Mielke's
Fiber Arts, LLC Your Central Wisconsin source for weaving,
spinning, knitting, crocheting, tatting, bobbin lace, felting, dyeing, and
locker hooking equipment, books, and supplies.
The New Plant Fiber Sampler:
With one ounce each of the four fibers: Soy Silk, Bamboo Top, Carbonized Bamboo,
and Ramie.
Read more about these fibers below, and on the ramie
page.
Soysilk, White:
Please note, it's a creamy off-white, not a pure white. "SOYSILK® brand fiber is made from the residue of soybeans from tofu manufacturing. This process is 100-percent natural and free of any petrochemicals, making it an extremely environmentally friendly product. Soy is a completely renewable resource - coming from the earth and being wholly biodegradable. As early as the 1940s, textile experts dreamed of a fiber made from
soy (In fact, Henry Ford had a suit made of soy as an early prototype). SOYSILK® brand fiber offers superior moisture absorption and ventilation properties along with beautiful draping, softness and warmth.
What are the benefits of SOYSILK® brand fiber and how does it differ from other fabrics?
It has the softness and smoothness of cashmere but isn't hazardous to the environment;
It is beautiful to look at and has excellent wearability; It has the same moisture absorption as cotton but with better moisture transmission, making it more comfortable and sanitary.
SOYSILK® brand fiber is manufactured using new, cutting-edge bioengineering technologies. It is produced by extracting proteins from the residual oils of soybean cake - a liquid "batter" is created and cooked, then the fiber is produced by wet-spinning and stabilized by acetylating, and is then cut into short staples after curling and thermoforming.
It can be washed in home washing machines and air dried. It is not recommended for commercial/industrial washing machines. In textiles, SOYSILK® fabrics are known to be wrinkle-free and have little to no shrinkage.
SOYSILK® brand fibers are part of the new class of green textiles. Soy fibers provide the environment with a unique "cradle-to-cradle" approach - coming from the earth and being wholly biodegradable. SOYSILK® brand fibers contain no petroleum and all products are manufactured to be eco-friendly. In addition, the United States is currently the largest exporter of soybeans in the world. $2.50 an ounce or $20.00 per 1/2 lb. #589101
Bamboo
Top: $1.30 an
ounce or $10.00 per 1/2lb. #589103
Manufactured in the viscose process. For bast bamboo, see below.
Bast Bamboo Top:
$1.80 an ounce or $14.00 per 1/2lb. #119145
This is bamboo fiber that is processed in the same manner as ramie, hemp, flax,
etc. This now gives you a choice between this product and the bamboo that
is manufactured in the viscose process (listed above).
Carbonized
Bamboo Top: $1.40 an ounce or $10.85 per 1/2lb. #119223 Black Diamond Bamboo Top: $2.25 an ounce or $18.00 per 1/2lb.
#589128
According to the American Chemical
Society, in 1879, Thomas Edison invented the first incandescent light bulb.
It used electricity to heat
a thin strip of material, called a filament, until it glowed. Edison may also
have created the first commercial carbon fiber. Early filaments, were made from
bamboo slivers which were formed into the proper size and shape then baked them
at high temperatures. Since bamboo consists mostly of cellulose, a natural
linear polymer made of repeating units of glucose, the filament was
“carbonized,” when heated. It became a true carbon copy of the starting
material — an all-carbon fiber with the same exact shape. Tungsten wire soon
displaced these carbon filaments, but they were still used on U.S. Navy ships as
late as 1960 because they withstood ship vibrations better than tungsten.
Bamboo carbon fiber, called Black Gold or Black Diamond by
those in the industry, is resistant to ultra violet rays and possesses anti-odor
properties. It also adjusts well to both humidity and dryness
Black Diamond is a dream to spin. The top glides from
your hand and the natural gun metal grey color is mesmerizing. Blend it with
your favorite grey or black wool for amazing results. This fiber will keep you
up late dreaming!
We are now stocking two varieties of carbonized bamboo fiber. The
first, which is called simply Carbonized Bamboo Top is slightly darker, has a
more matte (less shiny) appearance and the preparation has more air incorporated
into it, making it a "fluffier" top. The second, which is called
Black Diamond, is lighter in color, shinier and sleeker in preparation.
Our personal observation is that the Carbonized Bamboo Top is easier to spin and
creates a loftier yarn.
Latte
Top, Milk Fiber: Silk Latte is made from the milk proteins. Like SOYSILK, it is a
natural
buttery/creamy colored fiber and even softer than SOYSILK. They are produced in much the same process.
Milk Fiber Top:
"This fiber has a very interesting
history. It was originally developed in the 1930's in the U.S. and Italy
to compete with wool. The project was put on hold with the onset of
WWII. today, the milk fiber is produced with milk protein by means of a
new bio-engineering technique. There is minimal effect on the environment
and no formaldehyde. Milk fiber has the absorption properties of a natural
fiber and a ph of 6.8 which is the same as human skin, resulting in the fiber
having anti-bacterial properties. Dyes stuffs that work on milk fiber are
acid, fiber reactive or cationic dyes."
