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Once upon a time...
... there lived
a Chinese empress, Si Ling Chi, who observed a silkworm spinning
its cocoon while on her morning walk through the royal gardens.
How wonderful to wear a garment spun of this fine, shimmering thread she mused
... Such was the beginning of silkworm breeding 5000 years ago,
and even today the principles remain the same.
What exactly is silk?
Silk is the fine thread with which a silkworm spins its cocoon,
its protective "home" during the chrysalis stage from which the
the silkworm emerges 20 days later as a moth. The thread, produced
by the unique spinning glands of the silkworm, is the finest and
strongest natural fiber in the world. Silk is a protein fiber,
very similar to human skin in its chemical structure. Because of
this, silk is predestined as a "second skin".
How do I care for my silk?
- AVOID ALKALINE SUBSTANCES !!! The silk moth opens a hole in
its cocoon using an alkaline fluid. Correspondingly, silk remains
sensitive to alkaline substances which form the cleansing agent
in conventional laundry detergents. Detergents also often contain
enzymes and brighteners which damage silk and colors. Accordingly
, wash your silk with detergents especially designed for silks.
In a pinch, use woolite or shampoo - although the softening
components can reduce the silk sheen. The best method is to
dissolve the detergent in water, into which the garments are
then placed.
- Washing machine Silk can safely be washed in the wool-wash
-cycle of your washing machine (water temp. 30°C/cold wash).
Always separate dark and light colors and use a very short spin
cycle. A capful of white vinegar will enhance shine and color.
A brittle feel and a matt finish are indicators of alkaline
damage, which can be "repaired" by rinsing with the vinegar
solution.
- Drying Wet silk will yellow on a radiator or in direct
sunlight. Drying in the dryer produces friction, which reduces
shine and can result in electic charging of your silk.
Avoid both of these methods. Silk is best hung to dry. with the
exception of noil silk, which should be shaped and dried lying
flat. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Static electricity Overly dry silk can become electro-statically
charged. This can be remedied by brushing over the surface with a
damp hand or hanging on the balcony overnight.
- Grease spots Fresh grease stains can often be removed with
baking powder: dust the affected area and shake out thoroughly
after 20 minutes. For tough stains, dry-cleaning fluid may help.
CAUTION!!: first test the chemicals on a hidden spot in the
garment. Avoid rubbing, just blot. If in doubt, have the garment
dry cleaned.
- Perspiration Human perspiration can vary and be very
alkaline. High alkaline perspiration and potent deodorants can
damage silk. Protective pads can help.
Why is silk so special?
- Silk shines Silk is synonymous for sheen. Because of this
unique sheen, colors radiate and assume a luminant character.
Shine is only the most obvious of silk's special characteristics.
- Silk caresses Thanks to its extremely fine and smooth fiber
structure, silk flows supply and softly. Because of its protein
structure, silk is the most hypoallergenic of all fabrics and is
in fact often recommended to people with skin allergies.
- Silk insulates The silk fiber responds to temperature and
cools and warms as needed. Silk garments are therefore perfectly
suited for summer or winter. Silk worn as a second layer
underneath warms well without being bulky. It can absorb up to
30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. Silk will
absorb perspiration while letting your skin breathe. Silk is con
ducive to your sense of well-being.
- Silk wears well In spite of its delicate appearance, silk
is relatively robust. Its smooth surface resists soil and odors
well. Silk is wrinkle and tear resistant, and drys quickly.
- Silk flatters Silk is the fiber of kings: princesses and
noblemen alike are clad in silken robes. Over 2000 years ago,
chinese poets wrote of the harmonizing virtues of silk clothing.
Silk remains a magical fabric with often subtle benefits.
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