I am so happy to give you guys a first-look at two new sustainable fabrics I will be introducing in April. The fabric pictured on top is a lovely violet/ivory wave pattern consisting of a hemp/Tencel (Tencel is the trademarked name for the fiber called "lyocell") blend. It has a linen-like texture yet is softer, less apt to wrinkle, and just as durable.

The picture on the bottom is of my new bamboo denim. Just like cotton denim only easier on the environment. Here's a little more info on these earth-friendly materials:

Hemp: Hemp grows extremely fast in any kind of climate. It does not exhaust the soil, uses little water, and requires no pesticides or herbicides. Dense planting leaves little space for light, hence few chances for weeds to grow. Hemp fibers are considered the strongest known to mankind next to silk. With high moisture absorbency, high heat conductivity, and excellent abrasion resistance, hemp can be made into beautiful, comfortable and long lasting items. The more you wash them, the softer they get. They age gracefully. Blended with other natural fibers, their applications become almost endless.

Tencel: (Lyocell) Made from the natural cellulose found in wood pulp. The fiber is economical in its use of energy and natural resources, and is fully biodegradable. To begin with, the forests are managed based on sustainable practices, and timber is harvested under strict guidelines and supervision, with replanting done for each tree that is cut down. Next, the fiber processing takes place in a nearly closed-loop system that is designed to recover more than 99.6% of the solvent. Water is reclaimed and reused. Tencel garments are easy to pack, resist wrinkling, and dry quickly.

Bamboo: A highly sustainable crop as it does not claim farming land, grows very fast and needs minimal care. It is a much better CO2 extractor and oxygen emitter than trees, and all bamboo products are completely biodegradable and recyclable. My supplier's bamboo fibers are certified organic. In addition, their fabrics meet international Restricted Substance Limits standards. This bamboo denim is soft and silky to the touch, drape well, and possess properties of excellent moisture absorption and permeability.