Flax

I am going to skip cotton now and write about it last! Saving the best for last. So I begin with Flax - Linen. Flax is considered the oldest fiber used in the western world. According to Wikipedia "Flax is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. Flax is grown both for its seeds and for its fibers. Various parts of the plant have been used to make fabric, dye, paper, medicines, fishing nets, hair gels, and soap. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens."
Flax fibers are very strong and can be made into fine yarns and sheer fabrics that are both strong and cool. Flax is popular for clothing because in addition to being cool, it is easily washed. Linen fabrics may be smooth and sheer, coarse, homespun in effect or highly patterned as in the jacquard weave. They are used for apparel and a wide veiety of domestic fabrics such as table cloths. Tomorrow, I will talk about jute fiber!