The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/jillianeve07221 Are you going to spin any of these fibers? Which one? Leave me an emoji! 🍌🍍🌹
None of the above, I have a huge bundle of raw dogbane stems to process into bast fiber for spinning. Your video just keeps me company. Specifically I'm trying to seperate the tow fibers from the main bunch because of how fine they are. They aren't going to need much combing if I can get them off the main strands of fiber. Dogbane is very strong. The Native americans would use it for rope. The plant itself is poisonous, and when young it can be told apart from common milkweed by the red coloring at the base of the stem. Plant poisons decay with the plant. So the dead dogbane you spin is not dangerous. The plant turns into a branched wildflower with long white flower stalks. The leaves and seedpods look like those of common milkweed but are much smaller and thinner. When growth dies back for the year, it leaves behind a long brown stem, paper dry, which crumples. Below the soil surface is a system of long roots that puts up new shoots each year and that the stems rot off of. The older dogbane is the more brittle the fibers become when processed. So you want that year's growth harvested in January or February even though the dead stems are available any time of the year. Snip the tips off as breaking them to remove the fibers can get very painful on your fingers. Start processing from the base of the stem. Dogbane processing produces a lot of woody chips, which can be poured on the garden as mulch or into the compost. A place called Roots school in vermont has youtube videos on how to process and spin dogbane. You can also process and spin milkweed bast with the same method. Milkweed is at its strongest when frost has just killed the plant, but it is overall much weaker than dogbane. You can spin dogbane on a drop spindle, you cannot do that with milkweed, you must have a supported spindle type. Dead milkweed can also be harvested when you've had a series of freezes and thaws, which makes it very easy to remove the fiber with a dull knife. Dogbane will not do this. The young leaves and flower buds of Common milkweed are edible, but too much is bad for you. And as long as you aren't desperate for food, why would you harvest the buds when the flowers have such a sweet perfume to offer in the may and june sunshine? While processing keep your eyes open for signs of dermatitis. This can happen when handling any kind of wild plant or mushroom. Its not poison, just a skin allergy or a response to an irritant on or in the plant.
Thanks for the video. I'm actually interested in spinning the pineapple fibre and I would really appreciate it if you could share more light on the process once again for me.
@@AnimeShinigami13Hello fellow dogbane stem collector! I too hope to process my bundle of twigs someday. I have a bunch growing in my woods in NC, and I've picked them for the past 2 winters (leaving plenty for wildlife to use as nesting material). I'm going to look up those videos you mentioned - thanks for sharing your experience!
@@froggydoodle808 i've found a simple pet detangling comb (the metal ones) will work for the purpose. though a youtube channel "Sally Pointer" has recently shown how to make primitive plant fiber processing tools out of thorns and wood or twine. Sally is what's called an "Experimental Archeologist" and her specialty is fibercrafts from british prehistory.
Oh my goodness! You opened up a new world for me. I am currently trying to learn how to process some fibers from scratch (cause, let's be honest, I'm poor and have a serious craving for some spinning right now) and am currently fermenting kudzu stalks to process them for their long fibers (like 25 meters long), which apparently is a Japanese traditional art. I feel like Kudzu fiber is super under-explored for textiles, and it would be awesome if it became more prevalent since it's so invasive (especially here in TN). Thank you so much for linking to the products -- I will have to give the banana and pineapple a shot soon! I'm a plant fiber type of person, so this video has helped me so much!
@@heratyc11 Hi! Yes! It is! I just finished removing the plant matter from the fiber and I am shocked by the results. The inner fiber results in a material similar to straw in feel. I spun and crocheted with a bit of it and it's surprisingly cushy and soft when you work it up. However, the fibers from the outer bark are AMAZING. They have a shiny, semi-transparent appearance that looks like silk to me, and they are incredibly soft. They also break down to a very fine thread, which I have had a lot of fun (and a bit of difficulty, to be honest) spinning. I also plan to dye them with more kudzu, which will be awesome. There aren't as many resources out there on this topic as I'd like to see, but the best resource I have found is this book: permies.com/t/66068/fiber-arts/cloth-kudzu (links to an internet forum where someone posted a free copy of the book)
Haven't thought of pineapple being turned into yarn for sweaters. The piña cloth here in the Philippines are pretty much sheer and glossy and mostly just used for formal attire.
Thank you Evie. I did'nt realise that rayon was created in such a polluting way. No more rayon for me. Love your delivery of your videos! Could listen to you for hours.
The problem with banana is that they are susceptible to fungus. We lost the main crop banana variety in the 1920’s/30’s to a fungus blight. And the cavendish crop is beginning to show early signs of a fungus blight.
Yes she definitely needs to investigate how bananas came to be the slave populations and all the horrors of The banana growers and harvesters because it's kind of a sinister thing. I'm not sure I would buy bananas or banana fiber because of that. And bananas are susceptible to funguses they can't get rid of until the plant completely dies off Not sure that's worth it. What about hemp? Hemp is supposed to be a lot better
🤣 I now have ‘too much twist will kill it’ to the tune of Queen’s ‘too much love’ so thanks for that! 😉 I very much enjoyed the banana sliding into shot, tickled me for some reason 🤭😂 We had someone come to spinning guild once with some pineapple fibre and banana, she was doing a project for a textiles degree. They were extremely rough and ready though, nothing like what you spun. I’m in the uk, so I’m going to see what banana fibre I can source. The rose for me is very gimmicky, but each to their own 🤷♀️ Thanks for a fun and informative video 😁
It is quite rare when just one video makes me subscribe. I love the way you explain things, how you describe their textures, and how easy you make it all look! Going to have fun binge watching a bit today, methinks...
I've got rose top and lavender top which are lovely to spin, and recently I got some eucalyptus, if you enjoyed spinning the rose fibre, then you'll really love eucalyptus fibre it's a beautiful old rose gold colour and looks stunning spun and plied. Cheers from Tasmania!
