The cool luxurious feel of certain fabrics against your skin is something that cannot be replicated. It is very soft and smooth and simply caresses your skin.

Silk has long been a staple and exotic fabric and a symbol of pure luxury.

For thousands of years only the elite were able to afford this rare commodity. It may have been harvested by simple farmers but it wasn’t worn by them and it had a tremendous impact on the trading world.

As precious as gold and spices were, the demand for silk was even more. This creation of nature is still sought after today. Yes, the availability has increased and more people are able to wear it but pure silk is something that is still a valuable commodity.

This article will let you know about silk’s unique history and how it helped shape the world of fashion today. You may just find out something that you did not know.

When was silk first discovered?

Silks were discovered between 6000 and 3000 BC by the Chinese. The empress Xi Ling-Shi was the first to develop the silks into fabrics. But the rarity of silks meant that only the royalty had access to this precious fabric. Gradually through gifts and trade the silks made their way to various other parts of Asia.

From Asia it was a simple matter of traders taking the silk fabric with them throughout the rest of the known world. For many centuries the Emperors of China hoarded the secret of cultivating the silkmoths in captivity. There is countless recordings or digs in which silks were discovered from around the world.

What types of clothing can be made from silk?

Any type of clothing can be made from silks. The key is not using just one strand though. Spinners have to combine several strands of silk in order to make a tough enough fiber to withstand the weaving process. Fabrics that are made from very thin silks can easily tear or rip apart.

But to answer the question, you can find silken fabrics to make anything from. If you want a pair of socks…there are certainly manufacturers out there that can provide you with them.

It is more common to find silks being woven into typical clothing items such as dresses, pants or shirts. The smooth quality of the fabric combined with its luster gives it a great appeal to virtually everyone.

Who was the first person to mass produce silk?

There really is not one single person who is written down in history as the first to mass produce silks. History does credit the Chinese for holding the majority of the market even up to this day.

True mass production of silks did not come until the Industrial Revolution. Thanks to new weaving methods and machinery, more silken fabric could be produced. The Jacquard loom helped make silk embroidery easier and less expensive.

How does silk come in so many colors?

Silks are just like any other fibre that is woven. It can be dyed to any color that the manufacturer wants. There is a process though. First the fabric must be bleached to remove the natural yellow tint that comes from the raw silks. After it has been bleached out, dyes can be added in to reach the desired shade for the finished product.

Quality silks will be dyed in a way so that you do not have to worry about bleeding or color run-off. In the past when the dying process was done by hand, the colors were fairly limited with what could be dyed naturally. With today’s chemicals and varying shades of hues, a silken fabric can be transformed into a multitude of colors.

By: Michael Selvon

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Silk is a luxurious fibre or fabric that is very much in demand for all kinds of reasons

Silk is a lifestyle fabric. It is a symbol of elegance and refinement.

Who would have imagined that a minuscule creature like a caterpillar and its cocoon would turn out to be the source of one of the most versatile and widely used fabrics in the world?

From time immemorial silk has adorned the royal courts of Chinese emperors, Mughal emperors and queens of many dynasties and kingdoms.

Silk is one of the most popular choices for drapery fabric. The reason being, silk is the strongest known natural fiber. It blends compatibly with fabrics such as rayon, cotton and linen.

Silk drapery is available in various kinds of patterns, colors, textures and designs.

Taffeta silk drapes give a look of elegance and extravagance.

Embroidered silk is a great option for drapery on a formal occasion such as a wedding or other social functions. Babylon and Chinese silk again are excellent choices for occasional use or ceremonies. If you are looking for something more toned down and simpler then Dupioni silk drapes are worth considering. Silk drapes are available in different hues so you could mix and match for that funky look as well. The fabric is not restricted in its use so you could use your own imagination and set your own trends.

Silk drapery is durable and robust. It appears to be delicate but silk does well in resisting tears, odors and dirt. It is a good insulator as it keeps the house warm in winters and cool in summer. It is a non-allergenic fabric and does well in resisting mildew and mold. Silk draperies add finesse and class to your home. A well coordinated interior along with matching tapestry and furnishing will give your home a unique and regal look.

Silk drapes need to be taken good care of in order for them to last long. It is advisable that you dust your tapestry regularly. This will keep them looking bright and fresh. Long term maintenance calls for dry cleaning rather than hand washing. Machine washing is a strict no-no. Machine washing may totally ruin the fabric as it may get severely crumpled and lose its luster and crispness. Hand washing of large drapery is not practicable as it is a very laborious job. You should do your homework intensively before buying drapery for your home. What you need to consider is your budget, the particular rooms the drapery is needed for, the season or time of the year and of course your budget.

Author: Gardner Wilkinson

Silk Drapery Fabric – Browse through our curtains site and see the wide array of Silk, Linen, Taffeta Silk and Velvet, Cotton Satin, Exclusive Italian Cotton Silk and Sheer curtains drapes in breathtaking colors and embroidery.

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Choosing a new bedroom look

Silk drapery is durable and robust. It appears to be delicate but silk does well in resisting tears, odors and dirt. It is a good insulator as it keeps the house warm in winters and cool in summer. It is a non-allergenic fabric and does … Silk drapes need to be taken good care of in order for them to last long. It is advisable that you dust your tapestry regularly. This will keep them looking bright and fresh. Long term maintenance calls for dry cleaning 

Drycleaning

If cleaning solvent odor clings to the clothes, hang them in the open air in a well-ventilated room until all odor is evaporated. Draperies Draperies have a number of invisible enemies. The sun can fade and streak them. … Synthetics are more resistant than cellulose fibers, while silk is least resistant. Line all draperies for protection against fading and fiber rotting. If you are using cotton and rayon fabrics, allow for changes in length caused by atmospheric changes

How To Clean Curtain – Tips For Cleaning Curtains

Tips For Cleaning Curtains. Check the fabric of the curtains, whether it is heavy or light. If your curtain is made up of light fabric, such as cotton or silk, a gentle shake now and then will be enough to keep them clean.

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