hobby lobby-CRITERIA SISAL JUTE HEMP COTTON RAFFIA

[Maria]

Criteria of the stringing materials at Hobby Lobby: (SISAL JUTE HEMP COTTON RAFFIA) - from an email response from them, per my email inquiry to them about this criteria on these stringing materials.

I have copied and pasted the information from their email response here:

For SKU’s #253922 1/4 x 100 Feet Natural Sisal Rope, 597107- #72 Natural Jute , & 123588 #24 Natural Twisted Cotton Cable Cord : Meets the criteria the customer needs except “Unoiled” in Sisal and Jute products. For the sisal and jute production, factories will add 3%-5% oil in the process of carding sisal fiber. Because the oil makes the sisal fiber easy to be carded, thus less burr in the finished products. However it is not the same oil used in hardware stores.

For SKU# 797597 Madagascar Long Raffia : Meets all criteria listed. “Raffia grows on a Raphia Palm Tree and when harvested is stripped, peeled and dried in the sun.”

For SKU# 370585 ¼ Oatmeal Matte Raffia : Is 100% Rayon. Rayon is a synthetic material which is also used in fabrics (like those rayon shirts that shrink when you put them in the washing machine). There are no additives, odors, or chemicals added with the exception of a color resin which dyes the rayon material to desired color. It is not natural in that rayon is a man made material. It is safe, chemical free and odorless. The dying process is very similar to dying fabric materials used in clothing.

For SKU# 219337 170# Hemp Ball is Natural twine: They are not dyed, deodorized, chemically treated, sprayed or cleaned with toxic agents.

For SKU 123588 #24 Natural Twisted Cotton Cable Cord: Meets all criteria listed.


The criteria I inquired about is the following:
• Chemical free
• Unoiled (not oiled; UNoiled) [IE: ropes in hardware stores, they use oil on their machines for the cutting process; these are not for crafts]
• natural
• non-toxic
• Untreated
• NON-deodorized (IE: no chemicals used to get the natural fragrance odor out of jute. The jute plant has a natural fragrant. IE: There are deodorizing services for people’s jute rugs.)
• No toxic cleaning or binding agents
• UN-sprayed, not treated in any way, pesticides, insecticides, or for fungal growth, in any way.
• Not dyed

And on the cotton rope:
*** I also need to know if this is 100% cotton, with no fillers. ***


I have sent them another email stating/inquiring the following:
(Type Of Oil Sisal Jute?)
Thanks soooooo much, extremely helpful.

Just a couple of questions for now about the oil for sisal and jute.

I would have to ask, therefore, what type of oil is used for the production of the sisal and jute? And especially since the information returned also states that it is not the same oil used as with rope in hardware stores.

For example, if it is something like Olive Oil, that is food grade, and natural and pure, and is ok with me. But definitely not any other type of “cooking” oil; that would not be ok with me.

What is the name of the substance of the kind of oil used? What is in it? What is it made from or of?


(NOTE: IE: My parrot shop told me Olive Oil is safe to put *very little, little bit - rub it into their feet, used as a moisturizer because they get that dry scaley type skin on their feet; to condition the skin; and not often. And you don't want them licking it, etc., and need to rub it in good until basically all absorbed and dry*)

[Maria]

I also just received email back from them that the cotton rope is indeed 100% cotton. I'd emailed about this specific again, just to double check.

[Maria]

The information back from the manufacturer, they stated that the type of oil used in the Sisal/Jute is Softening Flax Oil.

Also in contacting an AFA Certified Aviculturist, Level 1 - (This person is also a member of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators as well as the AFA, and in addition to being an avian behavior consultant and veterinary technician; this person also founded the Austin Parrot Society and teach classes about bird ownership, behavior, nutrition, basic husbandry, and a variety of other topics.) - - - The following information resulted (For short, I'm going to furthermore refer to "this person" as the Veterinary Technician ["VT"]):

The following is the VT's viewpoint:
“Since sisal and jute are both frequently used in the manufacturing of parrot toys . . . it's safe to assume that these materials do not pose any
significant threat to birds.”

