As consumers, we are able to effect change through our choices. Choosing clothing for our children made from hemp and handmade cottons can effect major changes on a global environmental level and a personal ecological level.
As a crop hemp is environmentally superior to all other textile crops for many reasons. It needs no pesticides in its growing process, as it is unpalatable to insects. It needs no herbicides because it grows too quickly for any weed to compete. As it does not require these chemicals, hemp’s production does not pollute river systems. Hemp can produce 250% more fibre than cotton using the same amount of land. Hemp has deep taproots. Where the ground permits they descend for three feet or more, raising nutrients towards the surface and aerating the soil. They anchor and protect the soil from runoff, building and preserving topsoil and subsoil. Hemp plants shed their leaves all through the growing season, helping the soil retain moisture. As a result hemp crops use a fraction of water compared to cotton. It can be grown in most climates and is tolerant of a wide range of conditions including a high degree of salinity in the soil.
Hemp fabric has ecological properties for personal use because it is amazingly durable and has exceptional insulating qualities. Pure hemp has 3 times the tensile strength of cotton. Not only doesn't it wear out, it wears in. When a hemp garment is washed it constantly reveals a new surface, becoming softer with use. It also holds its shape, as hemp stretches less than any other natural fibre. Due to the porous nature of the fibre, hemp is more water absorbent, and will dye and retain its colour better than any natural fabric. Hemp cloth repels up to 95% of UV rays when woven into a tight construction and because it rapidly absorbs moisture it is cool and comfortable in hot weather. Alternatively in dry, cold climates body warmth becomes trapped in the porous fibres making hemp garments naturally warm.
Other fabrics we use in the witch-iddy-grub collection include handspun, handwoven and naturally dyed cotton. We source these cottons from cottage industry villages and homes. They are manufactured without the use of fossil fuels for both the spinning and the weaving of the fabric – lending honour to a time old tradition. There are no chemical residues in the environment from the dying processes and they are gentle on the skin.
Our thin cotton is machine made but is a beautiful summer weight fabric, ideal for keeping the sun off sensitive skin while still being super cool. The printed fabric we use is also fine summer weight fabric.