I attended the first session of a series of workshops in Bedford Archives today as part of a Textile Arts project entitled 'Weaving Narratives'. We had been warned it might not be warm so I was searching out thick clothing and realised I knitted this jumper with handspan wool from Botswana. This was a newly set up project for local income generation when I was there in the 1980s. Here it is worn with a pair of bamboo Monkee Genes and my comfortable blue Conker buckle shoes (looks like they don't make this style any more).There is debate about the ethics of bamboo fibre - it grows fast, but does require energy and chemicals to produce - it is a 'regenerated cellulose fibre', which basically means the plant is chemically mushed down and then extruded to create the fibre. However the plant grows fast and doesn't require the pesticide use or water supplies of cotton and the fibre does hold colour and shape well - these jeans haven't worn on the knees .... yet! Bamboo Clothing are in favour, Patagonia are not.
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