“Inre: flaxseed oil - We actually do know that it's perfectly safe for birds to ingest, because it is a widely recommended omega-3 supplement that is
frequently given to birds, with beneficial effect.”

“we do have several sisal hanging nets, all of which are fine”

In reference to: companies manufacturing their products with the avicultural community in mind: (Is it likely or possible that with the ropes/stringing materials, manufacturers are putting certain groups of them aside reflecting that, for example: “these must be UN-oiled, because they are for the bird toy business group” ??????? ?????? ??????)
The VT's view is: "can't imagine us being a large enough percentage of their demographic to merit them manufacturing items specifically for us, nor have I ever seen labeling on any of these products that mention them being bird safe. But is it possible that part of their Research & Development is devoted to bird safety? Sure, it's possible. I just don't know."
(My view: [Maria]): In other words, it is NOT likely that these are "separated out".

Now this is me, Maria, talking:
Also because of the fact that per what I’m reading about the flax oil, is that it’s food grade, nutritional, etc. AND is also used in “Animals Feeds”. Flax seed oil is an herbal/nutritional supplement. Everything I am reading regarding what I looked up on flax oil relates that they are one in the same, derived from one another, is the best way I can explain it. This is a different type of oil than the type of oil used on ropes in hardware stores on their cutting machines, which is not safe. The flax oil used with sisal and jute in "crafts" sections of "crafts stores" *comes against the skin*, so I can see that it is important for it to be safe, non-irritating, non-toxic, such as flax oil. Flax oil/seed oil is your omega 3 fatty acids, an herbal nutrient which is healthy - human consumption - humans take this all the time for nutritional benefits; I take it myself. (flax seed oil capsules from your health food store).

All the information seems to be pointing to it’s just a food grade, non-toxic oil, which is used to card these stringing materials. Hobby lobby also says that anything in children’s crafts is going to be non-toxic, because it’s used with children to make the crafts. These types of stringing materials are used with their beads and things in the section for children to make jewelry for the children, such as keychains, earings, bracelets, necklaces, bookmarks, scrapbooks, memory albums, handmade cards, photo frames, and a lot more.

I have gotten two good links with their information on the flax oil and flax seed oil, which I posted (copied and pasted) the links and direct reading material on them here below.

For the sisal and jute in hobby lobby, factories will add 3%-5% oil in the process of carding sisal/jute fiber. Because the oil makes the sisal/jute fibers easy to be carded, thus less burr in the finished products.

It is a personal decision based on what one feels comfortable with, and I would make that decision regarding the jute and sisal from Hobby Lobby; no one is responsible for one's decision. I would base my decision on my research, and I feel comfortable enough per my research, that it is safe to use, from hobby lobby, the sisal and jute.

But I would definitely not use ropes or stringing materials from hardware stores, because with those, a different type of oil is used.

I have done extensive research on this. I also value the VT's opinion as well due to her background and experience. I did my research based on the grounds that nothing is 100% safe, as well. But this is enough for me, to put together with the other information per my research. I also know about certain risks, and things to be careful of.

Links below:

Links with their information on the flax oil and flax seed oil
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax_oil

Linseed oil
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
*** "(Redirected from Flax oil)" *** (in other words, same thing, linseed oil is also the same, each derived from the other, etc.; linseed oil is also known as flax oil, etc., see in the reading material below)
Jump to: navigation, search


