Morocco’s Marrakech — This fall marked a year since we inaugurated our Marrakech atelier. We created our atelier in order to broaden our handmade product offerings beyond clothing and footwear to include accessories and home items. We were aware that in order to do this, we would need to find fresh, environmentally friendly textiles that our production team could use to create well-made products.
We came upon a cloth on one of our visits that made us happy right away. Its hues and texture piqued our interest. Beyond just being beautiful, it aroused our interest. We were curious about what it was, what it was named, how and where it was created, and most importantly, how we could use it for something else as we held and felt it.
Continue reading to learn more about Cactus silk and how our atelier transforms it into a line of unique home decor and accessories.
The agave family includes vegetable silks like cactus silk and Sabra silk. It is a natural silk made from Saharan aloe vera plants that are gathered in northern Morocco. The Saharan desert is where these plants are most frequently found.
After being extracted from the plants, the silk fibers are hand-spun after being cleansed, coloured, and dried. The Atlas Mountain area’s Berber Tribe traditionally hand-weaves the threads together. This technique takes time and is delicate. In addition to the agave plant fibers, various natural textiles such as chenille, cotton and yarn, and camel wool are combined throughout the hand-weaving process.
Weavers frequently add free-hand embroidery work to each fabric in addition to dying the threads with natural dyes, drawing inspiration from both their moods and ideas as well as classic geometric patterns from Morocco. The end effect is a colorful, lovely finish that has affection weaved throughout every cloth. Each piece of fabric can become unique thanks to the dying and embroidery techniques.
We upcycle Cactus silk in our Marrakech atelier to create our ranges of one-of-a-kind pillowcases, totes, and clutches.
How silky is cactus silk?
Don’t let the spiky exterior of cactuses fool you. Cactus silk is gaining recognition as the new vegan silk because it is incredibly silky.
The natural fibers used to create this silk, also known as “vegetable silk” or “Sabra silk,” come from the Saharan aloe vera cactus, a member of the agave family. The durability and high caliber of this cloth are well known.
The same method has been used for millennia to create this plant-derived silk, involving crushing cactus leaves, washing, and hammering the fibers into thread, which is then braided and colored.
Cactus silk – is it rayon?
Morocco is a vibrant country with structures constructed of terra cotta and limestone, busy street markets, native mountain tribes with centuries-old traditions, and factories that make some of the most exquisite luxury goods in the world. is filled with details regarding cactus silk production. Our cactus silk, however, only comes from one place because working with craftspeople carries the risk of exploitation: a Berber Tribe in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
Unexpectedly, there are several grades of cactus silk available because some of it is produced using rayon that was imported from Spain and was chemically colored. What is this fabled substance, and how is it manufactured? There are also “knockoffs” made with machines that aren’t really cactus silk at all.
Sabra cactus plant (agave) leaves are collected for the filaments they contain, and the fabric is then dyed with organic botanical dyes (often derived from flowers & spices). After the threads are made, they are hand molded into the silk and decorated with motifs that are free-hand embroidered.
Each design is unique and was created with creativity. Some will be straightforward and geometric, while others may be considerably more complicated. Typically, the “pillows” have braided edges with tassel ends. The raw material, which has not yet been made for or into something else, is used to make “panels” for the middle of the bags when we make them. The last stage is to spread the sheets out to dry in the Moroccan sun, after which each panel is polished.
The final product has a startling silky feel and is made of a tough, durable substance (nearly like denim). It typically contains a variety of hues throughout, and if flipped and illuminated from below, you may see many more. Since cactus silk hasn’t been dried in the sun, the colors are more vivid and attractive on the underside. Turn your pillow inside out to peek inside since the threads are typically not clipped!
Since we don’t collect in large quantities of cactus throughout the winter, we frequently experience shortages of the material. Our artisans work incredibly hard to produce the most exquisite works, and we work as hard to share them with you!
What is used to make cactus silk pillows?
You may not be familiar with Cactus Silk, so allow us to explain what it is and how it is used to make the fabric for our covers. Cactus Silk is a unique fabric that is made particularly for us by Moroccan artists.
Sabra Silk is another name for this amazing fabric, Cactus Silk. The Saharan Aloe Vera or Agave Cacti fibers are woven into the fabric by hand to provide a textile with a distinctively smooth feel.
The technique utilized produces a cloth that is extremely durable and skillful but also incredibly strong.
The Agave Cacti’s leaves are pounded and then soaked to spread the fibers before being naturally colored with vegetable dyes.
This method yields a beautiful, durable, and vegetarian fabric that is also robust and sustainable. The fabric is then prepared to be manually spun into a fine thread using conventional techniques without the use of chemicals, which is a process that takes a lot of skill.
The gorgeous Cactus Silk cushion covers are then dyed in the colors we’re known for. They don’t contain any artificial components, and the color isn’t fixed with chemicals. Finally, a second wash provides the fabric a softer texture, and the covers are finished with gorgeous, detailed, hand-stitched embroidery, making each one unique and requiring a high level of skill.
