Getting sketchy

We all need clean unpolluted water to drink……

In our ongoing series of looking at the different chemicals used in textile processing, we’re up to the C’s. This week’s topic is chromium.

Chromium (Cr) exists in several forms, which are described by different numbers in parentheses. The most common forms are elemental chromium (0), chromium (III), and chromium (VI). Chromium (III) occurs naturally in the environment and is an essential nutrient for the human body. Chromium (0) and chromium (VI) are generally produced by industrial processes.

Chromium VI, also called Hexavalent Chromium, is recognized as a human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program; The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that chromium VI is carcinogenic to humans. Chromium compounds are linked to lung cancer. Chromate-dyed textiles and chromate-tanned leather can cause or exacerbate contact dermatitis.

Chromium VI is used in textile manufacturing as a catalyst in the dyeing process and as a dye for wool…

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The Finnish project is one that all countries should emulate!

alternative viewpoints

I visited Ika, a marvellous friend of mine, a week ago in the forests of Ostrobothnia. There, in a nice and cozy shed adjacent to their house, a group of chickens reside. These aren’t just any chickens – they’re part of a living gene bank! When the traditional Finnish races of chicken became increasingly uncommon (due to fewer people keeping them), the Finnish agrifood research institute (MTT) started a project to save them. The race Ika keeps, Ilmajoki, has recovered from 20 individuals ten years ago to about 300 today, of which they have 2 roosters, 3 hens and 3 chicks.

There are many reasons to conserve genetic diversity: economical and ethical, direct and indirect, short-term and long-term. The traditional races are of the same species as the industrial chickens, but have a higher genetic diversity and have often also kept behaviours like brooding that the common chicken…

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A study in black and white

Just a little something to put a smile on your face – it’s great to watch a pianist play with such obvious enjoyment!

The next batch of sunflowers in my garden are beginning to flower and so I had a little play with them tonight. I just love their form. 🙂

Looking at how they turned out, had me thinking about embroidery on black velvet…. another occupation on a winter’s night perhaps….