So interesting! And thank you for the research into the history of each fiber. I'm not knowledgable about fibers, so I can't even picture how they extract them from each product.
You might like Sally Pointer here on RUclips - she's a delightful lady who does lots involving historical textile practices, including making fibre from stinging nettles and using it to weave :)
Thank you Jillian, you make such clear, wonderful videos. I've been enamored of banana fiber. The processing of it fascinates me. We have so many choices of fiber now and yet when I visit a fabric store, fabric is mostly made from petroleum except for cotton which is extractive, and hard on our soil life, not to mention the dyes! I have processed yucca, and plan to incorporate it in some projects, maybe as an inclusion in making paper.
I’ve been playing with plant fibers from my backyard. Banana was next on my list since my plant is making bananas! this summer and will be done after that. I probably won’t get anything as clean, but I’m looking forward to spinning and dyeing, and dyeing and spinning. I’m not a weaver, so I’ll be making a knitted fabric if all goes well. Curious to spin this w local wools and alpaca. Thank you for the videos. A fun adventure!
Can you point me in the direction of any videos or reading material about processing my own small batches of fibers from plants? I've only been able to find videos were the process is either in an industrial scale or too vague to understand what the actual process is. Or do you have your own videos with your experiences? Thanks 😊
@@pollyjazz Sally Pointer has some great videos here on youtube particularly about nettles. Once you've learned nettles, the rest are trial and error -as far as strength/durability go. My fave for small cordage is last-year's daylily leaves - just snatch 'em out from under the new green ones, dip them in water, and follow Sally's nettle thread/string/cordage process. Super easy. My family thinks I'm crazy.... (I imagine stone age types sitting around the smokey winter hearth, making string and rope while listening to stories and songs.) Sally's an experimental archeologist-type person who recreates Iron Age textiles. (cool job!). Her youtube channel is her name, Sally Pointer. Hope that helps!
Living in FL, I love your videos on viscose fibers, and this one is my new favorite. I really want fiber that has a somewhat small footprint, and maybe I could make myself given more research. Awesome!
Hi Jillian. It's so amazing how they can make yarn out of the various plant fiber. I am going to try and check out any videos on the process. I will try to spin some of the fibers you experimented with. You did a great job of informing us on the process. Have a nice summer. Janet
Incredible video! As usual 😊 Also thank you so much for talking about sensory sensitivity. I’m autistic and the way you described the textures is perfect!
This was very interesting to me because I knit and crochet. I want to learn to spin and I have bought a drop spindle and some wool roving. I think it would be fun to spin different fibers into yarn and to knit or crochet something from those fibers.
I really want to try spinning the banana fiber! This is my first time hearing about it, so I am definitely going to do more research about banana and other bast fibers🍌
I discover your channel recently. You have the most sweet and adorable personality. I don't work with fiber, but I love listen and learn. Your content open my eye on a new field. I have a new respect to the textile. Continue your beautiful work.
I've got some bamboo fiber on it's way to me, and I recently picked up some Flax that I plan on spinning to experiment with. I also have some cotton in my stash that I really should do something with at some point
Thank you so much for all your research about the processing of these fibres (sad to hear they're often so polluting) and sharing your impressions and tips for spinning plus the actual spinning and for making fabric samples and showing us them as well. I just purchased a few different processed plant fibres including rose and have been curious about spinning them but have been holding back. Your video makes me want to just go for it. Thanks, Evie 🌻
I'm curious: If any of these fibers have a particular scent? I wouldnt say wool smells "good" but I've always enjoyed its scent and it makes me wonder about these plant fibers.
You have done it again. Great video. I love how you organize and lay out your materials. It allows your viewers to visually compare materials. I may end up being laid up soon and if I am Skillshare sounds like another good way to ocupy my time.
This is amazing! 😃 This looks like so much fun! I'm into knitting and crocheting, preferably with yarns made from plant fibers. Making my own yarn would be so cool, I'm definitely going to try this one day! 😄 I just came across your channel and I really enjoy watching you work with the fiber/yarn, I find it very relaxing. I also appreciate your explanations (even though I don't understand all of it yet because this is new to me), your sharing what you have learned during the project and the additional historical and cultural information! I'm staying around and subscribing. 😄👍
@@JillianEve Thank you! 😊💜 Oh wow, that would be amazing! Until then I'll just keep watching and googling and I'm sure I'll learn along the way. Great that your channel is growing! 😄👍
Evie, I've been watching your videos over the last few days and very much enjoying them, especially the historical deep-dives and the spindle spinning. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and thoroughness, even while being honest about the things you are a newbie at! I've been spinning, weaving, and knitting for many years, and am also very interested in early medieval practice, natural dyes, and intentional spinning with an eye toward creating an historical wardrobe. Your channel was just what I needed to help me bounce back from a bit of an energy slump over the last year. Thank you!
Thank you for such a wonderful informative video💕 at some point I would love to try spinning these. Once I actually start spinning for real right now I am still an absolute beginner😅.
This was SUPER fascinating and informative! I am really inspired to try the banana or pineapple fibers now. Thank you so much for your research and sharing!
My company actually extracts raw banana fibers in Uganda, so this was so interesting to see an end product. Now I just have to learn how to go from raw fiber to ready to spin fibers. This is all very new to us, so any guidance you can offer would be greatly appreciated. thanks for sharing this video. it was so interesting.
Good points about rayon fibres. I just learned that according to a 2016 research on marine environment, rayon fibres are a major source of microplastic debris even in the deep sea. Sadly I bought several of rayon and lyocell fibres for sampling also thinking they are natural basts. And they're expensive too. 😖
Great video! I have each of these fibers and a few others like mint and soy. Will you be doing a video on other plant fibers? Or do you have advice on other plant fibers? ❤
I was pretty disappointed when you said that the rose fibers were rayon. I was really hoping to be able to harvest fibers from my rosebush when I first saw the thumbnail of the video. But still, it was all very interesting!