Did you know that Moroccan rooftops are used to naturally fade and dry out cushion covers for at least two to four weeks? It takes a lot of time and endurance. As a result, they have perfectly faded out.
On our website, you’ll discover a beautiful selection of covers in a variety of colors and sizes. Cushions in white, pale pink, eucalyptus, pale tan, deep tan, and coco will look and feel amazing in your house no matter the décor. They remind us of a sunset, so to speak. We occasionally add color variations like blues and greens to our color palette as well.
The sizes that are offered are as follows: 45 x 45 cm for square cushions, 95 x 50 cm for lumbar cushions, 60 x 60 cm for European pillows, and 45 x 60 cm for Mini Lumbar cushions. We offer excellent duck-down inners for your cushions, but you can also use your own if you wish. We always advise using fillers that are around 5 cm larger than your cover because this will maintain the cushions “plump” and comfy.
Cactus fabric: what is it?
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- Fabric
I enjoy learning about different fibers, so when I heard about Vegetarian Silk from a Cactus lately, I was eager to learn more. I’ve done a ton of research on the issue and am happy to share it with you. You probably already want to learn more about it because it is a wonderful silk substitute that is vegetarian, has an excellent sheen, and is incredibly soft to the touch.
Almost exactly what it sounds like, cactus silk is manufactured from a cactus. (More to follow on this.) It is a pricey cloth created from the Saharan Aloe Vera Cactus, often known as Vegetable or Sabra Silk (part of the Agave family). It’s possible that you are already familiar with it if you have ever taken a vacation to Morocco. The fabric is hand-loomed in Morocco, while the cactus is grown in the Sahara Desert. Marrakech markets are frequently embellished with lovely metallic goods.
A sabra cushion is what?
Set matchy-matchy aside. No two of our Sabra Pillows are exactly the same, and we like it that way. These decorative pillows are constructed from one-of-a-kind Sabra Kilim rugs that were imported from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. These lightweight textiles are made by talented Berber tribeswomen from hand-spun cactus silk, vegetable-dyed in a variety of colors, and embellished with traditional hand-stitched geometric forms that stand for protection, family, fertility, and love. Each one is finished with complementing piping, matching tassels, and zipper closures. Each one is stuffed with soft down and feather inserts. Choose from soft, delicate neutrals, brilliant, colorful colors, or mix and match a couple for an eclectic, worldly feel that is perfect for giving a boho-chic touch to any area.
Moroccan Agave – Flowering Season
There are agave plants all over Morocco, and its most famous byproduct is “cactus silk,” which is used to make fabrics. The plants are currently in bloom, making a trip to the countryside to view the hillsides covered in a sea of golden blooms worthwhile.
Some members of the same family may take decades before blossoming, and the Agave only blooms once before it dies. For instance, the Parry Agave doesn’t bloom until 25 years have passed. They’re known as the “Century Plant” in several regions of the world.
Although frequently referred to as a “agave cactus,” this description is false. These plants are perennials, not cacti. The genus is classified in the broadly defined family Asparagaceae’s subfamily Agavoideae. The “Asparagaceae” tag makes sense when you look at the enormous flower spikes.
In addition to making fiber, the plant serves numerous additional purposes. It is valued by architects as a plant for landscaping and is used to make skin creams and nectar. Additionally, given the volume of bee activity, it must create an intriguing, albeit uncommon, honey.
How are cushions made of cactus silk cleaned?
Use a moist, somewhat soapy towel to remove the stain. Don’t wash in a machine. If necessary, have a professional dry cleaner do it (please check with your dry cleaner first). Avoid tumble drying. On low heat, you may iron. To let garments dry in the sun, hang them up.
Please be aware that hand-dying results in certain defects (small blotches, bleeding etc). This gives the pillow cover more personality and charm.
Each cushion is unique because the cloth was hand-dyed. Your pillow’s pattern can differ slightly.
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What is mulberry silk?
The best silk that can be purchased is mulberry silk. The process used to make Mulberry silk is distinctive. Mulberry trees are grown and harvested for the leaves that silkworms eat by local farmers in China, where mulberry silk has its origins. Raw silk fibers are produced from the resultant cocoons.
The Bombyx mori moth’s silkworms are fed exclusively mulberry leaves, therefore the resulting silk is among the best on the market. Mulberry silk is more elegant than other varieties of silk since it is pure white in color and is made up of individual long threads.
Wild silk and Habotai silk, for example, have shorter strands and less consistent color and texture than other forms of silk. Mulberry silk is one of the most resilient types of silk, and it is used to make some of the most opulent products.
How are Moroccan cushions cleaned?
Every one of our carpets is a one-of-a-kind, handmade original import from Morocco. Textiles from the past may have age and wear marks. These are shown in the product photographs and can include patched tears, unpatched tears, tiny holes, fading, fraying, and small stains. These particulars are a part of each textile’s own history and enhance its exceptional beauty and worth. The price range is determined by age, rarity, size, and condition.
