The dissemination conference organized within the project: Revitalisation of textile production of Spartium juncem L. – Development of indigenous Croatian product: From weed to fabric

The dissemination conference and promotion of book titled: „From Weed to Fabric“organized within the project: Revitalisation of textile production of Spartium juncem L. – Development of indigenous Croatian product: From weed to fabric were held on 15^th of May 2013 in the Great Hall of the Rectorate of the University of Zagreb. The project was funded by the University of Zagreb Development Fund. The ceremony was opened by the Rector prof. Aleksa Bjeliš, PhD. Book was presented by authors: prof. Sandra Bischof, PhD. and Zorana Kovačević, Bsc. and reviewers: prof. Edita Vujasinović, PhD. and Željko Knezić, PhD.

The project was implemented by the University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology from 1^st of January 2012 to 31^st of March 2013 and funded by the Development Fund of the University of Zagreb.

The main goal of the project was to develop original textile products made from Spartium junceum L. by linking the scientific and artistic research with the aim of developing indigenous Croatian product. This almost forgotten culture was of great importance in the Croatia, which is why this unique plant was introduced over the project and dissemination of the results to the general public, especially to the business sector.

By linking the artistic and scientific research, the history of Spartium junceum L. was explored, primarily in the Mediterranean countries, and scientific research of its morphological and biological properties were conducted: traditional methods of fibers separation – maceration were investigated and their modification was performed as well as the characterization with the aim of obtaining quality indigenous fibers. These fibers were used in the process of making an original Croatian product in collaboration with partner institutions and the business sector.

The revitalization of textile production from the Spartium junceum L. is overall idea of the project: Revitalisation of textile production of Spartium juncem L. – Development of indigenous Croatian product: From weed to fabric. Inclusion of small ethno villages and crafts from insufficiently developed parts of Croatia contributes to the strategic objectives of improving the areas of special state concern.