Linseed oil
Linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil, is a colorless to yellowish oil obtained from the dried ripe seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum, Linaceae). The oil is obtained by pressing, sometimes followed by solvent extraction. Due to its high levels of α-Linolenic acid (a particular form of omega-3 fatty acid), it is used as a nutritional supplement.
Linseed oil is a drying oil, meaning it can polymerize into a solid form. Due to its polymer-forming properties, linseed oil is used on its own or blended with other oils, resins, and solvents as an impregnator and varnish in wood finishing, as a pigment binder in oil paints, as a plasticizer and hardener in putty, and in the manufacture of linoleum. Linseed oil use has declined over the past several decades with increased availability of synthetic alkyd resins—which function similarly but resist yellowing.[1]
Linseed oil is an edible oil marketed as a nutritional supplement. In parts of Europe, it is traditionally eaten with potatoes and quark (cheese). It is regarded as a delicacy due to its hearty taste, which spices the bland quark.[2]
Contents
[hide]
• 1 Chemical aspects
• 2 Uses
o 2.1 Paint binder
o 2.2 Putty
o 2.3 Wood finish
o 2.4 Linoleum
o 2.5 Nutritional supplement and food
 2.5.1 Nutrient content
o 2.6 Additional uses
• 3 Modified linseed oils
o 3.1 Stand oil
o 3.2 Boiled linseed oil
• 4 Spontaneous combustion
• 5 See also
• 6 Further reading
• 7 References
• 8 External links

[edit] Chemical aspects
Linseed oil is a triglyceride, like other fats. Linseed oil is distinctive in terms of fatty acid constituents of the triglyceride, which contain an unusually large amount of α-linolenic acid, which has a distinctive reaction toward oxygen in air. Specifically, the constituent fatty acids in a typical linseed oil are of the following types:[3]
• The triply unsaturated α-linolenic acid (51.9-55.2%),
• The saturated acids palmitic acid (about 7%) and stearic acid (3.4-4.6%),
• The monounsaturated oleic acid (18.5-22.6%),
• The doubly unsaturated linoleic acid (14.2-17%).
Having a high content of di- and triunsaturated esters, linseed oil is particularly susceptible to polymerization reactions upon exposure to oxygen in air. This polymerization, which is called drying, results in the rigidification of the material. The drying process can be so exothermic as to pose a fire hazard under certain circumstances. To prevent premature drying, linseed oil-based products (oil paints, putty) should be stored in air-tight containers.