To guarantee an equitable wear process, rotating your rug annually is crucial. Regular vacuuming and shaking out of your rug keeps professional upkeep low and prevents aging. It is natural for rugs to shed some fluff; this does not mean that your rug is deteriorating. Initially, it is recommended to frequently vacuum or shake your rug; over time, the shedding will reduce and eventually stop. We advise having a specialist clean our rugs, cushions, and blankets. Because natural dyes can quickly run if not properly handled. Like other things, in order for our pieces to endure as long as possible, regular care is necessary. This comprises routine vacuuming, rotating, and sporadic expert cleaning. They will easily outlast comparable synthetic products since they are produced from high-quality, natural (rather than synthetic) materials.
Every single one of our Moroccan leather pouffes is lovingly produced in Marrakech, Morocco. Additionally, only the finest leather obtained directly from Moroccan tanneries is used. No two Leather Pouffes will be exactly alike because each piece is manually coloured, cut, and sewn, and in most cases, you will see some tool impressions on the leather. Please be aware that this product is made of genuine leather and may have very minor marks. These are just normal qualities, not defects. Each handmade pouffe has these particulars, which add to its charm, personality, and worth.
How to fill a pouch For a solid full look, Moroccans combine old clothing, rags, towels, and sheets, among other materials. If not, you can limit landfill by using bean bag filling, foam scraps, or plastic bags. Using old cushions is an alternative, however it depends on how comfortable you want the Leather Pouffe to be.
Taking Care of Your Puffe Since each item is skillfully made by hand, it does occasionally require some sensitive love and attention. If necessary, we advise having all of our Moroccan Leather Pouffes professionally cleaned. Less is better when it comes to leather because it ages nicely with use. If there is any kind of spill on your piece, please make careful NOT to rub it and immediately use paper towel to absorb any wet. INFORMATION & CARE FOR MOROCCAN FLOOR CUSHIONS
Every single one of our Moroccan floor cushions is lovingly created in Marrakech, Morocco. A genuine vintage Moroccan rug served as the inspiration for each design. Because each Moroccan floor cushion is individually handwoven and hand-dyed using wool by a female artisan, no two will ever be exactly same. One of a kind in every way. Please be aware that old textiles may have age and wear stains. These could include minor holes, faded or frayed areas, healed or unrepaired tears, small stains, etc. These particulars are a part of each textile’s own history and enhance its exceptional beauty and worth.
Since each item is skillfully made by hand, it does occasionally require some sensitive love and attention. All of our Moroccan floor cushions should be professionally cleaned because the natural dyes will rapidly bleed if not handled properly. If your item has a spill of any kind, please make careful NOT to massage it and dry the spill right away with a paper towel. To prevent dye runoff and keep fibers fresh, Moroccans lay their fabrics out to dry.
Get rid of any extra dirt from your rug as soon as possible. Take it outside, shake it vigorously, or pound it. Next, place it flatly close to your vacuum. You should remove any further dirt by setting your vacuum to the “high height” position. When you finally start vacuuming, focus on the rug’s narrow breadth rather than its length. Move slowly back and forth. To remove any dirt on the edges, you can also use the hand attachment; this method is occasionally more efficient. The more filth you can get rid of before washing is preferable, even though this process can take some time.
Set up your rug so that water may drain from it. We draped the rug over using a tall ladder. This is significantly gentler on the arms and makes it easy for soiled water to drain out. These rugs get really heavy when they’re wet. A power washer is the best option if you have one or can borrow one, since I have cleaned rugs both with and without one. We used it to spray the rug on both sides, working our way down from the top. The rug needs to be thoroughly saturated, which will take some time. Spray downward, and I guarantee you’ll be amazed at the amount of dirt that comes off!
The scrub brush can be used to thoroughly remove any black areas. To remove anything that was stuck, we also used the scrub brush on the rug’s flat backside. then carry on misting! You could use a hose with a spray attachment if you don’t have a power washer.
You can clean your rug with a mild soap like Dreft if it’s truly dirty. Using soaps on rugs that have been dyed requires extreme caution since you can never be sure how the color dye will interact with the chosen soap. Try spot treating rather than washing the entire rug if you have a few dirty areas.
It’s time to dry your rug once you’ve removed as much as you are comfortable with. You might wish to let some of the extra water run off before using a ladder, like we did. To do this, let it dangle for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, you should squeeze it. Roll the rug as tightly as you can and spread it out on a table. Although you won’t get everything out, the goal is to extract as much water as you can. The drying process will go faster as a result. Rehang it in direct sunshine once you’ve finished this. Before it can be placed back in your house, your rug must thoroughly dry. If it doesn’t, you’ll be able to tell since wet wool has a distinct scent that is worse than that of a wet dog. You should wait a minimum of 12 to 24 hours for it to dry, depending on how warm it is.
After washing, the rug could appear a little matted. Reusing the vacuum will make the pile more lively and fluffy.