Off the beaten paths of Central and south America, Africa and Asia, wild cotton still grows in the original shades of browns and soft greens. Research over many years has developed plants sturdy enough to be grown commericially without needing pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. The subtle colours are grown into the cotton and actually deepen with washing rather than fading. There are an expanding number of soft colours commercially available today. The higher price commanded for organic cotton is revitalizing many rural communities where regular cotton prices are less than in the 1920's.
Here at Barefoot Handweaving we are excited about exploring the possibilities of this wonderful yarn. So far we are using it in its natural colours but we hope to experiment with natural dyes soon.
We have also developed a relationship with Custom Woolen Mills in Alberta. They process pure sheep's wool into cushion forms for us to complete the picture of a totally natural product.