Am interested in the banana but concerned about the shipping. Would love to see how they knitted as don't have/can't get a loom. Spun and knitted a flax top which I love. Want to attack the nettles near the house and turn them into fiber from the green. Still wish I could grow flax on empty urban lots and make a start at fiber for sheets in the US...
I have spun both banana and pineapple fibres, I want to buy some more of them so I can try weaving with them, I liked the slubby texture from the pineapple fibres. I have also tried mint leaf fibre, which I'm guessing is also rayon in the same way that the rose leaf one you were working with is, it seemed to have more shine and drape than the other two, it would maybe work for knitted lace as well as weaving.
I have some mint fiber and I need to make a part two to this one. The mint has a slightly different color and it says on the label that it is mint "infused" but I don't know what that means or what that process looks like. It doesn't smell like mint though so, yes, I'm assuming chemical process all the way. It's very silky and shiny though.
Really great video! Thank you for spending so much time to research and present this to us. The “only” extra I might want would be to know if the banana softens up like linen with wash and wear, but that’s beyond the scope of this video. What do you think of “pearl “ infused fiber? Likely a bunch of hooey! Also, I understand that Tencel (another engineered cellulosic fiber) is more environmentally friendly, but I don’t think it’s available for spinners.
You are so welcome! Yes, the banana is reported to soften with use but I haven't personally tested that out. I'm going to be investigating the "pearl infused" as well as "mint infused" situations. Real process? Marketing? Research needed! Also, Tencel is available to spinners. I have some and it is very soft and shiny. I've used it as an add-in similar to bamboo and it is lovely to spin. 🧶😊💜
Could tencel be added into wool and spun for socks? I’m trying to think of alternatives to nylon and polyamides that are in commercial sock yarns. I know some people use mohair.
@@vickielster3928 it’s a little less springy is the only thing. I’ve spun 50/50 merino tencel and it is great. I’ve also purchased merino tencel yarn and knit that into sock footies for my husband. After 28 months of lots of wear around the house, there are no worn spots. But they did grow a bit. Contrasted with merino sock footies I’ve made him- with massive patches over and over….
I just trimmed my roses😩. I wonder whether they do have bast fibres. Any woody plant, some to that, the inner bark. Yes I’m intrigued to try, thank you
As a cross stitcher, I have noticed a lack of understanding of the base materials (floss and fabric) when it comes to what the different fibers are and why certain types are cheaper or more expensive. Coming from a background of crocheting it has made me more interested in digging into what materials are actually made of, as yarn crafters tend to be more aware of the importance. Your points about rayon are especially interesting, as there are brands of floss that some people love that come from china and are incredibly cheap compared to cotton, but most people seem to assume it is interchangeable with their cotton floss and will use both in the same project. My question in this is the longevity of the finished piece, and the colorfastness of the different types of floss being used interchangeably in a single project. I know you do mainly yarns and not thread, but I wondered if you had any thoughts on this.
Looks interesting! I wonder how they would compare relative to dyeing. :) I had some hope for milkweed a few years ago, but there were issues with the toxicity of the transformation process. Bummer.
Very curious about all of the other possible plant fibers that can be used.. especially ones that you can just harvest and use without all the steps that most people can’t do on their own! Could the fluff inside of cattails be used or what about corn silk and/or the husk?
Have you tried retting and spinning pumpkin vine? Does it work? The vine can grow 6 feet a day and reach 30 meters in length. Plus it is plus 50% cellulose. (Ironic if Mammoth poop was pre-retted pumpkin silk, lol. Put a whole new spin on wash and wear.)
Very informative. Thank you. Do you think the banana fiber yarn is better suited for utilitarian purposes rather than clothing such as knitting? I was about to purchase some for making a cowl but if it's better suited to making rugs and placemats I think I need to find something else? lol
@@JillianEve Experiments are always fun. Currently my experiments are in carving crochet hooks, spindles, and knitting needles. Way too hot to work on dying in the garage which is the only place I have to do stuff like that.
I have a love-hate relationship with rayon because it makes the most wonderful-feeling fabrics (as a knit it's divine), but it's not as durable as non-reconstituted fibers and the knit stuff pills terribly. I fall in love with shirts and then they wear out so quickly under friction.
I know I am posting this 2 years late but in 2004 my family returned to Okinawa to commemorate our grandparents memorial. During our visit we were attending a festival event where low and behold there was an exhibition of bashofu fabric. The presentation showed that the banana fibers where pretty much processed like ramie bast fibers in that it was peeled, boiled with wood ash, scraped, separated into strands, tied together before spinning, woven, and then washed multiple times to remove the sticky lignin. I snuck a quick feel of the fabric and can say it felt a bit coarse and sticky😓
Do you feel like the banana fibre is 'squeaky'? I think that the texture issues I come across are caused by a powdery-ness of something causing friction to feel squeaky.
Just a little disclaimer regarding cotton- it's modern industrial agriculture that's problematic. I live in Australia, where cotton farming is severely impacting the major river systems of the Eastern half of the entire continent. Aware that cotton has been grown and used for thousands of years, (without irrigation or pesticides) I managed to source a perennial variety from a permaculture friend (so organic) and have been growing half a dozen of these bushes for 8 years now. I never water my cotton (except when first establishing seedlings) and the same few plants produce more than I can spin every year. I've learnt the main problems with cotton farming is that is grown as a massive monoculture, hence the attraction for pests and in arid regions, mostly for harvesting in dry conditions- the bolls rot as they usually develop in what would be 'wet season'. Commercially, it's also grown as an annual crop (for ease of harvesting with big machinery) so terrible for soil and generally, genetically modified. Very easy to grow for home spinners wanting to avoid the bad stuff- but plant perennial and heritage varieties. It's in the hibiscus family and loves a good prune in winter. Thank you JillianEve for letting people know that many 'natural' fibres, like bamboo, are really rayon, using copious chemicals and water in their production.
