- Made from natural vegetable fibres found in long agave cactus.
- It is traditionally assembled in a natural way therefore no damage occurs.
- Has a distinctive silky touch.
- It is made from the same process used for centuries.
- Cactus or Sabra silk is strong, durable & sustainable!
- Cactus or sabra silk is highly elastic!
Step by Step Instructions on How It is Made:
- The cactus is broken open.
- It’s leaves are then crushed.
- The leaves need to be soaked until the natural vegetable fibres of the plant disperse. This soaking separates the fibres & filaments.
- Next, you need to wash the vegetable fibres & dry.
- Vegetable fibres are then spun into a fine thread to make silk threads.
- Tradition for this entire natural process uses a vegetable dye- typically from plants local to the region in which the silk threads are made from- to dye the threads in the most natural way. Therefore plants from the region are crushed into a pot and the silk threads are added to dye them various colors.
- This dyeing process takes a very long time so that no damage occurs to complete this. When completed a beautiful, vibrant & natural color occurs- free from chemicals!
- After dyeing, another drying time occurs. When completely dry the silk threads can start to be woven on looms.
- Textures can be added at this point such as chenille, cotton yarn or camel wool, but these are not always added in. Alternating camel wool adds texture. Alternating chenille or cotton yarn enhances sheen naturally.
- The process of weaving is highly specialized and takes highly specialized skill passed down through generations. This process is done mostly by hand and sometimes is used by a machine. Only an expert can make something so special throughout this woven process.
- After this entire expert process is complete, you now have a unique & gorgeous creation. This is where such expense comes in.