Representative triglyceride found in a linseed oil, a triester (triglyceride) derived of linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and oleic acid.
[edit] Uses
Most applications of linseed oil exploit its drying properties, i.e., the initial material is liquid or at least pliable and the aged material is rigid but not brittle. The water-repelling (hydrophobic) nature of the resulting hydrocarbon-based material is advantageous.
[edit] Paint binder
Linseed oil is a common carrier used in oil paint. It can also be used as a painting medium, making oil paints more fluid, transparent and glossy. It is available in varieties such as cold pressed, alkali refined, sun bleached, sun thickened, and polymerised (stand oil). The introduction of linseed oil was a significant advance in the technology of oil painting.
[edit] Putty
Traditional glazing putty, consisting of a paste of chalk powder and linseed oil, is a sealant for glass windows that hardens within a few weeks of application and can then be painted over. The utility of putty is owed to the drying properties of linseed oil.
[edit] Wood finish
When used as a wood finish, linseed oil dries slowly and shrinks little upon hardening. Linseed oil does not cover the surface as varnish does, but soaks into the (visible and microscopic) pores, leaving a shiny but not glossy surface that shows off the grain of the wood. A linseed oil finish is easily repaired, but it provides no significant barrier against scratching. Only wax finishes are less protective. Liquid water penetrates a linseed oil finish in mere minutes, and water vapour bypasses it almost completely.[4] Garden furniture treated with linseed oil may develop mildew. Oiled wood may be yellowish and is likely to darken with age. Because it fills the pores, linseed oil partially protects wood from denting by compression.
Linseed oil is a traditional finish for gun stocks, though very fine finish may require months to obtain. Several coats of linseed oil is the traditional protective coating for the raw willow wood of cricket bats. Linseed oil is also often used by billiards or pool cue-makers for cue shafts, as a lubricant/protectant for wooden recorders, and used in place of epoxy to seal modern wooden surfboards. It is used to coat cricket bats so that the wood retains some moisture. New cricket bats are coated with linseed oil and knocked to perfection so they last longer.[5]
Additionally, a luthier may use linseed oil when reconditioning a guitar, mandolin, or other stringed instrument's fret board; lemon-scented mineral oil is commonly used for cleaning, then a light amount of linseed oil (or other drying oil) is applied to protect it from grime that might otherwise result in accelerated deterioration of the wood.
[edit] Linoleum
Linseed oil is used to bind wood dust, cork particles, and related materials in the manufacture of the floor covering linoleum. After its invention in 1860 by Frederick Walton, linoleum, or "lino"[citation needed] for short, was a common form of domestic and industrial floor covering from the 1870s until the 1970s when it was largely replaced by PVC ('vinyl') floor coverings.[6] However, since the 1990s, linoleum is on the rise again, being considered more environmentally sound than PVC.[7] Linoleum has given its name to the printmaking technique linocut, in which a relief design is cut into the smooth surface and then inked and used to print an image. The results are similar to those obtained by woodcut printing.
[edit] Nutritional supplement and food
Although flax seeds contain lignans, a class of phytoestrogens considered to have antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties,[8][9][10] the extracted linseed oil according to some, does not contain lignans found in flax seed,[8] and allegedly does not have the same antioxidant properties. Some brands of supplement have lignans added during production. Flax seed oil is easily oxidized, and rapidly becomes rancid, with an unpleasant odor, unless refrigerated. Even when kept under cool conditions, it has a shelf life of only a few weeks.[11][12][13] Oil with an unpleasant or rancid odor should be discarded. Oxidation of flax seed oil is a major commercial concern, and antioxidants may be added to prevent rancidification.[14] The alpha linolenic acid (ALA) in flaxseed oil is suitable for cooking, as it (and the lignans in flax seeds themselves) can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees F (176.67 C) for two hours.[15][unreliable medical source?][16]
Food-grade flaxseed oil is cold-pressed, obtained without solvent extraction, in the absence of oxygen, and marketed as edible flaxseed oil. Fresh, refrigerated and unprocessed, linseed oil is used as a nutritional supplement and is a traditional European ethnic food, highly regarded for its hearty taste. It contains the highest level of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA among vegetable oils.[17] Regular flaxseed oil contains between 52% and 63% ALA (C18:3 n-3). Plant breeders have developed flaxseed with both higher ALA (70%) and very low ALA content (< 3%).[18] The USFDA granted generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status for high alpha linolenic flaxseed oil.[19]
According to the Flax Council of Canada, ALA is required for normal infant development[20] and may be beneficial for reducing inflammation leading to atherosclerosis,[21] and for preventing heart disease and arrhythmia.[22] However, recent well-controlled placebo studies suggest the regular consumption of flaxseed oil may not reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, or cancer.[23]
Studies[24][25] have shown a relationship between ALA and an increased risk of prostate cancer. This risk is irrespective of source (e.g., meat, vegetable oil).[26] Alternatively, at least one meta analysis has found a weak protective association between dietary ALA intake and prostate cancer risk.[27]
[edit] Nutrient content
Typical fatty acid content % [28]
% European[29]

Palmitic acid
6.0 4.0–6.0
Stearic acid
2.5 2.0–3.0
Arachidic acid
0.5 0–0.5
Palmitoleic acid
- 0–0.5
Oleic acid
19.0 10.0–22.0
Eicosenoic acid
- 0–0.6
Linoleic acid
24.1 12.0–18.0
Alpha-linolenic acid
47.4 56.0–71.0
Other 0.5 -
Nutrition information from the Flax Council of Canada.[8]
Per 1 tbsp (14 g)
• Calories: 124
• Total fat: 14 g
• Omega-3: 8 g
• Omega-6: 2 g
• Omega-9: 3 g
Flax seed oil contains no significant amounts of protein, carbohydrates, or fiber.
[edit] Additional uses
• Animal care products
• Bicycle maintenance as a thread fixative, rust inhibitor and lubricant
• Composition ornament for moulded decoration
• Earthen floors
• Animal feeds
• Industrial lubricant
• Leather treatment
• Oilcloth
• Particle Detectors[30]
• Textiles
• Wood preservation
• Cookware seasoning

[cml]

Good work Maria!