It's a warm season crop- grown in tropical, subtropical climates. Hence annual commercial production is a summer crop.For perennial varieties plant only where there is no danger of frost in full sun. Some home spinners grow in pots in green houses (if annual)@@vickielster3928
So what does that mean for vegan or organic on the labels when it's cellulose rayon? I was born in the 70s and malethion is my friend lol but I see those labels on some of the fiber I've purchased so wonder if that claim is negated by the process to produce the fiber... hmm...
I don't know what I thought they made kimonos out of, I guess all silk or bamboo, but would have never considered banana fibers! Now I'm curious...I'm allergic to bananas, but the more processed something is the less it bothers me, so does banana yarn count? And jokingly, does the work of processing into yarn or cloth count as steps? 😂
Hi, this is possibly because unlike nettle and flax, where the bast fibres are used, rose fibre is made ( as I understand it) through a chemical treatment of the stems. I'm not sure this is a process you can do at home.
Yeah, I agree with Frances here. I tried to jump into a rabbit hole of how to process mint fibers, but it seems that they are also made by pulverizing the cellulose, then reconstructing it into fibers (like making pasta from wheat)
never considered texture/sensory input as an aspect of crafting, and I'm glad you mention it as a factor for those who need it when working with a given fiber.
That’s actually one of the things that got me into spinning/ knitting and crocheting! I have adhd and often need that sensory experience, although I can handle most fiber textures. There are a few that bug me, mostly sticky feeling textures
Yay! This is some fun coincidence because I just harvested a big bunch of nettle stalks and I'm retting them right now. Plant fibers that aren't cotton or flax is so fascinating to me, especially from a historical context. I can already feel myself falling down a rabbit hole of processing other plants to get their fibers 😅 Once again you've given a lovely jumping off point with this video ❤️
Same here it was watching how nettles were used in the past and now being used again in the future which lead me to this RUclipsr 😹😹 I would love to try the nettles but which hotter it does not grow wild in Australia 😹😹😹in all the years I have lived and travelled around the country I have never seen nettles or a 4 leaf clover and I have lived here over 40 plus years now, and as the old Aussie song goes “I’ve been everywhere man”😹😹 around this country and mostly all in the bush lands and desert and flood planes all cities are alike to me it’s going out bush that you really get the feel for any country you live in😹😹 many a time I have missed the UK for its rich history and it’s long skinny laneways off the beaten path. Hope you have fun diving into the rabbit hole on the nettle side of things 🤗🤗
As a brazilian, I love wearing natural plant fibers because of the fresh, airy feature they have. I'm from a place with hot weather so I haven't touched yet any animal wool (only acrylics), wich is more usual on the south of the country, where has a colder weather. I'm a begginer with yarn spinning and you are a huge inspiration to me! 😊 Congratulations and thank you so much for this amazing channel.
The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/jillianeve07221
Are you going to spin any of these fibers? Which one? Leave me an emoji! 🍌🍍🌹
Thanls a lot for sharp ducha wonderful nowledge .Yes. I do Luke to spin tose fibers.
None of the above, I have a huge bundle of raw dogbane stems to process into bast fiber for spinning. Your video just keeps me company. Specifically I'm trying to seperate the tow fibers from the main bunch because of how fine they are. They aren't going to need much combing if I can get them off the main strands of fiber. Dogbane is very strong. The Native americans would use it for rope. The plant itself is poisonous, and when young it can be told apart from common milkweed by the red coloring at the base of the stem. Plant poisons decay with the plant. So the dead dogbane you spin is not dangerous. The plant turns into a branched wildflower with long white flower stalks. The leaves and seedpods look like those of common milkweed but are much smaller and thinner. When growth dies back for the year, it leaves behind a long brown stem, paper dry, which crumples. Below the soil surface is a system of long roots that puts up new shoots each year and that the stems rot off of. The older dogbane is the more brittle the fibers become when processed. So you want that year's growth harvested in January or February even though the dead stems are available any time of the year. Snip the tips off as breaking them to remove the fibers can get very painful on your fingers. Start processing from the base of the stem. Dogbane processing produces a lot of woody chips, which can be poured on the garden as mulch or into the compost. A place called Roots school in vermont has youtube videos on how to process and spin dogbane. You can also process and spin milkweed bast with the same method. Milkweed is at its strongest when frost has just killed the plant, but it is overall much weaker than dogbane. You can spin dogbane on a drop spindle, you cannot do that with milkweed, you must have a supported spindle type. Dead milkweed can also be harvested when you've had a series of freezes and thaws, which makes it very easy to remove the fiber with a dull knife. Dogbane will not do this. The young leaves and flower buds of Common milkweed are edible, but too much is bad for you. And as long as you aren't desperate for food, why would you harvest the buds when the flowers have such a sweet perfume to offer in the may and june sunshine? While processing keep your eyes open for signs of dermatitis. This can happen when handling any kind of wild plant or mushroom. Its not poison, just a skin allergy or a response to an irritant on or in the plant.
Thanks for the video. I'm actually interested in spinning the pineapple fibre and I would really appreciate it if you could share more light on the process once again for me.
@@AnimeShinigami13Hello fellow dogbane stem collector! I too hope to process my bundle of twigs someday. I have a bunch growing in my woods in NC, and I've picked them for the past 2 winters (leaving plenty for wildlife to use as nesting material). I'm going to look up those videos you mentioned - thanks for sharing your experience!
@@froggydoodle808 i've found a simple pet detangling comb (the metal ones) will work for the purpose. though a youtube channel "Sally Pointer" has recently shown how to make primitive plant fiber processing tools out of thorns and wood or twine. Sally is what's called an "Experimental Archeologist" and her specialty is fibercrafts from british prehistory.
I would love to see how these fibers take dye! Rose fibers being dyed with natural rose or other flowers dyes sounds like a super fun experiment
I would love to try that also! 🍌🧶
I was thinking the same!
