FABRIC: BARKCLOTH
Region: Uganda
Fabric Name:
Linen, Linho in Portugese
Origin:
Linus usitatissimum
Who made our fabric:
A weaver with the Ecomuseu de Ribeira de Pena, Portugal
Natural history and ecology:
The flax plant is able to grow from seed to harvest in about 100 days and requires little water and maintenance. As a natural fiber, linen is also biodegradable and the whole plant can be used, from stalk to seed, as food, cosmetics, oil, and fabric. Flax cultivation is also great for our planet as it retains upwards of 250,000 tonnes of CO2 each year according to the European Confederation of Linen and Hemp (CELC)
What makes this so special: Linen textiles are some of the oldest in the world, dating back 10,000 years ago. Made from the flax plant stem (bast) fibers, the cloth is breathable, cool, and absorbs moisture without holding bacteria, perfect for the summer months. It is also one of the strongest fibers after silk (30% stronger than cotton!), resistant to moths and dirt, and gets softer with more washes. These traits give linen the power to stand the test of time.
Fabrics from THE oldest fiber in the world….
The municipality of Ribeira de Pena, Portugal is known for exceptional linen fabrics in the parish of Cerva e Limões. Woven by expert weavers, intricate pattern designs are passed from generation to generation and worked with linen that is sown regionally, treated and woven in a traditional way.
Image courtesy of Ecomuseu de Ribeira de Pena
How this fabric was made….
Courtesy of Museu do Linho, Ecomuseu de Ribeira de Pena