Corn Fiber: White.
Will melt at
temperatures over 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Corn fiber is a unique fiber made from the poly lactic acid present in corn. This process is natural and free of any petrochemicals, making it an extremely environmentally friendly product. Corn is an annually renewable resource, coming from the earth and being wholly biodegradable. Like SOYSILK® brand fiber,
corn fiber offers superior moisture absorption and ventilation properties along with beautiful draping, softness and warmth. Benefits of Corn Fiber:
Corn fiber isn’t hazardous to the environment
Corn fiber is extremely soft, lustrous and has excellent wearability
Corn fiber is machine washable and dryable and the color doesn’t fade. Machine wash in cold water and fluff dry without heat or lay out to dry. Do not iron.
Corn fiber is manufactured using new, cutting edge bioengineering technologies. It is produced by the poly lactic acid from corn. Then a liquid "batter" is created and cooked, then the fiber is produced by wet-spinning and stabilized by acetylating, and is then cut into short staples after curling and thermoforming.
Corn fiber is part of the new class of green textiles. These fibers provide the environment with a unique "cradle-to-cradle" approach, coming from the earth and being wholly biodegradable. Corn fiber contains no petroleum and all products are manufactured to be eco-friendly." $3.75 per oz. or $30.00 per
1/2lb. #589102
SeaCell Top: Ecru.
"SeaCell®pure is a cellulose fiber containing seaweed (e.g. ascophyllum
nodosum). The idea behind SeaCell®pure is actually quite simple: The natural raw materials cellulose and seaweed, represent the basis for the manufacture of the SeaCell®pure fiber, employing the "Lyocell Process". The cellulose fibers act as functional substrate for the seaweed. Advantages and Benefits:
-Breathable -Soft -Supports skin blood flow -Stimulates skin cell regeneration -Pleasant
touch and comfortable feel
Seaweed is added as the active substance for a good reason. The fact that this marine plant is rich in various minerals, trace elements, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins, has been well-known since the times of Chinese medicine. Moreover, seaweed has been proved to protect the skin and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which also unfold in the SeaCell®pure fiber...
...The structure of SeaCell®pure facilitates an active exchange of substances between fiber and skin. The natural body moisture releases the constituents when the fabric is worn. The effect of SeaCell®pure remains unchanged even after numerous washing cycles.
Numerous tests, carried out by various institutes and organizations, examined the fiber properties and confirmed the durability of the SeaCell®pure effect. In cooperation with the Fresenius Institute in Berlin, it was demonstrated that, in the humid environment of the skin surface, the SeaCell®pure fiber is able to release its active ingredients as required. The SeaCell®pure fiber is non-cytotoxic (cytotoxic refers to the property of substances or certain cells to destroy other cells) and hence well tolerated by the skin. Patch tests (skin test to examine allergic reactions to substances), carried out by Friedrich Schiller University Jena, demonstrated that the SeaCell®pure fiber does not cause any allergic reactions and irritations on sensitive skin."
$6.25 per oz. #589140 Limited
stock on hand.
Viscose Rayon Top: White. Made from cellulose (wood
pulp). Viscose is the first synthetic fiber invented and it has a silky appearance. This quality is very nice,
with lots of luster.
Tencel Top: White. "TENCEL®, made from wood pulp cellulose, offers a unique combination of the most desirable properties of man made and natural fibers: soft as silk, strong as polyester, cool as linen, warm as wool and as absorbent as cotton. TENCEL® absorbs excess liquid and quickly releases it again into the atmosphere. In contrast to synthetic fibers, with reduced wicking properties, TENCEL® offers unique moisture transport. The completely new nano technology of TENCEL® supports this natural fiber property, guaranteeing optimum conditions for the skin. Synthetic fibers cannot absorb moisture into the inside of the fiber. In contrast to cotton and Modal fibers, TENCEL® controls and regularly absorbs moisture. Also TENCEL® absorbs 50 % more moisture than cotton. By contrast polyester does not absorb moisture. Moisture transport is determined by climate. Depending upon climate conditions, TENCEL® either absorbs or releases moisture. Compared to other fibers, TENCEL® features the highest moisture absorption-rate: with air humidity at 65 %, TENCEL® still has unused capacity to absorb moisture from the skin. TENCEL® is a godsend for anyone with sensitive skin. The combination of a smooth fiber surface and excellent moisture absorption creates a positive environment for healthy skin, making TENCEL® ideal for anyone with sensitive skin. Also, TENCEL® is chemical free, an important factor for sensitive skin and another asset in comparison to other fibers of a natural origin. TENCEL® does not give bacteria a chance to grow. Bacterial growth is prevented in a completely natural way. The perfect moisture management of the fiber is the key. When moisture is produced it is directly absorbed from the skin and transported to the inside of the fiber. Thus no water film is produced on the skin where bacteria could grow. TENCEL® knows no limits. TENCEL® can be manipulated in a creative manner to produce a diversity of fabric aesthetics. Manipulating or controlling fibrillation produces a wide variety of fabrications, from suede-like or peach touch surfaces to a clean, smooth silky touch. Depending on the form of processing employed, very fine hairs form on the surface of the fiber to a greater or lesser extent. 100 % Organic. The basis is a natural raw material. TENCEL® is extracted from wood pulp and is 100 % biodegradable.
