I read an interesting article in the New York Times about hemp growers in California, and historians who are trying to improve the image of hemp in the public's eye. I started an entry, saved it as a draft, intending to add to it, and post it. I finally got back to this, and the article is no longer available to the general public, you have to go the the NYT archives, and it would not include photos. So you wouldn't get to see the basketful of beautiful hemp fibers that so excited me originally. Anyway, hemp and marijuana are different strains of the same plant, and America's crack down on marijuana growing has affected the growing & selling of hemp. The acticle was about California farmers trying to increase the sale of hemp fiber products.
Check out these facts from the article "Colonists’ boats sailed the Atlantic with hempen sails. Old Ironsides carried 60 tons of hempen sail and rope. The word “canvas,” in fact, is derived from cannabis, a high-tensile fiber naturally resistant to decay." Hmmm, high-tensile, that's strength; resistant to decay; wouldn't this be a great fiber for purses and tote bags.
Here's a source for "hemp twine" in natural colors and dyed. If you're interested in more information about hemp, here's a great resource "Hemp Industries Association". And here's a source for "yarns"