why sustainable stitchery

we aim to

Educate & Raise awareness

We take a yogic approach to environmental conservation as we aim to educate & raise awareness about the importance & urgency of environmental recovery. We strive to add value to those already working towards harmonic homeostasis & mobilize support for future restoration & conservation efforts.

About Hemp

Hemp is the Cannabis sativa L. plant. In the United States, industrial hemp sold into the marketplace is regulated to not exceed 0.3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), per weight of a dry plant. If it contains more than 0.3%, it’s considered Marijuana. 

What is the 2018 Farm Bill?

The 2018 Farm Bill went into effect January 1, 2019. This bill amended the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970 so that hemp containing not more than 0.3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is no longer classified as a schedule 1 controlled substance under federal law. Since that time, the hemp industry has experienced incredible growth and is expected to keep growing.

In 2019, the global industrial hemp market was estimated at 4.71 billion USD & is expected to reach 15.26 billion USD in 2027.

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Hemp has Long Played a Crucial Role in History

Prior to the 1800’s, hemp was the go-to fabric for canvas, clothing,  & ropes. In fact, the 1942 Hemp for Victory campaign (shown above), explained the many uses of hemp & encouraged farmers to grow as much hemp as possible to be used for World War II.

A Forgotten Textile

With the invention of the cotton gin in 1793 & the prohibition of cannabis is 1937, this sustainable textile was all but forgotten. As the cannabis landscape continues to evolve in our modern times, so too do our views on hemp as a necessary resource.

Hemp: It's just the bees knees!

Recent studies show that industrial hemp could help the declining bee population as a nutritional source of pollen. As hemp is a wind-pollinated plant and does not produce any floral nectar, bees visit the male flowers for their pollen.

Along with pests & poor nutrition, pesticides are often cited as a significant contributor to bee colony collapse. Research shows when bees are treated with hemp oil, they may be able to better resist pesticides.

 

About Organic Cotton

Whereas conventional cotton uses about 16% of the world’s insecticides, organic cotton adheres to strict organic agricultural standards & uses no toxic chemicals. It’s also 80% rainwater fed, reducing the strain on local water sources.

As a textile, blending organic cotton with hemp adds softness & pliability to the material. 

About Natural Latex

Natural latex is sustainably derived from the sap of the rubber tree which can be tapped while continuing to grow, live, & clean the air.  We choose to stuff our bolsters with shredded natural latex as opposed to a polyester fiber fill stuffing. 

Synthetic fibers, like polyester, are thought to be one of the main contributors to microplastic pollution in our oceans. 

About me

Handcrafted by a Yogi

Hi! My name’s Larissa. I am a sustainable sewist, minimalist, & restorative yogini. I completed my 200-hour Hatha Vinyasa Teacher Training from Sthira & Sukha Yoga Shala in the Spring of 2019. I am fascinated by the layered concepts and clarity that come with a dedicated practice. Since that time, I have completed several workshops on partner yoga, yin, and developing a restorative practice.

I am a Freelance Sustainability Writer

In addition to Sustainable Stitchery, I run a sister site, Learning to Fly with Tangled Wings, that discusses the practice & integrations of yoga & rope. Both Sustainable Stitchery & Learning to Fly With Tangled Wings serve as living portfolios for my freelance writing site, LCF Writing Services.