Oh my goodness! You opened up a new world for me. I am currently trying to learn how to process some fibers from scratch (cause, let's be honest, I'm poor and have a serious craving for some spinning right now) and am currently fermenting kudzu stalks to process them for their long fibers (like 25 meters long), which apparently is a Japanese traditional art. I feel like Kudzu fiber is super under-explored for textiles, and it would be awesome if it became more prevalent since it's so invasive (especially here in TN). Thank you so much for linking to the products -- I will have to give the banana and pineapple a shot soon! I'm a plant fiber type of person, so this video has helped me so much!
Yes! Spin the Kudzu!!! 😊🧶💜
Kudzu is an option? I'm about to spend so much time helping my neighbors clear their overgrowth. After I get the flowers for jelly, that is.
@@heratyc11 Hi! Yes! It is! I just finished removing the plant matter from the fiber and I am shocked by the results. The inner fiber results in a material similar to straw in feel. I spun and crocheted with a bit of it and it's surprisingly cushy and soft when you work it up. However, the fibers from the outer bark are AMAZING. They have a shiny, semi-transparent appearance that looks like silk to me, and they are incredibly soft. They also break down to a very fine thread, which I have had a lot of fun (and a bit of difficulty, to be honest) spinning. I also plan to dye them with more kudzu, which will be awesome. There aren't as many resources out there on this topic as I'd like to see, but the best resource I have found is this book: permies.com/t/66068/fiber-arts/cloth-kudzu (links to an internet forum where someone posted a free copy of the book)
You can also use cudzu for salads just like lettuce
Haven't thought of pineapple being turned into yarn for sweaters. The piña cloth here in the Philippines are pretty much sheer and glossy and mostly just used for formal attire.
Thank you Evie. I did'nt realise that rayon was created in such a polluting way. No more rayon for me. Love your delivery of your videos! Could listen to you for hours.
The problem with banana is that they are susceptible to fungus. We lost the main crop banana variety in the 1920’s/30’s to a fungus blight. And the cavendish crop is beginning to show early signs of a fungus blight.
Yes she definitely needs to investigate how bananas came to be the slave populations and all the horrors of The banana growers and harvesters because it's kind of a sinister thing. I'm not sure I would buy bananas or banana fiber because of that. And bananas are susceptible to funguses they can't get rid of until the plant completely dies off Not sure that's worth it. What about hemp? Hemp is supposed to be a lot better
@@jmdenison Wait till you hear the history of cotton.
🤣 I now have ‘too much twist will kill it’ to the tune of Queen’s ‘too much love’ so thanks for that! 😉
I very much enjoyed the banana sliding into shot, tickled me for some reason 🤭😂 We had someone come to spinning guild once with some pineapple fibre and banana, she was doing a project for a textiles degree. They were extremely rough and ready though, nothing like what you spun. I’m in the uk, so I’m going to see what banana fibre I can source. The rose for me is very gimmicky, but each to their own 🤷♀️ Thanks for a fun and informative video 😁
🧶😊💜
I was thinking of making a natural dye garden next year. I am still doing my research to see what will grow were I live.
Pineapple weave pattern look prefect for painting canvas. Interesting!
It is quite rare when just one video makes me subscribe. I love the way you explain things, how you describe their textures, and how easy you make it all look! Going to have fun binge watching a bit today, methinks...
“When the Spanish and Portuguese figured out that South America exists” best explanation of that “discovery” 😂
Another video already! I really like conversations about ethical consumption with artists, especially when it means making your own fabric stuff
I've got rose top and lavender top which are lovely to spin, and recently I got some eucalyptus, if you enjoyed spinning the rose fibre, then you'll really love eucalyptus fibre it's a beautiful old rose gold colour and looks stunning spun and plied. Cheers from Tasmania!
Bamboo yarn is luscious and a bit of heaven on earth. I love it.
This is really interesting, and I loved the extra information that you shared with us about farming of the fruits and fibers.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm so glad you did this as I'm really struggling to spin plant fibers on there own without them being blended with wool x
So interesting! And thank you for the research into the history of each fiber. I'm not knowledgable about fibers, so I can't even picture how they extract them from each product.
You might like Sally Pointer here on RUclips - she's a delightful lady who does lots involving historical textile practices, including making fibre from stinging nettles and using it to weave :)
@@RuailleBuaille Thank you! I've actually watched a few of her videos as well as I started down this fiber/spinning rabbit hole 😁
Thank you Jillian, you make such clear, wonderful videos. I've been enamored of banana fiber. The processing of it fascinates me. We have so many choices of fiber now and yet when I visit a fabric store, fabric is mostly made from petroleum except for cotton which is extractive, and hard on our soil life, not to mention the dyes! I have processed yucca, and plan to incorporate it in some projects, maybe as an inclusion in making paper.
I’ve been playing with plant fibers from my backyard. Banana was next on my list since my plant is making bananas! this summer and will be done after that. I probably won’t get anything as clean, but I’m looking forward to spinning and dyeing, and dyeing and spinning. I’m not a weaver, so I’ll be making a knitted fabric if all goes well. Curious to spin this w local wools and alpaca. Thank you for the videos. A fun adventure!
Can you point me in the direction of any videos or reading material about processing my own small batches of fibers from plants? I've only been able to find videos were the process is either in an industrial scale or too vague to understand what the actual process is. Or do you have your own videos with your experiences? Thanks 😊
@@pollyjazz Sally Pointer has some great videos here on youtube particularly about nettles. Once you've learned nettles, the rest are trial and error -as far as strength/durability go. My fave for small cordage is last-year's daylily leaves - just snatch 'em out from under the new green ones, dip them in water, and follow Sally's nettle thread/string/cordage process. Super easy. My family thinks I'm crazy.... (I imagine stone age types sitting around the smokey winter hearth, making string and rope while listening to stories and songs.) Sally's an experimental archeologist-type person who recreates Iron Age textiles. (cool job!). Her youtube channel is her name, Sally Pointer. Hope that helps!
