Dedicated to promoting organic and sustainable fabric for the quilting and sewing arts

About the Fabric

Healthy and sustainable fabric and fibers are at the root of what we offer. Below are brief descriptions of the fabric we sell at HoneyBeGood and links for more information. This page will be updated as ecological practices and benefits are uncovered and new fabric substrates added to our offerings.


 

Hemp plantHEMP

Sustainable Hemp grows without the need of harmful herbicides and pesticides; hemp is planted in dense crops not allowing sun light to penetrate, which reduces weed growth by 95%, eliminating the need for herbicides. No pesticides are used due to the inherent properties contained in the plant itself. Hemp is commonly used as a companion crop bordering family gardens as a deterrent to insects and infestations.

Additionally, hemp is an ideal rotation crop due to its long taproot structure that helps retain topsoil, while also replenishing soil quality due to the natural leaf composting that regenerates vital elements in the soil. Hemp does not require irrigation unlike other natural fibers (like thirsty cotton). The unique inherent characteristics of the fiber of hemp have the additional ability to suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, making it the ideal “fiber for our future.”

To learn more please visit www.envirotextile.com/standards-and-certifications/

 


 

Organic CottonORGANIC COTTON

As an alternative to toxic conventional cotton growth, organic cotton delivers proven benefits for people and the environment. Here are just a few:

  • It gives control back to the farmers not GM corporations
  • It eliminates synthetic pesticides that poison our waters, wildlife, and the people who work with them. Organic takes the enormous toxic impact out of producing cotton.
  • It helps farmers feed their families. Organic farmers grow a diversity of crops to maintain soil and fight off pests. By diversifying crops, farmers also diversify their income, helping insure farmers against crop failure, climate variability, and market fluctuations.
  • It helps save precious water. Organic cotton production uses less water than conventional growth, preserving a scarce resource.
  • It helps combat climate change. Not only does organic cotton produce up to 94% less greenhouse gas emissions, it actually helps remove CO2 from the atmosphere because organic soil becomes a carbon 'sink'.

All of the cotton sold at HoneyBegood is certified organic by either the Global Organic Textile Standard or the Textile Exchange Organic Content Standard.

For more information about organic cotton, please visit www.cottonedon.org

 


 

Flax flowers and fibersFLAX LINEN

Flax offers multiple ecosystem benefits. Flax is biodegradable and can be grown in cold climates (or off season), allowing for increased crop rotation and helping farmers use less land. This can alleviate deforestation as farmers seek to meet increasing demands. Flax also grows quickly and requires less irrigation, pesticides and herbicides, helping to stabilize and protect local water sources.

  • The whole flax plant can be used, leaving no waste.
  • Flax grows naturally and requires less water and fewer pesticides than cotton, making it a more eco-friendly fabric.
  • Because it’s a natural fiber, flax linen is recyclable and biodegradeable
  • Flax is gentle on the land and is easy to incorporate into modern crop rotation cycles, preventing soil depletion.
  • Very little energy is required to process flax.
  • Linen yarn is inherently strong, which reduces the need for starching during spinning and weaving.
  • Linen fabrics can be recycled into paper and insulation materials for the car industry.
  • Flax linen is many times stronger than cotton, which means clothing, window treatments, and upholstery made from linen are made to last, rather than wind up in a landfill.

For more information: