The Hemprose Collection is a small collection but one that is unique.

Most people do not realise that cotton is the most heavily sprayed crop in the world.  The reason I became interested in using hemp is because hemp is a weed and can be grown anywhere.  It does not need pesticides because bugs don’t like it.  Also it does not need to be heavily irrigated.  The Dry Tears of the Aral Sea explains why hemp is the crop of the future.  There is a link on my site, it is a UN Report.  It explains that in the 60′s an entire sea dried up in Russia because of cotton farming leaving a pit of toxins.  Once I read this, I had to find an alternative.

T-shirts are something that no one can do without.  I like to be as eco conscience as possible and mostly buy my clothes second hand, but sometimes a good t-shirt is a must.  I designed The Rockdress/Nitie, because it is so versitile.  It’s so soft you will want to wear it to bed, because it looks amazing over jeans or a swim suit.  It fits so well and hugs you in all the right places, this makes it flattering to all figures.  So well designed it shows off curves.  Nursing mums also love it. Nighties are normally too frilly or too sexy, this one is super cool. It is also priced well, so that everyone can try one.  The good thing about hemp, is it last for ages.  It washes so well, and always keeps it shape.  The Green Parent featured it this month and loves it, called it “scrumptious”!

The shortie collection called Starlet by Hemprose, is super cute.  Designed, dyed and sewn by hand in the UK.  The shorties are like French knickers, and again very versatile, they will look great at the beach or really sweet as shorties to wear to bed with a little vest.  Teenage girls love the look, and mums look good in them too!

I haven’t left out the Hemperor, and have a very comfortable light weight long sleeve t-shirt for men. Yoga Magazine endorsed it and was impressed with the design, said it is great for exercise but looks good too.

I hope you like this collection, and keep checking back, it’s always evolving.

Thanks for looking.

Article by Rose Howe
www.hemprose.co.uk

As an editor for the crafting and DIY website www.FaveCrafts.com, we have been pleased to observe and participate in a resurgence of interest in knitting and crochet. The materials for knitting and crochet are generally inexpensive, and people can create items for personal use or as thrifty gifts. Knitting and crochet can also be therapeutic in these uncertain economic times. Studies have shown that the repetitive motions of knitting and crochet activate the same areas of the brain as meditation or yoga, which can help treat pain and depression and strengthen the immune system.

Alongside this renewal of interest in knitting and crochet, people are more environmentally aware and want to make sure that they are making eco-friendly choices when purchasing yarn. People are more aware of the problems of traditionally grown cotton, which relies on more insecticides and pesticides than any other single crop. These hazardous chemicals harm workers in developing countries, contaminate ground and surface water, and kill beneficial insects, micro-organisms and wildlife.

Here is our guide to help those find the right materials for eco-friendly crochet or knitting:

Organic Cotton

Using no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, the production of organic cotton relies on natural processes such as enhancing soil quality to increase yield and disease resistance. Organic cotton yarn is quite readily available. Large yarn manufacturers such as Lion Brand even have an organic line.

Organic Wool

Many people who think they are allergic to wool are actually allergic to the chemicals used in traditional wool production. Try organic wool, which is not washed in chemicals and comes from sheep which are fed organic food and not injected with growth hormones. Support independent spinners in your area or check out Vermont Organic Fiber Co.

Hemp

My personal favorite, hemp yarn is produced in Canada where it is legal to produce hemp. Hemp is a sustainable crop which naturally needs no herbicides or pesticides and actually controls the erosion of topsoil. In addition to yarn, hemp can be used for insulation and biodegradable plastic. Hemp yarn is very strong and softens with every wash. Check out Lanaknits for great hemp yarn and hemp blends and PickNatural for a variety of great yarns using hemp.

Bamboo

Bamboo is growing in popularity for its silk-like feel. Luckily, bamboo is a sustainable plant and the yarn, if not chemically treated, is completely biodegradable. Check out Rowan Bamboo Soft Yarn or Classic Elite Bam Boo.

Linen

The flax plant used to make linen is very resilient and requires little fertilizer.  Check out Louet’s Euroflax yarn for the best example. Linen is also blended with other organic materials with more bounce.

Soy Silk

Soy silk yarn is a completely recycled material as a byproduct of the production of tofu. Since luxurious soy silk is rather expensive, it is normally blended with other materials to create more affordable yarn. Oasis yarn available at South West Trading Company is 100% Soy Silk.

Recycled Sari

Recycled sari yarn is produced from the remnants of the sari-manufacturing process in India and hand-spun by Nepalese women. These are colorful, unique skeins of yarn, and help to support independent fair trade. Check out Darn Good Yarn and non-silk Near Sea Naturals.

Due to our partnerships with yarn manufacturers and independent designers, you can find hundreds of free knitting and crochet patterns at FaveCrafts. We add new patterns each and every day.