Here you will find a little information on the benefits of the natural fibres we choose and how they can be cared for.
Organic Cotton
Cotton is the most popular natural fibre in the world. Cotton covers around 3% of the worlds cultivated land, yet conventional cotton alone uses around 25% of the worlds insecticides and 10% of the worlds pesticides. Naturally the knock- on effect of this is somewhat of an environmental and social disaster. Organic cotton crops are not treated with insecticides, pesticides, herbicides and GMO’s. The crops also require less irrigation, don’t pollute waterways, promote biodiversity and are healthier for farmers, farm workers and their communities.
- Organic cotton is soft, absorbent and breathable
- Organic cotton is easier to wash and care for then most other natural fibre fabrics
- Our skin is our largest organ and we readily absorb chemicals through our skin. Cottons that have been grown, harvested, dyed and finished with the least use of toxic chemicals are the perfect choice for our children’s health
- 100% organic cotton is 100% biodegradable
Organic Cotton Care
- Can be machine washed on cold or hot cycles
- Can be hung on the line or tumble dried on low
Linen
Linen is derived from the flax plant, it is a particularly strong fibre that can be spun into thread.
With a history dating back thousands of years, linen has stood the test of time.
- Can absorb a large amount of moisture before feeling damp
- Linen is a natural insulator, it has hollow fibres which move air and moisture naturally
- Cool in Summer and warm in Winter making it a trans-seasonal investment
- Linen lasts a very long time, making it a long-term investment and therefore requiring you to purchase less
- 100% linen is 100% biodegradable
Linen Care
- Linen actually benefits from washing, becoming softer and more lustrous with each wash
- Can withstand high washing temperatures if required
- Give your linens a shake and pull into shape before line drying, this will assist in naturally ironing out the creases
- Is naturally resistant to moths and carpet beetles making it easy to store
Merino Wool
The miracle fibre! Merino wool has exceptionally fine and soft fibres which feel beautiful and gentle next to the skin.
- Can hold up to 30% of its own weight in moisture
- Has a natural wicking effect – drawing moisture away from the skin and into the fabric
- Is naturally fire retardant – wool is difficult to ignite, it does not melt and self-extinguishes
- Resistant to static electricity – due to the qualities of its fibres, it generates very little static electricity
- Keeps you warm when cold and cool when warm
- Has a naturally high UV protection
- 100% wool is 100% biodegradable
- Is resistant to bacteria, mould and mildew
- Easily cleaned – dirt will sit on surface on wool making it easy to clean.
Merino Wool Care
- Self-cleaning – leave you unsoiled garments out to air and they will refresh themselves without the need for washing!
- When washing always use a wool wash designed for wool as the ph is adjusted to suit and care for the fibres
- Wash cold or up to 30°C when hand or machine washing without altering the temperature of the water
- If hand washing is required squeeze out excess water by gently rolling the wet garment in a clean dry towel
- Store flat in a draw or cedar chest in-between use, with cedar chips, lavender or soap.
Alpaca
Alpaca is a soft, durable, luxurious and silky natural fibre.
- Alpaca fleece comes in a variety of different colours, such as white, black, brown, fawn and grey eliminating the need to dye the fleeces
- It is five times warmer and more durable than sheep wool fibre
- Alpaca fleece contains no oils or lanolin, making it naturally hypoallergenic
- Alpaca fibres contain microscopic air pockets giving it lightness and a high thermal capacity
- It does not retain water and is a natural thermal insulator even when wet
- Alpaca farming has a reasonably low environmental impact and pure alpaca products are 100% biodegradable
- Is naturally breathable, windproof, stain and flame resistant
Care of Alpaca textiles
- Alpaca is naturally stain, odour and wrinkle resistant. If the garment has been worn and is not soiled simply leave it out to air in-between uses
- Hand wash in water under 30° with a wool wash or mild shampoo
- Squeeze out excess water by gently rolling the wet garment in a clean dry towel
- Dry flat! Hanging up an alpaca garment when wet will cause it to stretch
- Store flat in a draw or cedar chest in-between use, with cedar chips, lavender or soap
Silk
Silk is soft, gentle, and truly luxurious. Silk is a natural protein fibre. The best-known silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm.
- Silk is wonderful for the skin, particularly for sensitive skin as it has natural antibacterial and healing properties
- It is ideal for helping to regulate the body’s temperature and keeping cool during summer and warm during winter
- Silk is both insulating and breathable
- Silk also resists dirt and odours quite well
- 100% silk is 100% biodegradable
Care
- Hand wash cool or maximum 30°C
- Some silk may be machine washed on wool cycle up to 30°C
- Always use a wool/silk wash as the ph is adjusted to care effectively for the fibres
- Line dry in the shade
- Do not tumble dry
General Washing Tips!
The lifespan of your clothing and textiles will depend on how they are cared for a long the way!
- Catch stains when they appear! The longer you leave them, the worse they become. A touch of Eucalyptus oil or gall soap are very effective for stain removal.
- Get the kids involved! Whilst tasks such as rolling out woollens in towels and pegging washing might sound laborious, many young children think it’s fun to help and you will be instilling positive life-long habits.
- Front loading washing machines are more energy efficient, use less water and are gentler on clothing.
- Leaving your front loader door ajar between washes will air and dry the rubber gasket, preventing mould.
- Take care of your machine and it will take care of you! Run a HOT wash with 2TB of bicarb, ½ cup vinegar and 1 TB Eucalyptus oil to give your machine a good clean. This will help take out excessive detergent residue, odours and mould. Try this at the beginning of every season. If you are constantly washing heavily soiled items, try an empty hot wash with a cap of eucalyptus oil once a month to keep grime at bay.
- Dry dark laundry in the shade. Dry towels, nappies and sheets in the sun.
- If you are storing clothes between seasons and/or children ensure the garments are freshly laundered prior to storing, this will deter moths and stains. If you have a few years between siblings air the clothes every now and then.
Mending
Get Creative with mending! Children’s clothing in particular lends itself to a little add on decoration. Add a decorative button, patch or a little embroidery over holes and tears.
Repurposing
There are many things you can do with your textiles when they have completed their life cycle with you.
- Hand over useable items to friends and charities
- If you have a knack for sewing turn one garment into another
- Turn items that have seen better days into cleaning rags
- Make simple garlands or bunting flags to decorate with
- Make simple accessories for toys, such as dolls bedding or clothing
- 100% natural fibres can be composted, used as weed matting or as plant ties in the garden
