This may have already been posted, but just in case - fab site on using nettles for fibre: http://www.nettlesfortextiles.org.uk/wp/ The process seems labour-intensive, but straightforward, and useful for vegans who may prefer not to use animal fibre and to avoid the ecological issues with cotton.
Has anyone here actual worn nettle fibre garments?
I'm only 64! That's not to old to learn to be a permie, right?
I'm just a knitter, using animal fiber. But that nettle page / video is very cool! Nettles grow freely in the woods and fields where I live (central Colorado). But as you note - what a labor intensive process, to harvest those fibers, dry / process them, spin into thread, weave, and make a garment! Strikes me as entirely appropriate to the fiber artist (Allan Brown) but a lot of work for those who don't want to wear animal fiber. Fascinating!
Agreed, Nele!
It looks like Allan has finished a length of finely spun and woven dress weight fabric, which is beautiful. But so much work! I guess though, back when most people only owned one or two sets of clothes, they could plus away for a year on a garment in their spare time.
I'm only 64! That's not to old to learn to be a permie, right?
Invasive plants are Earth's way of insisting we notice her medicines. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner