This year’s Spinner Expo in Shanghai, China this past March 2010 was a great success for introducing what’s new in the world of spinning and fabrics. The event attracted over 9,000 people from all corners of the world. The showcase of this event was the use of sustainable textile fibers and yarns for flat bed, circular knots, weaving and accessory manufacturers. A special creative team was developed to showcase a presentation of active and street wear textiles influenced by the world’s fascination with sport and sport related fabrics. As well, another creative team was developed to launch new products for infants and children using organic and recycled natural fibers. Environmentally sustainable textiles are still the ‘hot’ topic in textiles all over the world.

China is the cradle of research for developing new fibers, i.e. milk protein, bamboo, soy, hemp, linen and yak, to name a few. Due to their climate and the large population under the age of 30 years old, the Chinese population is changing the type of fabrics used as well as the style and trends. Active wear is big, but attractive sustainable active wear is even bigger. Active wear is an ever growing, important trend for circle knits. The garments are created to make comfortable clothing which has freedom of movement for active lifestyles, with an underlying push toward the fashionable. New developments in sustainable circle knits which are not only fashionable but comfortable was the excitement of the Expo.

As far as environmentally sustainable conscious textiles and designs for children, natural fibers are all the rage at this year’s expo. They are regenerative without chemicals, and once used will biodegrade naturally over time.
Here are some examples of what we saw at the Shanghai expo this past March regarding environmentally conscious, sustainable textiles:

Cotton: It’s soft, durable, cool to the touch and absorbs moisture, and when farmed organically is completely natural and pure.

Linen: The fiber flax plant grows more quickly than cotton and needs less chemical weed controls. It produces a strong, dirt resistant fabric that is exceptionally cool in summer.

Hemp: 100% natural, with a subtle sheen and natural drape. Cool in summer and repels 90% of UVA rays, yet warm in winter. Hemp is the most renewable fiber; it grows in any soil and climate and is repellent to insects, requiring few chemicals to grow.

Bamboo: the softest fabric imaginable, is highly breathable, keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter due to its unique structure. Bamboo grows fast, has a massive yield and doesn’t require any pesticides or fertilizers.

Soya and Milk Protein: a fiber that has a soft handle and luster similar to that of silk. A particularly good fiber for blending with other natural fibers giving them added natural luster, drape and softness.

Wool, Cashmere and fine animal fibers: Naturally breathable and whisks water away from the body. When using the finest microns they form the basis of the softest and make the most luxurious fibers. Their production uses fewer chemicals than other fibers, reducing water pollution throughout the product supply chain. Mohair seems to be on a comeback. This rare and precious protein fiber was greatly exhibited at this years Expo.

Author Bio: Visit http://www.janestaffordtextiles.com for spinning wheels and looms, wide selections of yarns and several patterns to choose from.

Category: Arts and Crafts
Keywords: spinning wheels,looms,yarn,weaving,patterns,textiles