Welcome to a new addition to our eco-fabrics line. Tencel is a natural man-made fibre that is hitting the fashion runways because of its soft, luxurious breathable drape as well as its environmentally conscious production.
This fibre starts as wood pulp from sustainably harvested eucalyptus trees farms.
The wood pulp is broken down chemically into a soupy sludge that is squirted out a showerhead spinneret and reformed as fibres. This cellulosic fibre is generically called lyocell. Tencel is a brand name owned by Lenzing Fibres of Austria. The production of this fibre uses an advanced 'closed loop' solvent spinning process resulting in a minimal impact on the environment and economical use of energy and water. This closed loop system means that the solvent and water is reclaimed and reused for the continued production of fibre.
Here is a video clip from Lenzing Fibres describing the manufacturing process.
Available in both knits and wovens, Tencel has become a popular choice for any ecologically minded sewer. Come down to the stores to see what colours we currently carry.
If that is the case, you probably have an overloaded scrap bag kicking around your sewing room.
How about trying your hand at making cloth paper? Here is a link showing the instructions.
