The Joy of Plant Fibers

While knitting, crocheting and weaving are often thought of in the company of a gentle snow shower, a roaring fire and a hot cup of something tasty, these yarn crafts can transcend seasons with the right fibers and blends! If you have yet to branch out from protein fibers into plant and other cellulose fibers, this is the summer to do it!

Cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, modal, nettle, Tencel and beyond, these warm weather fibers are excellent additions to your summer yarn stash. The drape and light airy qualities found in each of them make incredible shawls, tees, tops and dresses that will keep you cool all summer. Not to mention the fact that a pile of cotton or bamboo in your lap tends to sound a little more appetizing than a pile of wool on the toasty afternoons to come.  

As you select plant fibers to work with you'll have an incredible amount of options to choose from. Often these fibers are blended with wool or are blended with other plant fibers for a different texture or drape. When choosing a yarn to work with, keep in mind that fibers like linen and hemp will continue to soften and wear in the more you use and wear them. Fibers like cotton and bamboo will machine wash well for easy care. Tencel, modal and other pulp derived plant fibers will have a similar drape and feel to silk. If any of these fibers are blended with a wool or other protein fiber, these blends will make an excellent four season garment or accessory that will hold its shape and continue to get better with each wear. How can you beat those odds?

Stop by the shop to feel some of these unique plant fibers and see what we can inspire you to create this summer! 

Image fibers from left to right: linen, cotton, Tencel, hemp, bamboo.