ABACA
A soft fiber from the leaf stalk of the banana plant that can be stripped into very fine strands. Commonly known as banana hemp.
AGEL FIBER
A fine, white fiber obtained from the leaf stalks of the gebang palm that is found in the Philippines. Agel fiber is used for sailcloth, rope and fishnets. Coarser fibers obtained from the plant stems are woven into hats.
ARROWROOT
This fiber comes from the inside of the Arrow tree vine. It is grown and harvested seasonally and very limited in its supply. This light and airy fiber has a glossy and smooth finish.
BAMBOO HUSK
Bamboo husk or shoot skin is a leaf that covers the joints of the bamboo tree. Once separated from the bamboo, the husk is split into finer strips, which are then knotted to create a strong filament for weaving.
BANANA FIBER
A thick, soft fiber that is cultivated from a banana tree trunk. Coloration varies greatly depending on the climate in which it is grown and how it is dried.
CORK
Cork is harvested from the inner layer of bark tissue primarily from the Cork Oak. Because only the cork is harvested, the tree remains healthy. Cork production is considered environmentally friendly and sustainable.
COTTON
The soft fiber of cotton produces a thread that weaves into a strong, breathable textile.
GRASSCLOTH
Is a fine light cloth that resembles linen. Grasscloth is woven from the fibers of the inner bark of the ramie plant, woven and backed with rice paper which makes it a perfect wallcovering. No two pieces of grasscloth are alike. Grasscloth is beautiful and delicate.
HEMP
One of the world’s oldest and most versatile fibers, hemp fibers have a vast range of uses including being twisted into ropes and spun into textiles
JUTE
Jute is a long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber that can be spun into strong thread or woven in its natural leafy state.
KHEUAPIAD (LAOS JUNGLE VINE)
Jungle vine collected in the jungles north of Luang Prabang. The vines are first harvested and dried, prepared into strips which are rolled by tribal women into a fine string by rubbing it on their legs. These strings are then knotted into bags (much like Billums from PNG).
LINEN / FLAX
A grassy fiber that can be used in its raw state, but is more often refined to make linen. Characterized by its crisp and textured feel, linen is a versatile textile that has a high natural luster.
MICA SAND
Mica sand is comprised of muscovite, a mineral that is easily broken down into a fine sand, which takes on reflective properties with a soft, glittering appearance.
MILULU GRASS
Have you seen these baskets? The baskets are called Iringa baskets. The Hehe people of Tanzania make them from the reed-like fibers of the milulu grass. Many of the designs are symbolic and tell a story.
PALM
A durable fiber, obtained from the bones of palm leaves, that easily takes on color hues when cured.
PANDAN
A tropical plant that has similar characteristics to stiff grass. It is commonly reserved for Southeast Asian cuisine.
PAPER / WOOD-PULP
An ultra thin material made from wood fibers that have been mechanically separated and stretched when wet. Pulp fiber materials are often twisted prior to weaving to add strength.
RAFFIA
Raffia fiber is widely used throughout the world. It is produced from the membrane on the underside of each individual frond leaf. The membrane is taken off to create a long thin fiber, which can be dyed and woven as a textile.
RAMIE
Native to Asia, the fibers from the stem of the ramie plant are strong enough to be stripped into refined strands while maintaining a soft, textured nature.
RIVER REED
A hollow grass-like plant that grows abundantly in tropical wetlands such as marshes or paddies. When dried, river reeds take on woody characteristics.
SEA GRASS
A grass that grows in a salt water environment. It is cultivated in flooded paddy fields. When dried, these grasses become very stiff.
SISAL
A stiff fiber from the agave plant. Durability of the fibers increases when they are dried and interwoven.
VETIVER
A curly fiber from the root of the vetiver plant that becomes stiff when dried. Its strong earthy fragrance is commonly used in perfumes or colognes.
WALINGI
A grassy fiber indigenous to the South Pacific. When dried, its variegated natures makes it easily distinguishable.
WATER HYACINTH
Water Hyacinth’s hollow, grassy fiber takes on grass-like characteristics when dried and split.
WATER LILY
The long stalks or stems of water lilies provide a soft, yet strong fiber. Only stems from mature plants are selected for their superior strength and uniformity. Fibers are then sun-dried and handspun.