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Silk
is the very fine strand of fibre produced by certain caterpillars
to encase themselves in the form of cocoons. The possibility
of making cloth from the filament that the silkworm spins
into a cocoon was first discovered in China about 2600 B.C.
Legend tells us that a cocoon accidentally dropped into a
cup of tea that a Chinese princess was having in her garden.
The hot liquid softened and loosened the fibre, which the
princess pulled and drew away from the cocoon as a continuous
strand. Another story cites Empress Si-Ling-Chi as the first
producer of silk fibre, from which she made a silk robe for
her husband. |
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antiquity until the more recent establishment of the
Chinese Republic, she was venerated as the Goddess
of the Silkworm. Japan was the first country producing
silk in large quantities using scientific methods
in cultivating the silkworm on farms as well as in
factories. |
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Inspite
of its high cost, silk has been one of the most popular
fabrics because of its unique properties. Soft, supple,
strong and lighter in weight than any other natural
fibre, silk is prized for its lightness with warmth,
sheerness with strength and delicacy with resiliency.
It is the strongest natural fibre. While it is an
elastic fibre, its elasticity varies, as may be expected
of a natural fibre. Silk fabrics retain their shape
and resist wrinkling rather well. It has a pliability
and suppleness that, aided by its elasticity and resilience,
gives it excellent drapability. Like
wool, silk is a protein fibre; therefore, it is also
a non-conductor of heat. Because silk prevents body
heat from radiating outward, it is desirable for winter
apparel, including scarves. In winter one can wear
silk fabrics instead of woolen fabrics. But silk can
also be given as a summer fabric though it is a non-conductor
of heat. |
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| This is because silk is a fine and a very
strong fibre it is made into a very fine yarn and
woven into a very sheer fabric. This permits the body
heat and the air to pass freely through the open construction
of each fabric. |
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The
good absorptive property of silk also contributes to
its comfort in a warmer atmosphere. It is a very hygienic
material because its smooth surface does not attract
dirt. When dirt does gather, it is given up readily
by washing or dry cleaning. Care should be exercised
in laundering silk as silk weakens when it is wet. Use
a mild soap or detergent in lukewarm water when laundering.
All silks water spot easily, but subsequent washing
or dry cleaning will restore the appearance of the fabric,
unless it has a special finish. When washed silk may
have a normal shrinkage, which is retained when it is
properly ironed. It is very sensitive to heat. It will
begin to decompose at 165 degree C; therefore it should
be ironed while damp with a warm iron.
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Continuous
exposure to light weakens silk faster than either
cotton or wool. Silk may be attacked by the larvae
of clothes, moths or carpet beetles and it may be
destroyed when blended with wool which is attacked
by these insects. It will not be affected by mildew
unless it is kept in a damp condition for longer time.
Silk fabrics are damaged by perspiration. The silk
itself deteriorates, and the colour is affected, causing
staining. Today silk is available in many varieties like pure silk,
wild silk, tussar silk, butter silk, paper silk, crepe
silk, etc. Silk blends are also available in the market,
which are a little less expensive. |
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Courtesy:
IMFAA |
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