Where I am at, sisal and jute ropes are sold as either natural or oiled, but its good to be on the safe side if you are unsure! I have come across both types (in both hardware stores and hobby stores), and sometimes they arent good at marking it out what kind it is.

There's a certain smell to most oiled ones though, which you can smell when sniffing at the two at the same time. Also, I think you can tell the difference because the untreated Sisal-rope is lighter in colour, which is something I read here as well as notice myself!
http://www.angelicalcat.com/sislrope.shtml

[Maria]

$5.99 Natural Sisal 3 ply 100 feet item # 253922 made in china , 2011 hobby lobby, Oklahoma city, OK 73179 hobbylobby.com

Natural Jute $4.00 #72 135 feet 4 ply item # 597104 same company name, info as above

This is EXACTLY how these products are labeled.

There could also be different manufacturers as well.

Still, the flax oil is safe regarding these particular products.

[cml]

Aight Maria, with natural I meant untreated, sorry if I was unclear.

I still maintain that you can both smell and see the difference though, and Sisal-rope is a much better option that cotton or synthetic materials imo.

[KimberlyAnn]

Thank you so much! I was able to find both products and get the 1 ply insead. Everything else matched...they just had different plys. I got 400 feet for $3.49. I'm doing another project too with the jute and sisal as well as making the bird toys so I needed the smaller ply. It seems strong enough, but I might just tightly braid it for toys.

I also found stainless steal rings. I'm going to tightly sisal wrap them and make swings. I love Hobby Lobby. So glad they came to California!

[Maria]

I haven't really had a chance yet to really thoroughly read through the link in which cml posted, about the oil.

When I get a chance to read through it, I will comment further, etc.

But upon scanning only, through it, I believe it was referring to a different type of oil, and did not actually specify which type of oil in the article itself as well. It was talking about how the oil is non-digestible. It was talking about sisal *in general* also.

This would lead me to believe that it was referring in general to sisal which is sold in hardware stores, which on those, a different type of oil is used, not the safe, nutritional, and digestible kind, which is the flax seed oil used with sisal and jute for crafts in hobby lobby. Which is also why it points to the sisal and jute at hobby lobby is safe, per my research indicated.

But when I get a chance, I will read cml's link.

[Maria]

Ok, I have read cml's link.

The only thing it says regarding the oil and natural is in this paragraph:

Sisal rope comes in two varieties--oil-coated and natural. The oil-coated sisal stretches farther during manufacturing so that more rope is produced per unit of sisal fiber. This allows the darker-colored, oil-coated rope to be sold at a lower price. However, cats cannot digest oil-coated sisal rope if they ingest strands of it. For this reason, we use only untreated, light-colored, all-natural sisal rope.

So yes, it is just as I was thinking. It does not go further to specify the kind of oil, it is general. So this is indeed generalized to hardware store ropes. Part of the reason why in the bird world it is said to stay away from ropes in hardware stores is because the oil used via hardware store ropes, in general, is indeed non-digestible. As well as can be irritating and/or even toxic, depending on how used. When used for it's intended uses; therefore, ropes sold generally from hardware stores are ok, as we all know; but I wouldn't give them to my bird LOL.

When it comes to "crafts", things coming against the skin, children's skin, handling by children, etc. - the different type of oil is used, (flax seed oil), which is non-toxic, used also in animals feeds, is herbal/nutritional, and digestable. So there is no harm in it, and this oil is even given to birds as a supplement for nutritional reasons, as per my research indicated.

So the two are very different, and should not be taken or read out of context, or referred to out of context. Just wanted to make that clear.

CML's article does not reflect where to get natural un-oiled rope, which would be terrific if it did! If it does, I had not had a chance to search further through this site to find out, etc., where un-oiled sisal can be purchased, unless it's through them somehow - through the site itself.