Hemp is a fiber with a very long history. Traces of hemp fibers and fabric have been found in all across the world including in China, Egypt, Russia, Europe, and India. The Vikings carried it to Iceland. It was used for clothing, rope and paper through the ages. Hemp was grown in the US by the original settlers in Jamestown, VA and parts of the original colonies fined farmers if they didn't grow it. Because hemp is related to the cannabis favored by people wanting to get high, it was outlawed in the US during the 20th century. It is now legal again to grow it in this country and new weavers and knitters have rediscovered it usefulness.
These face cloths are my first attempt at weaving with hemp. It is very similar to flax/linen in how it is grown, processed and used. I'm very pleased with the result. These face cloths have the same great hand as the linen ones we weave. They feel wonderful on your face because they are just a bit more exfoliating than a normal wash cloth, they wash well and will last for a very long time.
The only issue with using hemp to weave with is the lack of various colors and weights of yarn. Linen is available in a multitude of colors and weights, hemp, not so much. I'm sure the available colors and textures of hemp yarn will only increase as more people weave with it.
Fiber Content - 100% Hemp
Size - About 14" by 13"
Yarn - Various Hemp yarns including hand dyed
Fiber Artist - Penny Nelson
Care Instructions - Machine wash in warm water; stretch out and lay flat to dry.
The handmade soap is made for us by Free Reign Farm in Elizabethton, TN. These soaps are wonderful to look at, sudsy and fragrant to use and make the perfect addition to our face cloths.
Soap Content - Pure Goat Milk, Saponified Lard, Coconut and Olive Oils, Essential Oils. May include grounds up natural dye plants such as madder, alkanet or annatto.
Weight - Approximately 4 Ounces
Soap Maker - Free Reign Farms
Care Instructions - For best results keep soap dry between uses. Lather and enjoy!