@@pollyjazz Silly me. I switched to the laptop without noticing that it thinks I'm my business. I am Nancy Marshall. :\
Filipinos loves to weave pineapple fibers and make it into wonderful dresses and barongs :D
I love the sound of your Ashford 😍
So soothing! 😊🐑💜🧶
Living in FL, I love your videos on viscose fibers, and this one is my new favorite. I really want fiber that has a somewhat small footprint, and maybe I could make myself given more research. Awesome!
Hi Jillian. It's so amazing how they can make yarn out of the various plant fiber. I am going to try and check out any videos on the process. I will try to spin some of the fibers you experimented with. You did a great job of informing us on the process. Have a nice summer. Janet
Incredible video! As usual 😊 Also thank you so much for talking about sensory sensitivity. I’m autistic and the way you described the textures is perfect!
I'm 100% with you my neuro divergent fiber friend! 🧶💕😊
your smile is therapeutic.
your videos are wonderful.
thank you so very much for putting such positivity into the universe.
Very nice comparison. It would have been interesting to see the swatches washed and dried as well.
This was very interesting to me because I knit and crochet. I want to learn to spin and I have bought a drop spindle and some wool roving. I think it would be fun to spin different fibers into yarn and to knit or crochet something from those fibers.
I really want to try spinning the banana fiber! This is my first time hearing about it, so I am definitely going to do more research about banana and other bast fibers🍌
There is so much to explore! 🍌🧶
I discover your channel recently. You have the most sweet and adorable personality. I don't work with fiber, but I love listen and learn. Your content open my eye on a new field. I have a new respect to the textile. Continue your beautiful work.
Oh thank you! 😊🧶💜
I've got some bamboo fiber on it's way to me, and I recently picked up some Flax that I plan on spinning to experiment with. I also have some cotton in my stash that I really should do something with at some point
Another great video! Thanks for giving some history of the fibres and empathetic/ecologically minded views. 🕊
Thank you so much for all your research about the processing of these fibres (sad to hear they're often so polluting) and sharing your impressions and tips for spinning plus the actual spinning and for making fabric samples and showing us them as well. I just purchased a few different processed plant fibres including rose and have been curious about spinning them but have been holding back. Your video makes me want to just go for it. Thanks, Evie 🌻
I'm curious: If any of these fibers have a particular scent? I wouldnt say wool smells "good" but I've always enjoyed its scent and it makes me wonder about these plant fibers.
You have done it again. Great video. I love how you organize and lay out your materials. It allows your viewers to visually compare materials. I may end up being laid up soon and if I am Skillshare sounds like another good way to ocupy my time.
I hope you recover fully and completely! 🧶😊💜
Hiiii!!!
I am more excited than what I should about the banana fibers. I want to try that BADDLY! And to even work with them in a knitting project.
Yay! All the excitement! 🍌🍌🍌🧶😊
Jillian, thank you so much for very interesting info! Its so new to me). I am quiet excited to learn more about plant fibers!
Great job at this video. It is educational, beautiful and fun.
This is amazing! 😃 This looks like so much fun! I'm into knitting and crocheting, preferably with yarns made from plant fibers. Making my own yarn would be so cool, I'm definitely going to try this one day! 😄
I just came across your channel and I really enjoy watching you work with the fiber/yarn, I find it very relaxing. I also appreciate your explanations (even though I don't understand all of it yet because this is new to me), your sharing what you have learned during the project and the additional historical and cultural information! I'm staying around and subscribing. 😄👍
Welcome! I have lots of new fiber friends joining me lately so I'm working on a solution for all the vocabulary. I got you, no worries! 🧶💜
@@JillianEve Thank you! 😊💜 Oh wow, that would be amazing! Until then I'll just keep watching and googling and I'm sure I'll learn along the way. Great that your channel is growing! 😄👍
Evie, I've been watching your videos over the last few days and very much enjoying them, especially the historical deep-dives and the spindle spinning. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and thoroughness, even while being honest about the things you are a newbie at! I've been spinning, weaving, and knitting for many years, and am also very interested in early medieval practice, natural dyes, and intentional spinning with an eye toward creating an historical wardrobe. Your channel was just what I needed to help me bounce back from a bit of an energy slump over the last year. Thank you!
I'm so glad to share the enthusiasm! 🧶💜😊
Heya! New subscriber here- last minute Laura sent me! Love your content already.
Definitely intrigued
This was really interesting. I love experimens! Thanks for the heads up on the 'rose' fibre, so disappointing but better to know than not.
No way!! I had a bamboo shirt a while back and didn't know it was actually rayon.
I'd love to see something like this but for using a spindle stick or drop spindle!
I really appreciate your videos. I learn so much! Thank you for sharing with us all.
I think this is great I think I would want to add some cocoa fiber and get a banana split garment. Okay that was just a silly joke
😋🍨🍌🧶
I learned so much from this video. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and research.
Thank you for such a wonderful informative video💕 at some point I would love to try spinning these. Once I actually start spinning for real right now I am still an absolute beginner😅.
If you make yarn, you are a spinner! 😊🧶💜
This was SUPER fascinating and informative! I am really inspired to try the banana or pineapple fibers now. Thank you so much for your research and sharing!
Your videos are very interesting! 😊
That pretty cool I didn't even know it was a thing.
Fascinating.
My company actually extracts raw banana fibers in Uganda, so this was so interesting to see an end product. Now I just have to learn how to go from raw fiber to ready to spin fibers. This is all very new to us, so any guidance you can offer would be greatly appreciated. thanks for sharing this video. it was so interesting.
Good points about rayon fibres. I just learned that according to a 2016 research on marine environment, rayon fibres are a major source of microplastic debris even in the deep sea. Sadly I bought several of rayon and lyocell fibres for sampling also thinking they are natural basts. And they're expensive too. 😖
Great video! I have each of these fibers and a few others like mint and soy. Will you be doing a video on other plant fibers? Or do you have advice on other plant fibers? ❤
Thanks!
