Bamboo fibers are made from the cellulose found in Bamboo stalks. When this cellulose is broken down and processed, superfine strands of fiber can be obtained. These fibers can be spun into yarns made up of either one to many intertwining plies, or single-ply strands knitted into a length of circular tube – our favorites as these have the greatest durability, drape, sheen and elasticity in finished garments.
Bamboo is a renewable resource that can grow without the use of pesticides. The fiber structure has microscopic holes that wick away moisture and facilitate its evaporation, making bamboo an extremely comfortable fabric for warm-weather climates. These same qualities offer natural insulation as well … we think of Bamboo fabrics as the naturally-occurring versions of “Gortex.” Bamboo has natural antibacterial and non-allergenic qualities that remain in the fabric even after many washes – ideal for socks and children’s wear.
Bamboo yarns have a lovely sheen and a beautiful drape, and are very similar to viscose rayon (also plant-derived). Bamboo yarns absorb dyes easily, and the dyes reflect back brilliantly. Fabrics made with bamboo yarns remind us of silk, but are far less expensive.
We carry 100% natural fiber yarns. Therefore, we have been studying Bamboo yarns and so far, we like what we see …
Sincerely,
Sarah Siegel
6 comments:
Woot! for Bamboo!
Lurve the concept, but my current reality is not living up to the promise -- I'm swatching a locally available bam-cot blend which is a gazillion plies of splitty hell.
Unfortunately, I committed and purchased enough to make a lacy top.
What is the construction of your Bamboo yarn like?
Can it be dyed at home using the same dyes that other cellulosic fibers take, or does it require more rigorous conditions?
Thanks!
Glad to see the widening range of yarns you offer!
Y
I love the idea of bamboo yarn, but my current reality is far from the ideal -- I purchased a locally available bam-cot blend and find myself swatching a gazillion plies of splitty hell.
So - I would like to hear moreabout the construction of your bamboo yarn, and also about whether it can be dyed at home with the same methods used for other cellulosic fibers, or whether it requires more rigorous conditions.
Thanks!
I understand that some bamboo/bamboo blends are not as nice as we would like. Our bamboo is spun differently then the way that you are describing ...
But rather then talk I believe that the yarn should speak for itself. So I encourage you to try one of our "Samples for Swatching!" You only pay the S&H and we give you a generous amount to make a 4 inch x 4 inch swatch, plus we include the color card for the yarn line that you are sampling. This way you can also wash and block your swatch and gauge how the yarn will hold up over time.
-Sarah
I've tried Sarah's Bamboo and there's *nothing* splitty about it. It's got fabulous drape and a really pretty sheen and in lace really shows off the pattern well. I'm just waiting on a paycheck to order enough for a stole.
I didn't try dyeing it, so I can't comment there.
I love the concept of bamboo too, but a friend of mine who knits for boutiques said she's had some difficulty with "stretching"... that the gauge as the pieces lie flat is nothing like the gauge when they're draped on the body.
Think "chinese finger..." :o
Would love to try this, but hesitate to invest the time, more so than the money in bamboo... encouragement, anyone?
Dear Robin,
Thank you very much for your comments.
The "stretching" of the garments knit from 100% Bamboo fibers over time depends on the way the fibers are milled. If they are milled in a plied fashion, this will definitely be a problem.
Our 100% Bamboo, however, is ring-woven, which is critical. It knits beautifully, has "memory" much like a woolen garment, and knit garments hold their shape over time. Given the way our 100% Bamboo is milled, it also preserves a sheen that is quite comparable to 100% silks and rayon, but much less expensive.
We have a "Try Before You Buy" program where you can request any number of samples for swatching. We send a generous amount of yarn and include the color cards for each line requested. You only pay for S&H. We suggest you try this program so that you can see for yourself the results of using our new 100% Bamboo.
Best Wishes.
On behalf of,
Sarah Siegel
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