Freedom from Coconut

     Since I got onto the fabric topic, I thought to do another post on fabric.      Did you know that the coatings on fabrics are proprietary info and are not listed on the fabric content? Come to think of it, neither are the dyes listed on the fabric content. All we know is the fiber that's used. So, if you have an irritation or have an all out allergic reaction to something even after it's been well washed in safe soap, you're not going crazy. There's something in that fabric.     As to the fiber that's used, we don't really even know that at times. For example, viscose normally comes from wood pulp or can come from any other cellulose material really.      I came across this fabric, Lenzing Ecovero Viscose, in a Carter's baby garment. I can't really find anything about this fabric, yet feeling the garment turned my hand on fire!       Have you lately had any interesting fabric experiences, whether g...

       I was asked to talk about why I say wear natural fabrics as much as one can. So with one word I'll explain it all: coconut. 😕 You look a little confused. Ok, let's go a bit more in-depth here.       Polyester is a plastic. Basically, one is wearing a bunch of water bottles. What are the properties of this plastic? Not really breathable (that's how water stays in it) yet porous enough that it can pick up a gas flavor if left in a shed with a gas can. It also has wicking properties; water rolls off of it.     Now apply this to fabric. Real 100% polyester holds body heat, holds sweat or tries roll it away, picks up body odor and needs to be soaked in vinegar to get it out. Not too pleasant in all clothing.     Enter in the hero: Coconut! The properties here are anti bacterial, anti fungal, odor control, and absorbent. So, they found a way to mix the liquid polyester with the coconut and extrude the fibers th...

    We interrupt your regularly scheduled article to bring you this important information.... 😯 Babassu.  I saw a coconut free advertised product and thought that's terrific! Read the ingredients and noted that it had Babassuamidopropyl  Hydroxysultaine (BBS) and glycerin in it. Hmm... What is that long name thing? So, I looked it up.         That long name comes from the Babassu plant's fruit. It is an extremely close plant relative to the coconut. It even has small, coconut like fruit on it with similar oil properties. It also can be called: babassu coconut. So why have we not heard more about this plant?! I'm not sure. Maybe because it hadn't been used much in products in the past?     Anyway, this plant seems to be gaining traction and being used as a coconut or palm replacement in some products. Yes, just as coconut is labeled as hypoallergenic, so is babassu labeled the same. Also, as one can cross-react to palm, ...