vital source of training and income generation for many rural women. It is quite a complex process requiring patience, skill and a lot of work! View the Tsandza Handweaving video to learn more about how they produce remarkable fashion accessories while respecting the environment.The Azel Collection
The Tuareg Silversmiths of Azel have been designing and executing superb fine sterling silver jewelry for countless generations. Azel is located in northern Agadez (Niger) - a fairly daunting distance from hospitals and other support. That is why Mohammed Anou, a renowned Tuareg silversmith, grouped his fellow artisans together to form the basis of this remarkable jewelry - The Azel Collection. Mohammed hopes the collective's beautiful jewelry will benefit his beloved town of Azel - and help it's people!Tuareg jewelry is distinctive, dramatic and meaningful.
What's the Appeal of Handmade? A Renaissance of Taste
We encounter handmade products in trendsetting boutiques, and view them as artfully arranged emblems of good taste. So, why do we think that?
Handmade objects - whether art, garments, jewelry - can be found in the pages of magazines like Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Vogue and more. Handmade items have become the status symbols of people who appreciate products that are not 'run of the mill' - aren't found at a local mall.
We think society is experiencing a wonderful renaissance - a return to a more tactile-and down to earth appreciation in counterbalance to factory-produced sameness. Handmade products tend to reflect our humanity in a way that embodies a deeper story - one of craftsmanship, passion, creativity. Something handmade is special in a way that mass-produced items simply can't convey. Akin to the 'farm to table' movement - the desire to know the origin of what you are eating - now many of us want to connect what we are wearing - or displaying - in a more meaningful manner.Join the renaissance!
Zawadee has a commitment to quality handmade products. We are currently sourcing products from around the world that are socially and environmentally sound - as well as high quality, handcrafted garments or accessories and home décor to be proud of. We believe handmade - handcrafted - speaks to care, consideration, longevity and stewardship.The Ardmore Collection
On Springvale Farm, located in the KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), a most astounding art studio is found. Ardmore Ceramics has been acknowledged by the acclaimed auction house - Christie's - as producers of "modern day collectibles". Styled in an exuberant, exotic (even, may we say, whimsical style), the ceramics produced by this remarkable atelier are superb examples of design and craftsmanship.The Tsandza Collection
First established in 1979, Tsandza Weaving, formerly known as Rosecraft Weaving, is a social enterprise that produces high quality products, handwoven in pure natural fibres by talented artisans in rural Swaziland.
Consumers seeking ethically produced items that make an impact to a bigger purpose when making their purchase will find "forever presents" that not only represent beauty and skill, but also contribute to a more sustainable future for us all.MADE BY HAND
Every step of Tsandza’s production process is done by hand. From the dying, spinning & weaving to the knotting & tasseling. Even our sewing machines for labelling are manual! This means every item we make is unique and exclusive to you. Our impact on our environment is greatly reduced, and it also means we need many hands, ensuring we continue to be a vital source of training and income generation for many rural women. It is quite a complex process requiring patience, skill and a lot of work! View the Tsandza Handweaving video to learn more about how they produce remarkable fashion accessories while respecting the environment.The Azel Collection
The Tuareg Silversmiths of Azel have been designing and executing superb fine sterling silver jewelry for countless generations. Azel is located in northern Agadez (Niger) - a fairly daunting distance from hospitals and other support. That is why Mohammed Anou, a renowned Tuareg silversmith, grouped his fellow artisans together to form the basis of this remarkable jewelry - The Azel Collection. Mohammed hopes the collective's beautiful jewelry will benefit his beloved town of Azel - and help it's people!Tuareg jewelry is distinctive, dramatic and meaningful.
Got To Go There - Swaziland - One of the Last Remaining Absolute Monarchies
Swaziland is a small, landlocked monarchy in Southern Africa - best known for its wilderness reserves and festivals.
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The borders of delightful Swaziland are shared with Mozambique and South Africa. The Lebombo Moutains, Mlawula Nature Reserve and the Hlane Royal National park are all fascinating spots to visit. Diverse wildlife including lions, hippos and elephants can be spotted throughout Swaziland.
Swaziland is known for civility and peacefulness, making it a great place to begin to experience Africa.
Artifacts indicating human activity dating back to the early Stone Age
Artifacts indicating human activity dating back to the early Stone Age 200,000 years ago have been found in the Kingdom of Swaziland. Prehistoric rock art paintings date from c. 25,000 BC. The earliest inhabitants of the area were Khoisan hunter-gatherers who were largely replaced by the Bantu tribes who hailed from the Great Lakes regions of Eastern Africa.
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Many interesting people were born in Swaziland. Noma Dumezweni is a Laurence Olivier Award winning actress who is now based in London. Noma played the role of Hermione Grainger in the stage production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and won a second Laurence Olivier Award for her performance. Luke Hall is a Swazi swimmer who competed at the 2008 an 2012 Summer Olympics. Leonard A. Payne was a British Flying Ace who was born in Swaziland and was credited with 11 confirmed aerial victories while piloting a Bristol F.2 Fighter.
There are almost too many nature reserves and animal sanctuaries in Swaziland to list! We've provided links to some of them (below) so you can view these amazing places.
Impala in Swaziland
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Sadly, although Swaziland is home to many wildlife parks and reserves, Swaziland has been accused by one of the world’s leading conservationists of being a puppet of South Africa in a bid to open the floodgates to a potentially calamitous legal rhino horn trade. We hope this changes soon!Source: Creative Commons, Labeled for Reuse
As you can see, Swaziland is high on our list of "Got To Go There" places.
The Tsandza Collection Fine Handwoven Fashion & Home Décor
Handwoven or knit, these beautiful fashion scarves, shawls, wraps and home décor cushions, blankets and throws are the product of talented artisans from Swaziland. Using specially formulated dyes, they are able to achieve vivid, yet softly elegant colours.- Gorgeous products created by local women in Swaziland giving them employment opportunities.
- Handmade every step of the process.
- Minimum environmental impact using natural fibres and biodegradable dyes.
- Designed with 'slow fashion', ensuring longevity and quality, encouraging slower production, fair wages and lower carbon footprints.
- Flavour of Africa with contemporary influence.