The wood used comes from tree farms that practice sustainability. Wearing TENCEL® makes you feel good."
Snow
Mountain Blending
Nylon: White. While it can be spun alone, it is most often blended with wool or other fibers
for strength, such as in sock heels and toes. It can be carded to blend,
or spun and plied with another strand of wool, etc.
Firestar Nylon: Ecru,Green, Red or Tropic. Photos do not do
this fiber justice. It is so shiny and fiery. Hence the name
Firestar! While it can be spun alone, it is most often blended with wool or other fibers
for strength, such as in sock heels and toes. It can be carded to blend,
or spun and plied with another strand of wool, etc.
Ecru Firestar
$1.30 per oz. or $5.20 for a 1/4 lb. #119458
Green Firestar...$1.95 per oz. #119450
Red Firestar... $1.95 per oz. #119153
Tropic Firestar... $1.95 per oz. #119152
Crystal Metallic Blending Fiber: $2.85 per 1/2 ounce.
Shredded Mylar and metallic film, for blending with any fibers. Soft and
easy to card. A little of this fiber goes a long ways in blending. Photos do not do
this fiber justice. The colors flash and change depending on how the light
hits them.
Crystal Metallic, Gold
#109471
Crystal Metallic, Bronze
#109497
Crystal Metallic, Copper
#109498
Crystal Metallic, Silver
#109476
Crystal Metallic, Blue Flash
#109499
Crystal Metallic, Golden Flash
#109474
Crystal Metallic, Green Flash
#109500
Crystal Metallic, Mardi Gras
#109496
Crystal Metallic, Rose Lilac
#109469
Crystal Metallic, Magenta
#109475
Crystal Metallic, Ruby Slipper
#109472
Crystal Metallic, Lapis
#109473
Crystal Metallic, Emerald
#109470
Crystal Metallic, Flamingo
#109517
Crystal Metallic, Lemon Burst
#109518
Heat-Bondable Crimped Angelina: Photos just do not do
this fiber justice! The colors flash and change depending on how the light
hits them. "Heat bondable iridescent fibers will bond to each other
and not to other fabrics. The heat bonding occurs when the fibers soften
and fuse together. The heat bonding characteristic of the fibers makes
them useful to use in hand-felted projects. The fibers hold up in soap and
water, and because the fibers are bonded, they do not pull out of the felt like
individual fibers would. Iridescent fibers reflect the color of the wool
and pull light into the felt."
We offer a sample pack of approximately 2 grams each of 8 colors, which comes
with instructions on how to heat-bond the fiber.
Mielke's
Fiber Arts, LLC
Soysilk, White:
Please note, it's a creamy off-white, not a pure white. "SOYSILK® brand fiber is made from the residue of soybeans from tofu manufacturing. This process is 100-percent natural and free of any petrochemicals, making it an extremely environmentally friendly product. Soy is a completely renewable resource - coming from the earth and being wholly biodegradable. As early as the 1940s, textile experts dreamed of a fiber made from
soy (In fact, Henry Ford had a suit made of soy as an early prototype). SOYSILK® brand fiber offers superior moisture absorption and ventilation properties along with beautiful draping, softness and warmth.
Latte
Top, Milk Fiber: Silk Latte is made from the milk proteins. Like SOYSILK, it is a
natural
buttery/creamy colored fiber and even softer than SOYSILK. They are produced in much the same process.
Corn Fiber: White.
Will melt at
temperatures over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. 
SeaCell Top: Ecru.
"SeaCell®pure is a cellulose fiber containing seaweed (e.g. ascophyllum
nodosum). The idea behind SeaCell®pure is actually quite simple: The natural raw materials cellulose and seaweed, represent the basis for the manufacture of the SeaCell®pure fiber, employing the "Lyocell Process". The cellulose fibers act as functional substrate for the seaweed.
Viscose Rayon Top: White. Made from cellulose (wood
pulp). Viscose is the first synthetic fiber invented and it has a silky appearance. This quality is very nice,
with lots of luster.
Snow
Mountain Blending
Nylon: White. While it can be spun alone, it is most often blended with wool or other fibers
for strength, such as in sock heels and toes. It can be carded to blend,
or spun and plied with another strand of wool, etc.
