The Alternative Fiber Series, Part 1: Hemp

Yes, hemp. No, not like that.

More like this:

Source: http://www.ingenkonst.se/images/hemp_bls.jpg

As summer approaches, we tend to start to think cottons. Lighter weight and cooler than wool, it is clearly the year-round knitter’s fiber of choice. But why should we limit ourselves? Hemp provides many of the same perks as cotton, and often beats it at its own game.

Argument 1: hemp is softer than cotton. Don’t be fooled. You may not feel it right off the bat, as it takes a while for this fiber to loosen, but anyone who has worn this stuff for more than a day will tell you it simply feels amazing.

Argument 2: hemp is stronger than cotton. Actually, it is one of the strongest plant fibers anywhere. You would be hard pressed to accidentally break or fray this stuff.

Argument 3: It is better for the environment. Okay, so this is a bit hippie-dippie, but cotton growing is a large enterprise that takes up a lot of land and resources. Hemp, on the other hand, is produced in smaller quantities, and grows like, well, weeds.

Argument 4: The stuff we carry at Springwater (shown above) is luscious, Elsabeth Lavold yarn. Her products in general are of high and consistent quality.

If you’re not convinced, come try it for yourself. See what you think. And I promise, it is totally legal.