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Commonly known as ‘soft’ fibres, bast fibres are the fine, flexible fibres obtained from the stems of dicotyledonous plants.
Bast fibres have been used to manufacture ropes, sacks, sails, and other industrial fabrics for hundreds of years. Commonly known as ‘soft’ fibres, bast fibres are… View moreCommonly known as ‘soft’ fibres, bast fibres are the fine, flexible fibres obtained from the stems of dicotyledonous plants.
Bast fibres have been used to manufacture ropes, sacks, sails, and other industrial fabrics for hundreds of years. Commonly known as ‘soft’ fibres, bast fibres are the fine, flexible fibres obtained from the stems of dicotyledonous plants. A sustainable choice, bast fibres support regenerative agricultural practices that can help the soil sequester carbon and as a natural resource, are entirely biodegradable. In this article we will investigate four of the most utilised bast fibres: flax, hemp, ramie, and jute.
Between the epidermis (the outermost layer of cells) and the core of the plant’s stems are soft, woody fibre bundles or strands which can be over one metre long. The strands are composed of individual filaments made up of cellulose and hemicellulose cells bonded together by pectin or lignin, a cohesive gum which strengthens the stem of the plant.
During harvest the stems are cut close to the ground and the fibres are separated either through a natural decomposition process called retting (engaging moisture and bacteria to rot away the gummy cellular tissues) or by decortication (peeling the stems manually or mechanically). After retting, the fibres can be mechanically extracted through a process known as scutching.
In contrast to bast fibres, leaf fibres are obtained from the leaves of monocotyledonous plants with parallel-veined leaves, such as grasses, lilies, orchids, and palms. The long, stiff fibres of plants including abaca, cantala, Mauritius hemp, and sisal are generally used to create cordage or ropes, however, due to labour-intensive harvesting processes they are used less frequently than synthetic options.
Flax (Linen): Famously grown across northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ireland, flax is the most popular and strongest of the bast fibres. Wild flax fibres found in the Upper Palaeolithic layers of a Georgian cave indicate that humans have been crafting cords and weaving flax baskets for over 30,000 years.
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For delicious grass-raised beef New Zealand is the perfect combo.
An ideal climate, lush pastures and innovative farming produces enough beef for Macca’s in New Zealand and around the world. Our patties are 100% quality beef, and all that’s added is a dash of salt and pepper when cooked.
… View moreFor delicious grass-raised beef New Zealand is the perfect combo.
An ideal climate, lush pastures and innovative farming produces enough beef for Macca’s in New Zealand and around the world. Our patties are 100% quality beef, and all that’s added is a dash of salt and pepper when cooked.
We partner with many Kiwi farmers who produce our beef, including those at the world-class Whangara Farms.
Find out how a few key elements can warm up your abode over the winter months. Anyone can make a home that is inviting and relaxing after a long cold day.
Choose a warm paint colour: Explore the colour wheel - Notice that yellows, oranges and reds are on the warm side so utilising those colours … View moreFind out how a few key elements can warm up your abode over the winter months. Anyone can make a home that is inviting and relaxing after a long cold day.
Choose a warm paint colour: Explore the colour wheel - Notice that yellows, oranges and reds are on the warm side so utilising those colours will simulate a cosier, warmer mood. Blue and purples are on the cool side so they will simulate the opposite mood.
Warm lighting: Group lighting by using task and ambience lighting and a mixture of table and floor lamps. Warm coloured bulbs throw out a softer light and give a room a cosy feel.
TIP: Having your lights on separate switches means you can control how bright/dim a space will be.
Add pot plants: Any living element contributes to a cosy and inviting feel. Plants in baskets are not only on-trend, but they also generate more oxygen inside your home too.
TIP: Group pots together using different shapes and heights to make a focal point.
Carpet, rugs and textiles: Tiles are great but can be chilly underfoot in the cooler months. Carpets insulate, soften and warm up a room and New Zealand wool carpets are environmentally friendly with a sustainable fibre, plus naturally flame retardant.
Don’t discount rugs even if you have carpets. Make sure you choose a rug that works with your existing carpet. Placing a rug between yourself and the floor instantly guarantees a warmer atmosphere. Rugs are also incredibly good at tying a space together.
TIP: Garage carpet reforms the space from a cold concrete feel to a soft warm space too!
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Simply visit your local Resene owned ColorShop, choose your favourite red testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to Cure Kids to help fund vital child health research!
Offer applies to all Resene green 60mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail … View moreSimply visit your local Resene owned ColorShop, choose your favourite red testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to Cure Kids to help fund vital child health research!
Offer applies to all Resene green 60mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail customers between 13-31 July 2022 at Resene owned ColorShops.
Come in and see the Resene team today!
Transform a dull concrete pad into an attractive seating area with a little bit of help from Resene Walk-on flooring and paving paint.
