These tapestries are woven with nettle yarn which Jane imports from Nepal. The nettle plant is called “Allo” and grows in mountainous areas. It grows in height over 3 metres and has large leaves. Covered with long stinging hairs, only the mature stems are used for the nettle yarn. Stems are retted and used for the nettle yarn and women in local villages around Katmandhu spin these fibres into yarn using elaborately carved hand spindles.
It is a wonderful yarn to weave with as it varies in texture, colour and thickness.I dye in a wide range of colours.
The yarn can be purchased through
www.weaversbazaar.com.