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Hemp, tell me more Sewing not smoking
MNBarb   Intermediate MN USA Member since 4/3/10 Posts: 1522	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/31/12 9:46 AM While I was looking for some cobalt blue twill online I stumbled upon this Hemp Basics website selling dyed hemp fabric. I love linen but don't like ramie (too scratchy and it doesn't wear well). Does anyone have any experience sewing with hemp fabric or own any garments made from it? ------ Barb "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Edison "I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow." Woodrow Wilson
Patti B   Intermediate OR USA Member since 9/29/02 Posts: 2247	Login to reply to this post In reply to MNBarb << Like this post Date: 3/31/12 10:14 AM Barb, I sewed a pair of cargo pants in hemp for our grown son last year. It was a pleasure to sew and very malleable. Hemp supposedly gets stronger with wearing but I can't comment on that. I hope it does because DS is very hard on clothes! The fabric has more drape than linen. I think you'll enjoy sewing and wearing it. Off to look at the site you posted. ------ Patti R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success
ChristinePDX Advanced Beginner OR USA Member since 10/4/08 Posts: 511	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/31/12 10:35 AM I have a hemp blend (cotton, lycra) twisted front long-sleeved t that my mom bought for me years ago, I love it and have worn it out. The addition of the hemp in this fabric seems to give it a slightly bulkier feel and a more interesting slightly courser look to the weave than just cotton alone. Almost like a linen or raw silk. Since it is blended, not sure if that is helpful but that is my one, positive experience of hemp (besides Canadian money which is made out of hemp).
Vivienne   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 6/29/04 Posts: 948	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/31/12 12:46 PM I made my husband some overalls many, many years ago. The fabric was like linen but drapier and shrank a LOT. I dyed it myself, which is not my forte, and the colour turned out beautifully. Like any fabric, there are different grades and some hemp fabrics might be a bit scratchy. ------ Cheap fabrics, like cheap shoes, are a false economy.
Sauvage   Advanced Beginner MA USA Member since 7/22/09 Posts: 545	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/31/12 5:40 PM Seems like some of the hemp/other fabrics blends are particularly good for garments. Dharma has some, and I think if you search "Hemp traders" you'll see some comments from other PR folks. Personally I yearn for this: Hemp/Silk Blend but will probably have to wait to buy any till I 1-lose more weight 2-become a more experienced sewist, and 3-have a close family member getting married. ------ Jeanne "Let me live in a world of image and I will never complain." --Louise Bourgeois
gabrielle Beginner WA USA Member since 3/27/02 Posts: 1534	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/31/12 6:02 PM I once owed a dress made from hemp, and wore it out. The weave resembled a fine linen, and it felt luxurious. It was drapier than linen, and washed and dried well. It also wore like iron.
gramma b Advanced USA Member since 7/25/08 Posts: 2271	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 3/31/12 6:17 PM Is hemp and the new bamboo used more in countries where it is produced and thus cheaper? I saw a report they are trying to cultivate more, altho forests are disappearing too. I've often wondered what the blends are in humid countries where street photos look like things are freshly pressed, not like linen or plain cotton. Hate the regular linen, but some blends wash beautifully, just never remember what a good % is to look for.
JKimes   Expert/Couture TX USA Member since 11/4/05 Posts: 387	Login to reply to this post In reply to Sauvage << Like this post Date: 3/31/12 7:13 PM Sauvage, That fabric is wonderful! I made a custom wedding gown a few years ago with this and Silk Charmeuse. The wedding was a month after the couple's baby was born, so they had me make a baby sling to match her wedding dress. The piece I worked with didn't have as much sheen as the photo, but it was beautiful. Juliette ------ Juliette near Austin, TX Bernina 830LE Bernina 350PE Babylock Evolution ElnaPro 905DCX
a7yrstitch   Intermediate TX USA Member since 4/1/08 Posts: 4390	Login to reply to this post In reply to MNBarb << Like this post Date: 3/31/12 7:23 PM Hubbie and I each have a hemp shirt. Every time we wear them, we're thinking, why don't we wear these more often? Purchased at REI bargain basement end of season sale. Soft, comfortable, cool. Good color retention, particularly when you remember that my cold water wash is not cold in peak summer months. ------ I have no idea what Apple thought I was saying so be a Peach and credit anything bizarre to auto correct.
Sauvage   Advanced Beginner MA USA Member since 7/22/09 Posts: 545	Login to reply to this post In reply to JKimes << Like this post Date: 3/31/12 9:56 PM Quote: they had me make a baby sling to match her wedding dress. That must have made a really cute portfolio picture. The silk/hemp baby sling with month-old baby.... Anyway, good to hear it really is lovely fabric. I can continue to think about it (and imagine it coming out of a dyebath some shade of teal or green.....) ------ Jeanne "Let me live in a world of image and I will never complain." --Louise Bourgeois

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