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed this video! 😊🐑💜🧶
i love this video
I was pretty disappointed when you said that the rose fibers were rayon. I was really hoping to be able to harvest fibers from my rosebush when I first saw the thumbnail of the video. But still, it was all very interesting!
Am interested in the banana but concerned about the shipping. Would love to see how they knitted as don't have/can't get a loom. Spun and knitted a flax top which I love. Want to attack the nettles near the house and turn them into fiber from the green. Still wish I could grow flax on empty urban lots and make a start at fiber for sheets in the US...
I have spun both banana and pineapple fibres, I want to buy some more of them so I can try weaving with them, I liked the slubby texture from the pineapple fibres. I have also tried mint leaf fibre, which I'm guessing is also rayon in the same way that the rose leaf one you were working with is, it seemed to have more shine and drape than the other two, it would maybe work for knitted lace as well as weaving.
I have some mint fiber and I need to make a part two to this one. The mint has a slightly different color and it says on the label that it is mint "infused" but I don't know what that means or what that process looks like. It doesn't smell like mint though so, yes, I'm assuming chemical process all the way. It's very silky and shiny though.
Really great video! Thank you for spending so much time to research and present this to us. The “only” extra I might want would be to know if the banana softens up like linen with wash and wear, but that’s beyond the scope of this video. What do you think of “pearl “ infused fiber? Likely a bunch of hooey! Also, I understand that Tencel (another engineered cellulosic fiber) is more environmentally friendly, but I don’t think it’s available for spinners.
You are so welcome! Yes, the banana is reported to soften with use but I haven't personally tested that out. I'm going to be investigating the "pearl infused" as well as "mint infused" situations. Real process? Marketing? Research needed! Also, Tencel is available to spinners. I have some and it is very soft and shiny. I've used it as an add-in similar to bamboo and it is lovely to spin. 🧶😊💜
Could tencel be added into wool and spun for socks? I’m trying to think of alternatives to nylon and polyamides that are in commercial sock yarns. I know some people use mohair.
@@vickielster3928 it’s a little less springy is the only thing. I’ve spun 50/50 merino tencel and it is great. I’ve also purchased merino tencel yarn and knit that into sock footies for my husband. After 28 months of lots of wear around the house, there are no worn spots. But they did grow a bit. Contrasted with merino sock footies I’ve made him- with massive patches over and over….
I wonder how much the fabric would soften up after a few washing?
I just trimmed my roses😩. I wonder whether they do have bast fibres. Any woody plant, some to that, the inner bark.
Yes I’m intrigued to try, thank you
As a cross stitcher, I have noticed a lack of understanding of the base materials (floss and fabric) when it comes to what the different fibers are and why certain types are cheaper or more expensive. Coming from a background of crocheting it has made me more interested in digging into what materials are actually made of, as yarn crafters tend to be more aware of the importance. Your points about rayon are especially interesting, as there are brands of floss that some people love that come from china and are incredibly cheap compared to cotton, but most people seem to assume it is interchangeable with their cotton floss and will use both in the same project. My question in this is the longevity of the finished piece, and the colorfastness of the different types of floss being used interchangeably in a single project. I know you do mainly yarns and not thread, but I wondered if you had any thoughts on this.
Yes! I have thoughts. Maybe I'll put a segment in an upcoming video about this.
I understand the assignment 🌹
I can't wait to see what you spin up! 🌹🧶
Interesting !! Thank you !!
I would love to try 🌹. I took a workshop years ago on spinning different types of silk and would like to see how 🌹 compares.
That would be interesting to explore for sure! 🧶🌹💜
Looks interesting! I wonder how they would compare relative to dyeing. :) I had some hope for milkweed a few years ago, but there were issues with the toxicity of the transformation process. Bummer.
thank you
I am going to take some fiber from the plants in my garden and looking for how to treat them, and that's why I am here 😅😅
Very curious about all of the other possible plant fibers that can be used.. especially ones that you can just harvest and use without all the steps that most people can’t do on their own! Could the fluff inside of cattails be used or what about corn silk and/or the husk?
Have you tried retting and spinning pumpkin vine? Does it work? The vine can grow 6 feet a day and reach 30 meters in length. Plus it is plus 50% cellulose. (Ironic if Mammoth poop was pre-retted pumpkin silk, lol. Put a whole new spin on wash and wear.)
Very informative. Thank you. Do you think the banana fiber yarn is better suited for utilitarian purposes rather than clothing such as knitting? I was about to purchase some for making a cowl but if it's better suited to making rugs and placemats I think I need to find something else? lol
I'm new to spinning but I definitely want to try all of these fibers. I also wonder how they take dye, especially natural plant dyes.
I imagine the pineapple and banana would be similar to dying linen. It is absolutely worth experimenting! 🧶😊💜
@@JillianEve Experiments are always fun. Currently my experiments are in carving crochet hooks, spindles, and knitting needles. Way too hot to work on dying in the garage which is the only place I have to do stuff like that.
Great informative video. I'm guessing plant fibres don't felt. Wonder if you know.
No, they don't wet felt like wool. They could possibly needle felt. 🍍🧶💕
I'm curious about another plant fiber. Corn is so common in the Americas, I wonder if they would be as strong as hemp or linen
Have you ever tried spinning milkweed fiber?
Your little test loom is so cool! How did you weave on it and not have edges to cut??
I'll do a close up of how it works soon. I'm selling those looms in my shop now and they are so useful!
i didn't grab a smoothie, i grabbed a apple. haha.
Yum! 🍎🧶😊
The banana top has a six inch staple, you said?
Great video and thanks for the interesting research !!! 🙂
Is it possible to dye these fibers?
Thank you! Yes, you need to use fiber reactive dyes or whatever dyes are suggested for cellulose based fibers. 😊💜🧶
@@JillianEve Thanx 🙂
Do you think with the stiffness the pineapple yarn would make a nice sun hat?
