Gorgeous Hand-Blocked Quilts
Lately organic products have taken a hit with the debate on the value of organic food heating up. But even if you’re not convinced that organic products are good for you personally, rest assured that creating organic products is good for Mother Earth.
While we know the benefits of raising bamboo for clothing and bedding, let’s take a look at another fabric option such as organic cotton. Conventional cotton growing raises a host of environmental issues but under the watchful eye of third party watchdogs, organic cotton growers (or I should say certified organic cotton growers) upkeep fields and facilities that refrain from using toxic pesticides, fertilizers and other harmful chemicals.
Organic cotton production is not as simple as substituting synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Rather it is based on the knowledge of agronomic processes and a systemic approach that encourages a diverse and balanced farming ecosystem. Organic farmers, not surprisingly, also use a great deal of organic matter to increase soil moisture and the retention of essential nutrients to keep soil fertility consistent. In contrast, conventional cotton farming practices of intensive cultivation and overuse of mineral fertilizers drain soil of its organic matter thus decreasing its overall health.
Composting and crop rotation are essential elements in organic farming. Crop rotation, in particular, ensures a balanced nutrient content in the soil, prevents leaching from soils and reduces the amount of diseases and weeds. And with the threat of erosion prevalent in an increasingly treeless world, these practices make soil much less vulnerable to it.
The invasion of the boll weevil led to the use of heavy pesticides in cotton production making organic farming a huge challenge for pest management. The key for organic cotton growers is to focus on prevention. Once again crop rotation plays a heavy role. By eliminating a consistent source of food (i.e. – cotton grown on the same land year after year), pests have less of a chance to build a large population within the farmland. Organic cotton farmers also rely on other animals to keep pests at bay. By creating a sustainable environment for natural enemies of cotton pests such as beetles, ladybirds and ants, the farmers are able to keep their cotton crops pest-free. And if extra ammunition is needed, organic farmers rely on natural pesticides like neem spray prepared from neem kernels and pyrethrum made from powdered flower heads.
Green Earth Bamboo is expanding its selection to include organic cotton products! Invest in Indian-inspired organic cotton bedding and a soft organic cotton robe to show your support of organic farming practices!
The influence of India is everywhere this Fall from Marchesa’s 2012 Fashion Week show to the upcoming “Blue Line” of products coming to Ikea. But rather than purchase a mass-produced look, take advantage of the unique hand-blocking technique offered with the Yala bedding line through Green Earth Bamboo.
Artisans first carve out the blocks by hand for the patterns desired while the distinctive colors are hand mixed from minerals, plants and Azo-free dyes to create vibrant shades. Skilled craftsmen then use the blocks to hand stamp the fabrics with these beautiful patterns. Some quilts, such as the Blue Lotus Queen Quilt, require more than 1250 stamps to cover both sides. The dye is made colorfast by the six hours of washing, setting and drying that each fabric receives. To complete the process, an experienced quilter can take up to one full day to place the organic cotton filling and hand stitch the quilt.
Organic and unique is a perfect combination for a peaceful conscience and a peaceful night’s sleep!
Green Earth Bamboo is having a special sale September 25th thru the 30th. Receive 10% off of everything in the store by using the coupon code FALLSALE2012!
