What does flax need to create fine fibers?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
April 24, 2003
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
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Killer Picks: Flax shoulder bag, Linen travel dress, Women's linen robe—>Click here.
'Full Moon's Light' (2006) Oil on canvas—>Click here.
Listed as annuals or perennials, herbs or subshrubs, about two hundred species of 'flax' (genus Linum) are spread around the world. Only one, the pale flax, Linum usitatissimum [lin' um use' i ta tis' si mum] was taken from the wild and cultivated down through the ages for its fine soft fibers. Cultivated flax is so different from its wild progenitor that now each is classified as a separate subspecies.
The fibers are 'bast fibers', those associated with the phloem tissue of dicotyledons (flowering plants whose seeds have two 'seed leaves'). The fibers are composed of sclerenchyma, [skler ink' a ma] cells with thickened secondary cell walls. The thickened cell walls are composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The fibers are stronger than cotton, wool, or rayon.
Flax stems generally have thirty bundles of fibers arranged in a ring; the fibers support the stem like bundles of cables support a building. The fibers and phloem are held together with pectin, a gel stabilized by calcium ions. The gel provides give between the fibers and other cells for flexibility in the wind. ("Linum usitatissimum", James A. Duke, Handbook of Energy Crops, 1983)
When flax is cultivated for its fibers, the plants are grown densely--about two thousand plants per square meter. (Katy Hall, BioMatNet, CPL Press, 2002) Each plant, having only 5 square centimeters of room, will produce few branches which must elongate to reach sunlight. Densely planted flax will grow to 120 centimeters (48 inches tall); tall thin plants produce long, premium fibers.
Cultivated flax grows robustly in soils enriched with organics and additional fertilizers, but it loses something--the fibers become coarse. Unlike most intensively cultivated crops, flax does not need massive amounts of fertilizer. The cultivated plant only creates fine fibers if it is sown in soils similar to where it grew when it was wild.
Feyging Ltd. has a beautiful page about flax and how it is cultivated and the fibers extracted including great photographs. To view the page, click on the link:
http://www.randburg.com/is/flax/
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
What was nettle cloth? Plants that Changed History - June 10, 2003
Why were hops added to beer? Weird Plants - December 12, 2002
What herbs prevented evil on Midsummer's Eve? Herbal Folklore - June 24, 2002
How did flax preserve history? Plants that Changed History - April 29, 2003
What is lint? What's in a Name? - April 25, 2003
What does flax need to create fine fibers? Weird Plants - April 24, 2003
How did flax revolutionize clothing? Plants that Changed History - April 22, 2003
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NOVICA's Mission
NOVICA®
In association with National Geographic, Novica today serves as an online arts agent for more than 1,700 artists in countries around the world. Visitors to the Novica Web site can read about the artists, explore their cultures, view photographs of their work and select from more than 8,500 handcrafted works.
Novica arts and technology teams (staffing Novica offices in El Salvador, Brazil, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Thailand, Venezuela and Zimbabwe) interview each artist, photograph their artwork, post the interviews and photographs online, and handle all packing and shipping on behalf of the artist. International couriers deliver the artwork directly to customers, eliminating numerous middlemen and transferring the savings to creator and customer alike.
Click here to learn more about NOVICA' Mission.
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Flax shoulder bag, 'Combination Love'
NOVICA®
This shoulder bag casts a spell of naturally elegant charm. Kaesorn Khamphira hand-weaves the bag from flax threads, the interior is lined with nylon cloth and the bag fastens with a rain tree wood button. Makes for an admirable accessory to complement summer wear.
Click here for sale price and to view other exciting handcrafted products from around the world.
Click here to view more of Kaesorn Khamphira's handcrafted products!
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Customer Reviews of Kaesorn Khamphira
I love my bag! I received it today and already I've been asked where I bought my bag. Of course I say "I bought it on line at Novica.com from the artist Kaesorn Khamphira". It's well made. The shipping was quick and I LOVED the beautiful wrapping. Thenk you!
- Donna A., San Diego, CA
I love my bag, and I get so many compliments on it! Kaesorn does EXCELLENT work! It was shipped faster than predicted, too, which was a nice bonus. Thanks so much!
- Melody Black, Oklahoma
Click here for more customer reviews of Kaesorn Khamphira's handcrafted products.
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Linen travel dress, 'Tan Island Dreams'
NOVICA®
Ruffles that fall diagonally give a tiered effect to this delightful summer dress. Twin pockets are practical, while the long, loose fitting skirt is cool and graceful. Designed by Made Ladri and crafted in a linen-rayon blend, it features adjustable ties.
Click here for sale price and to view other exciting handcrafted products from around the world.
Click here to view more of Made Ladri's handcrafted products!
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Customer Reviews of Made Ladri
I bought the "Island Dreams" linen dress. It it so beautiful and I have gotten so many compliments on it's design. I love the fact it has pockets. I live in a warm climate and linen is the perfect cool fabric but so hard to find. I am glad I made this purchase. Please, Made Ladri, add some more linen clothing articles to your designs.
- Ann-Marie Z, Tempe AZ USA
Click here for more customer reviews of Made Ladri's handcrafted products.
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Women's linen robe, 'Fly Awayin Brown'
NOVICA®
Trimmed in brown, soft cotton linen makes a cool robe with classic styling. Nyoman Nadri applies her fashion talent to a design of timeless elegance. As beautiful as it is comfortable, its flattering front-wrap style, wide sleeves and matching belt make this a summer favorite for men or women.
It arrives in a gift box.
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60% rayon, 40% linen. Wash by hand in cool water, or machine wash with delicate cycle and cold water. Avoid drying in direct sunlight. One size fits all.
Click here for sale price and to view other exciting handcrafted products from around the world.
Click here to view more of Nyoman Nadri's handcrafted products!
Customer Reviews of Nyoman Nadri
Such a gorgeous robe! I was so pleased with the quality of the product. It was even gift wrapped in the most beautiful way! Anybody would be overjoyed to receive such a gift.
- Allison Hefley, Iowa
Click here for more customer reviews of Nyoman Nadri's handcrafted products.
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'Full Moon's Light' (2006)
Oil on canvas
NOVICA®
Dewdrops quiver on the delicate veins of a leaf, their crystalline clarity illuminated by moonlight. Working in glowing oils, Prachuap Chaikham-udom emulates a photographic close-up. The artist's hyper-realism and superb draftsmanship result in a work of absolute enchantment.
Click here for sale price and to view other exciting handcrafted products from around the world.
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Customer Reviews of Prachuap Chaikham-udom
I just received my second painting from prachuap chaikham-udom and he is nothing less than master of art. The flowers that he paints come alive on the canvas and the colors brighten up the entire room. Every guest has inquired who the artist is and how they too can purchase his artwork.
- Meryl Shapiro, Marlboro, New Jersey
Click here for more customer reviews of Prachuap Chaikham-udom's superb art.
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