Our Lanna Cushion Collection has proven to be one of our most-loved Wovenwood original designs. What we haven’t shared widely is the story behind these unique hemp textiles.
The story begins with me relaying to my Thai sister-in-law, Kiwi (yes, like the fruit!), how very much I wanted to work with the Hmong and Karen Hill tribes to create one-of-a-kind textiles from which we would create cushions. Sounds simple, right? Well, suffice it to say, the only thing about this venture that has been simple was the idea! If it wasn’t for the unwavering commitment and support of Kiwi, the Lanna Collection would still remain on the long list of my many unfulfilled ideas!
The Lanna Collection is as sustainable as it is beautiful. Each cushion is a testament to the skilful art of harvesting and hand-weaving, showcasing the natural allure of hemp fibres meticulously entwined to create a distinctive and inviting texture. In the world of sustainable and eco-friendly textiles, hemp stands out as a versatile and environmentally conscious choice. We know many of you, like us, love to hear the story behind unique and sustainable products and we’re excited to share with you the full story of the Lanna Cushion - From Field to Fabric.
1. Cultivation of Hemp:
Hemp, a cousin of the cannabis plant, has been cultivated for centuries for various purposes, including textiles. Unlike its psychoactive counterpart, industrial hemp contains minimal levels of THC, making it a valuable and legal resource. Hemp cultivation is known for its minimal environmental impact, as it requires little water, no pesticides, and grows rapidly in various climates.
2. Harvesting Hemp Fibers:
The magic begins in the fields where hemp plants mature over a period of three to four months. Harvesting hemp fibres involves cutting the plant stalks at the base, leaving the roots intact for soil health. Once harvested, the hemp stalks undergo a process called "retting," where they are laid out in the fields or soaked in water to break down the plant's natural adhesives. This process separates the outer bark from the inner fibres.
3. Processing and Decortication:
After retting, the hemp stalks are ready for decortication, a mechanical process that separates the outer bark from the inner fibres. Decortication can be done through various methods, such as water or dew retting. The result is a bundle of raw, long hemp fibres ready for the next phase.
4. Spinning the Fibres:
Once the hemp fibres are separated, they undergo a spinning process to transform them into yarn or thread. The hill tribes do this manually using a spinning wheel by. The resulting hemp yarn is strong, durable, and ready for the dying and weaving process.
5. Dying the Yard
Local flora is boiled and used to naturally dye the hemp yarn into a variety of colours. Because the Thai highlands are subject to a wide variety of weather patterns, the flora presents differently in each season, resulting in varying shades of yarn from season to season. Yarn that may be a subtle camel colour in summer turns to an intense tangerine shade in winter. This is one of the many reasons no two runs (and therefore cushions) will ever be the exact same.
6. Weaving the Fabric:
Once dyes have set, weaving is the final step in transforming hemp fibres into usable fabric. Our skilled artisans use looms to interlace the hemp yarn, creating diverse textures and patterns. Hemp fabric is known for its breathability, durability, and natural resistance to mould and UV rays (perfect for Aussie environments!).
7. Benefits of Hemp Fabric:
Hemp fabric is not only eco-friendly but also boasts several benefits. It requires minimal water and pesticides during cultivation, making it a sustainable alternative to conventional crops. Additionally, hemp fabric is biodegradable, ensuring a minimal environmental impact at the end of its lifecycle.
8. The Finished Product:
After the textile has been woven, the artisans sew together sections to create our cushions. The looms they use can only weave sections that are 12” - 14” wide (30-35cm) which is why our finished cushion will have a hand stitched seam (Striped Lanna) or a machine sewn seam (Natural/Camel/Olive Lanna) somewhere on the face of the cushion.
From the fields of hemp cultivation to the looms of skilled artisans, the journey of our Lanna Cushion Collection is a testament to the time-honoured traditions of indigenous peoples and how these traditions can be lovingly woven into our modern lifestyles and homes. We are honoured to partner and support the beautiful women behind this collection and hope you will join us in selecting artisan products as part of a commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.
Lanna Cushion - Natural
$195.00
Handwoven by Hmong women in Northern Thailand, the Lanna Cushion is our go-to solid cushion to mix, match, and layer with your favourite stripe and organic textiles. Using traditional methods, each piece is carefully woven on a loom, naturally dyed with… read more
Lanna Cushion - Stripe
$250.00
The Striped Lanna Cushion is a Wovenwood exclusive designed in house and lovingly created by Hmong women in Northern Thailand. Using traditional methods, each piece is carefully woven on a loom, naturally dyed with locally available flora and softened and… read more
