We have many different fibers in our shop that are perfect for spinning and felting. While we keep a stocked inventory of different types of cotton and wools, we also like to experiment with more obscure and interesting fibers. Today we are taking a look at the possibilities of sea cell! Sea cell is a fiber that is harvested from different forms of seaweed and algae. Honestly, there is not a lot of concrete information out there on the exact process of how this amazing fiber is manufactured. All the companies that produce it seem to want to keep it an “industry secret” However, the little information I have gathered says that they basically grow large amounts of algae in giant tubs of water. They then drain the algae, chemically treat it, and then process it into an amazingly lustrous and lofty fiber!
Although the manufacturing process is somewhat of a secret, the benefits of using this material are widely boasted. It is known that seaweed in general is full of nutrients that are really good for your skin. Cosmetics products that use seaweed improve blood supply to the skin and activate skin cell metabolism. The textile fibers are porous and open, which promotes humidity intake and release. A garment made of sea cell will absorb what your skin expels, while you skin absorbs the healthful and nutrient rich properties that the fiber emits.
Above is some sea cell yarn that Paige spun into a beautifully shiny and light-weight yarn that is soft as cotton and luxurious as silk. There is something really sexy and simple about the pure undyed, hand-spun yarn that this unique fiber makes. Paige and Sarah thought this yarn would make a great element for lingerie, and made a beautiful sea cell thong, and camisole to match. Sexy fiber nerds unite!
sea cell thong front
thong back
sea cell cami front
cami front detail
I love how the hand-spun nature of yarn translates into a really unique lace.
cami back detail
lace knit detail
In our project we used the undyed sea cell fiber, but there are companies that sell beautifully dyed sea cell yarns that shine like no other. One of our favorite companies is Hand Maiden, which sells an incredible sea cell/silk yarn called Double Sea.
The two color ways that we carry in our shop are Hemlock and Phoenix. Although they cost a pretty penny, these hand painted yarns add an element of luxury to anything you make with it! There are so many possibilities with the innovative sea cell fiber!
(btw : most of the information I gathered came from this blog and this website.)
Wild Fibre 