Bamboo

Today, I’m concentrating on tomorrow :) Now that doesn’t happen very often! Seriously now, I’m talking about Earth Day, April 22. Are you up to the gills with ‘green’ talk?

I’m only going to touch on one thing today and that is Bamboo. I have just bought myself some bamboo yarn and needles. In fact, I have also, recently purchased some bamboo dishes (not for dishwashers), spoon and fork. A friend just gave me some bamboo clothes pins! So, I am on my way to becoming even more green!

Bamboo can be harvested without killing the plant and is a rapid grower. In fact if you grow it, watch out, the roots grow underground and spread fast. Bamboo stands release close to 35% more oxygen than that of a tree stand the same size. It is said to have antibacterial properties and the fabric/yarn has ultra-violet protective properties.

As well as the items I just bought, bamboo is used in construction, furniture, sports equipment--including fishing rods, clothing, and maybe more that I haven’t discovered.

The yarn, which I’m most interested in right now, has a good luster, is strong, flexible and soft. When made up, it is breathable and cool. I’ve read that it loses strength when wet and swells in water, some brands of yarn split more that others. Bamboo needs to be hand-washed which may be a bother. The needles are really nice to use, but be careful not to poke the yarn and split the fibres, which can happen with all needles. They are very light weight but strong.

Apparently, if you are looking for antibacterial properties in yarn, the 100% is best, or you should choose one that is at least 70% bamboo. One that I just bought is 86% bamboo, 12% acrylic, 2% polyester and the other is 70% bamboo and 30% silk. Most of this information is from AboutMyPlanet.com

Next week, you should see some samples from both of these yarns :) I have a couple of busy days coming up, but I’ll be back by the weekend to show you some paper projects that I’ve been working on! Cards and stuff.