Kalistan

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Kalistani Linen takes Center Stage
Kalistani Linen Textile Industry reaches 40,000 tons a year
Springfield, Duchy of Odufaray
September 12, 5696


Modern integrated Computerized weaving mills like Spring Fabrics in Springfield help Kalistan keep its people clothed

It is no secret that the textile markets in Kalistan are dominated by natural fibers. During cooler months, wools are almost universally worn to protect agaisnt the cold and damp of Kalistani winters. But during the spring, summer and fall months, you will see more cottons, which are largely imported from Dovani and the southern hemisphere, or hardier more durable rougher weave hemp clothing, especially if you are working.

But the star of every Kalistani summer wardrobe is linen. Not only is linen fairly ubiquitous between May and September, especially in Ananto and Suldanor, it is also a domestic industry that employs tens of thousands of farmers, millers and weavers across the nation. Annually Kalistan's linen production has topped 40,000 tons of finished fabric per year for the first time this year, and Kalistani mills say they have the capacity for more. "Kalistani Linen is a growth market," says David Greer, of Spring Fabrics, one of the most modern state of the art linen mills in Odufaray, the heart of Kalistani linen production. "More of our own people are buying linen each year as popular tastes refine and the fabric becomes just 'what one wears' in the summer months, but also there is increasing demand for it on the international market which presents opportunities for entrepreneurs like me to sell globally."

Kalistan cultivates about 2 million acres of flax annually, with about two thirds of that acreage in Odufaray and another third in the Central Valley in Nevaras. The flax plant itself produces both fibers for linen and seeds which are converted to oils to contribute to biodiesel and cooking industries. The plants are first sewn in March after the frost is out across Kalistan Proper, and is harvested in July. By September each year, the flax is ready for milling, spinning and weaving. From there, the finished textile goes out to fashion manufacturers for sewing.

Industrial sized flax farms produce most cloth, but farmers also produce flax on a small level for local weavers

"Most people love the lightweight feel and texture of the cloth," said fashion writer Allen Morrison. "While you aren't going to ever see couture linen, it outcompetes more expensive cotton for dress shirts, as well as casuals and just clothes to wear around the home and out on errands. You can wear it anywhere and fit in: it has a classy, slack look that can't be beat and always signals that someone is either ready to lounge at home, or go out for drinks and dancing, or head to the beach to sunbathe, surf or watch people. Linen is comfortable, breathable and lightweight, and has the unique property of getting softer as it is broken in, which means that it is durable and it is held onto. Many people who buy linen swear by it. And almost nobody wears synthetic fiber in Kalistan unless we are talking about wetsuits or bikinis--We don't have the oil industry to support that. So linen is the go to choice of tens of millions of Kalistanis every year."

Casual dailywear is not the only thing made of linen: Both mens' and womens' suits are also made out of the natural fabric. "You know you've hit the warm weather when the linen suits and skirts come out," said Morrison. "People are often very reluctant to wear wool after a certain time because linen just feels so much lighter and comfortable, and it is certainly softer against the skin. And it looks as sharp as any expensive silk suit you will see." Morrison explained that linen is not only found in both formal and casual clothing, but is also in Kalistani upholstery, drapery, bedsheets, table cloths, and multiple other uses in both artistry and industry.

Not to mention, it is less expensive for everyone. "We produce a lot of linen in this country," said Greer at Spring Fabrics, "and it is certainly the most affordable of all fabrics, even edging out wool because of the cost of production is so inexpensive. It doesn't require irrigation, or hardly any chemicals to grow or process; anyone can grow it in their back yard, and we source flax from all over Odufaray, from large scale operations and small. And every part of the plant has some use, even if its just silage. It's almost completely ecologically neutral and really only requires water to mill. It is completely biodegradable, does not destroy the soil, and is easy to grow, harvest and process. It's an amazing plant."

Alice Bjorksdattir models her Linen outfit from Del Valle Casuals

As Kalistanis prepare to bring out their heavier cottons and wools this winter, most of them look forward to the spring when the linens can come back out. Meanwhile, the Kalistani linen mills are just firing back up now, getting ready to turn another year's harvest into more than 40,000 tons of linen once more. They will process the flax fibers over the next year, slow down production in August and then start the cycle once more. "We expect next year's production run will be larger than this years," said Greer. "We are already getting orders from around the world for our linen, and we still have to meet growing domestic demand first. So, we will stay busy, which is something the workers love to hear." He smiled broadly as he looked out across the mechanical computerized looms. "And our investors."

@LaModa