I bet it would!
I have a love-hate relationship with rayon because it makes the most wonderful-feeling fabrics (as a knit it's divine), but it's not as durable as non-reconstituted fibers and the knit stuff pills terribly. I fall in love with shirts and then they wear out so quickly under friction.
I know I am posting this 2 years late but in 2004 my family returned to Okinawa to commemorate our grandparents memorial. During our visit we were attending a festival event where low and behold there was an exhibition of bashofu fabric. The presentation showed that the banana fibers where pretty much processed like ramie bast fibers in that it was peeled, boiled with wood ash, scraped, separated into strands, tied together before spinning, woven, and then washed multiple times to remove the sticky lignin. I snuck a quick feel of the fabric and can say it felt a bit coarse and sticky😓
Do you feel like the banana fibre is 'squeaky'? I think that the texture issues I come across are caused by a powdery-ness of something causing friction to feel squeaky.
I don't feel any squeak from the banana or pineapple. I definitely feel it from the rose and also bamboo. 🧶💜
love your videos. Have you ever spun soy fibre?
Just a little disclaimer regarding cotton- it's modern industrial agriculture that's problematic. I live in Australia, where cotton farming is severely impacting the major river systems of the Eastern half of the entire continent. Aware that cotton has been grown and used for thousands of years, (without irrigation or pesticides) I managed to source a perennial variety from a permaculture friend (so organic) and have been growing half a dozen of these bushes for 8 years now. I never water my cotton (except when first establishing seedlings) and the same few plants produce more than I can spin every year. I've learnt the main problems with cotton farming is that is grown as a massive monoculture, hence the attraction for pests and in arid regions, mostly for harvesting in dry conditions- the bolls rot as they usually develop in what would be 'wet season'. Commercially, it's also grown as an annual crop (for ease of harvesting with big machinery) so terrible for soil and generally, genetically modified. Very easy to grow for home spinners wanting to avoid the bad stuff- but plant perennial and heritage varieties. It's in the hibiscus family and loves a good prune in winter. Thank you JillianEve for letting people know that many 'natural' fibres, like bamboo, are really rayon, using copious chemicals and water in their production.
Perennial cotton! So cool!
Thank you for this information. Glad to know one can plant and harvest cotton for home spinning…but what climate do these cotton plants like?
It's a warm season crop- grown in tropical, subtropical climates. Hence annual commercial production is a summer crop.For perennial varieties plant only where there is no danger of frost in full sun. Some home spinners grow in pots in green houses (if annual)@@vickielster3928
So what does that mean for vegan or organic on the labels when it's cellulose rayon? I was born in the 70s and malethion is my friend lol but I see those labels on some of the fiber I've purchased so wonder if that claim is negated by the process to produce the fiber... hmm...
That is a good question! 🧶
Where do we find such spinning wheel for yarn?
Have you tried trying to extract fibre from a banana peel?
I don't know what I thought they made kimonos out of, I guess all silk or bamboo, but would have never considered banana fibers! Now I'm curious...I'm allergic to bananas, but the more processed something is the less it bothers me, so does banana yarn count? And jokingly, does the work of processing into yarn or cloth count as steps? 😂
I have been experimenting with spinning some of these plant fibres for a while but can't find any information on how to set the twist. Can you help?
Soaking and drying under very light tension is my current go to. Think of blocking a sweater to keep its shape not to stretch it out.
I thought rayon meant it was plastic fibers. Had no clue.
I hung up data banana pineapple together one of the fiber adress was much Finer ja often measurement
I can't seem to find a video about how to harvest rose ribers
Hi, this is possibly because
unlike nettle and flax, where the bast fibres are used, rose fibre is made ( as I understand it) through a chemical treatment of the stems. I'm not sure this is a process you can do at home.
Yeah, I agree with Frances here. I tried to jump into a rabbit hole of how to process mint fibers, but it seems that they are also made by pulverizing the cellulose, then reconstructing it into fibers (like making pasta from wheat)
Yes, Frances and Vestal83 are correct. It is a manufacturing process that can't really be done at home.
And silk is highly chemical as well as cotton
:)
Bonjour Marcelo! Thanks for watching! 😊🧶
13:35 Perhaps you’re looking for the word “slubs”?
Love your spinning machine!
never considered texture/sensory input as an aspect of crafting, and I'm glad you mention it as a factor for those who need it when working with a given fiber.
That’s actually one of the things that got me into spinning/ knitting and crocheting! I have adhd and often need that sensory experience, although I can handle most fiber textures. There are a few that bug me, mostly sticky feeling textures
Yay! This is some fun coincidence because I just harvested a big bunch of nettle stalks and I'm retting them right now. Plant fibers that aren't cotton or flax is so fascinating to me, especially from a historical context. I can already feel myself falling down a rabbit hole of processing other plants to get their fibers 😅 Once again you've given a lovely jumping off point with this video ❤️
Same here it was watching how nettles were used in the past and now being used again in the future which lead me to this RUclipsr 😹😹 I would love to try the nettles but which hotter it does not grow wild in Australia 😹😹😹in all the years I have lived and travelled around the country I have never seen nettles or a 4 leaf clover and I have lived here over 40 plus years now, and as the old Aussie song goes “I’ve been everywhere man”😹😹 around this country and mostly all in the bush lands and desert and flood planes all cities are alike to me it’s going out bush that you really get the feel for any country you live in😹😹 many a time I have missed the UK for its rich history and it’s long skinny laneways off the beaten path.
Hope you have fun diving into the rabbit hole on the nettle side of things 🤗🤗
Happy spinning! (And processing!) 🧶
As a brazilian, I love wearing natural plant fibers because of the fresh, airy feature they have. I'm from a place with hot weather so I haven't touched yet any animal wool (only acrylics), wich is more usual on the south of the country, where has a colder weather.
I'm a begginer with yarn spinning and you are a huge inspiration to me! 😊
Congratulations and thank you so much for this amazing channel.