Find out how to create your own.
Dear neighbours,
NZ Gardener together with Ryman Healthcare is once again looking for greenfingered good sorts – individuals or groups who use their gardening skills to help others. Tell us about the great gardeners doing right by your community, and they could be one of five finalists who will… View moreDear neighbours,
NZ Gardener together with Ryman Healthcare is once again looking for greenfingered good sorts – individuals or groups who use their gardening skills to help others. Tell us about the great gardeners doing right by your community, and they could be one of five finalists who will feature in the October magazine!
There are some amazing prizes up for grabs, so if you know a homegrown hero who is using their gardening skills for the greater good, nominate them now for Ryman Healthcare 2022 Gardener of the Year!
Enjoy the flexibility to do what you want and be more in control of your finances. Our fixed base weekly fee means Ryman residents can relax and make confident financial choices. And as living costs continue to rise, our fixed fee guarantee is more important than ever.
Ryman residents say that … View moreEnjoy the flexibility to do what you want and be more in control of your finances. Our fixed base weekly fee means Ryman residents can relax and make confident financial choices. And as living costs continue to rise, our fixed fee guarantee is more important than ever.
Ryman residents say that this financial security helps them plan ahead for large expenses like holidays while still enjoying themselves today. Because fewer responsibilities mean that you can live on your own terms. It’s one of the ways we’re pioneering retirement living – so you can embrace life and blaze a new trail in retirement.
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View moreAre you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
As a parent or parent-to-be, your number one focus will be the health and safety of your kids. In fact, it doesn’t matter whether they are 18 months or 18 years, we always have their best interests in mind – even if they don’t listen anymore!
However, the home environment can present many … View moreAs a parent or parent-to-be, your number one focus will be the health and safety of your kids. In fact, it doesn’t matter whether they are 18 months or 18 years, we always have their best interests in mind – even if they don’t listen anymore!
However, the home environment can present many dangers to young children. Take curtains and blinds, for example. Although they look great in a room, there’s a risk that kids can hurt themselves if they play around with them.
As such, what are the measures that you can take to ensure that they are safe in your home? Let us explain.
Keep your windows child-safe: Keep babies’ cots well away from windows and ensure that all blind and curtain cords are out of reach. This may mean not placing furniture next to windows – toddlers love climbing!
Child safety devices: You could install a safety device that adds another level of protection. This allows cords to be tightly wound around a cleat and out of reach, alternatively you could opt for electronically operated blinds.
Reduce the hazard: It is important to be aware at all times of child safety around the home. An extra safety measure is the installation of a safety device that either removes the cord loop or limits access to cords. A tension device (either a chain tensioner or cleat) can be anchored to the wall or floor so that young children cannot play with cords or put them around their neck.
Selecting the right curtain fabric type: There is no doubt that kids love to pull and tug on items around your home. While you can tell them off as many times as you like, it might be a good idea to invest in stronger fabric type for curtains in a kid’s bedroom.
For example, sheers and voiles – while they look great in a baby’s nursery, these fabrics are too lightweight and prone to damage especially when your youngest becomes mobile and wants to practice their climbing skills! In a kid’s bedroom, you’ll want a strong fabric that can take the odd pull and is also easy to clean should they get dirty.
If you need help, give us a call on 0800 579 0501 and we can offer helpful advice. We can also provide safety devices to keep your blind cords out of reach.
We have a wide selection of wool available to choose from.
Popular ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs has recalled a specific batch of their product due to a low level chemical (ethylene oxide) contamination
The ice cream product is the Häagen-Dazs brand Classic Collection Mini Cups (4x95mL) with the Best Before dates from the 04.07.2022 up to and including … View morePopular ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs has recalled a specific batch of their product due to a low level chemical (ethylene oxide) contamination
The ice cream product is the Häagen-Dazs brand Classic Collection Mini Cups (4x95mL) with the Best Before dates from the 04.07.2022 up to and including 21.07.2023.
Ethylene Oxide has been found in the vanilla cup. This chemical is normally used as a fumigant for controlling post-harvest insects, moulds, and pathogens in a variety of food however there is low risk from ingesting this amount.
This product is sold in Pak'n Save, New World, Four Square, and Gilmours stores throughout the North Island and can be returned to these stores for a full refund.
Two letters from the same person were posted last Monday, one to go to Whangarei, one to Wanganui... the Whangarei one arrived Wednesday... my one has yet to arrive here in Wanganui... service - WHAT SERVICE ??? And yet the price STILL goes up... grrr
Enjoy an Antipodes skincare duo (RRP$50) when you purchase a three-month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for just $52. Subscribe now by clicking here!
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It’s easy to create this simple planter using a couple of terracotta pots and some Resene testpots.
Find out how to create your own.
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