SILK KNOWLEDGE

Silk Basics

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What is Silk?
Silk is an animal fiber containing amino acids produced by the silkworm.

Name	Serein	Fibroin
Glycine	8.55	39.194
Alanine	3.10	27.51
Leucine	1.33	0.705
Isoleucine	0.65	0.926
Phenylalanine	0.41	1.188
Cysteine	0.43	0.244
Valine	3.09	2.896
Methionine	0.07	0.311
Tyrosine	4.92	13.227
Oroline	0.42	0.447
Threonone	8.40	1.142
Serine	30.31	11.79
Lysine	3.36	0.535
Arginine	4.63	0.945
Aspartate	17.50	2.402
Glutamic acid	5.69	1.883
Histidine	1.56	0.371

Table: The Amino Acid composition of silk protein (per 100 gram silk proilein)

Did you know?
An average of 2500-3000 cocoons are needed to make one yard (equals 0.9144 meter) of silk fabric

What is a silkworm? There are two types of silkworms: wild and cultivated. The fibers from wild silkworms are brown while those of the cultivated ones are yellow. The color of the fiber depends on the type of leaves that the silkworm feeds on, usually mulberry leaves. The silkworm is a tiny, white, 1/4-inch long insect. It eats 30,000 times its weight during one stage of its life cycle.	Mulberry Field
What is the life cycle of silkworm?   The Silkworm has a two month life cycle. The stages are:    (1) Egg    (2) Worm    (3) Chrysalis (cocoon)     (4) Moth The worm will eat for 30 days, and at the end of this period, it will form a cocoon.  During this stage it will cover itself with filament for 3 days.  After that, it will sleep for 15-20 days.  Then the moth stage begins, and after 3 days the moths lay eggs and die, thus completing the life cycle.	Life Cycle of Silkworm
How is silk fiber made? The cocoons are soaked in a basin with water at a temperature of 140F. The filament from several cocoons is grouped to form fibers and threaded through a hole; then twisted together with several fibers that have been threaded through other holes. The natural silk gums are removed by boiling the silk in hot water. The silk will lose 20-30 percent of its original weight through this process. The fiber will than go to a reeling machine.	Reeling Machine

Did you know?
An average of 2500-3000 cocoons are needed to make one yard (equals 0.9144 meter) of silk fabric

Properties of Real Silk Fiber 

About Silk Scarves

                                                        History of Silk Scarves

For what is known, the scarf dates back at least as far as ancient Rome 1000BC where it was called sudarium (Latin term for "sweat cloth") and was used by Romans to wipe their necks and faces. But the first silk scarf was created in ancient China. Later the sudarium soon became a fashion accessory for both men and women, whether it was knotted to a belt or worn round the neck. Throughout the 17th and 19th century, French, Croatian, Chinese and Sweden people used scarves to designate nobility and social class as shawls, neckerchiefs and head wraps.

In the 19th century, the silk scarves became again a fashion accessory for men and a basic item in every man's wardrobe. The major supplier of silk scarves at that time was Sweden, mostly represented by merchants like K. A. Almgren and Casparsson & Schmidt, who supplied bands and ribbons as well as scarves in Norway, Finland and other countries. Around 1840, single or double-knotted fringes were extremely stylish and scarves were worn both as shawls and headwear.

Needless to say that the 20th century saw different types of scarves inspired by the old trends and combined with the new ones. Even though interesting in design, scarves seem to have been forgotten for a while. Well, now they are back and their future looks to be secure enough as they present huge opportunities in what "playing" with colors and patterns is available by digital textile printing technology, which makes artwork prints possible to be printed on fabric, thus fulfills the demands of the fashion designers and individual custom design.

                                                            Silk Scarves and Fashion

Silk scarves are the most versatile and eternally fashionable accessories for women. The variety of fabrics, shapes and sizes available in silk scarves make them an ideal accessory for all seasons, occasions and dresses. They can be used in a wide variety of ways to accent almost any fashion statement. Square, Rectangular and Oblong fashion scarves/shawls can add a dash of style to any outfit. There are countless ways to wear silk scarves depending on your desired look, but doubtless, the reflection of wearing silk scarves just highlight your style either in luxury or elegance.

Furthermore, silk scarves not only play warm function like other fabric scarves do, but also can be widely used throughout four seasons as fashion accessories due to its well-known physical features – excellent breathability, automatic temperature adjustment – warm in winter and cool in summer, and ultraviolet radiation resistant, etc. For example, it is not surprising if you are stylish by a delicate silk scarf in summer season.

A scarf can be worn in many different ways: as shawls, head coverings, accent pieces, belts or even as a garment. Tie them or pin them with a piece of jewelry, do whatever you want in order to obtain the desired effect, may it be to add flair or to give a subtle accent to a certain style. Once you get your scarf you will realize that you can enhance any outfit or further compliment your entire attire. Owning these delicate pieces of accessories is no longer a luxury; they are a necessity that every woman's wardrobe must have.

Headwear: One of the traditional ways of using a silk scarf is that of covering one's head, whether to protect from the cold, rain or as a sign of propriety. But back to fashion for that is what actually interests us. In the matter of fashion, silk scarves keep their initial purposes (to protect the head/ hairdo) but they are made to also look good in the process. Another use of a headwear can be seen in the case of women who are cancer patients and suffer from a loss of hair caused by the chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments.

Garments: The versatility of scarves allows their use as garments as well. Be inventive and play with your imagination, wear scarves as tops, as blouses or even as skirts.

Accessories: No matter of the style of your outfit, a scarf can be a splendid accessory. Want to add a splash of color to a plain or severe-looking garment? Wear a scarf that gives life to the otherwise "dead" outfit (fashionably speaking). Want to give a boring suit the femininity and softness it lacks? Nothing easier, again, use a scarf! You would be surprised to see the variety of ways in which you can wear a scarf and improve any outfit. Endless possibilities I tell you!

                                                             Caring for Silk Scarves

A silk scarf is a beautiful and elegant accessory for any wardrobe. The most common method to cleaning silk is dry cleaning. However the costs can be prohibitive and the color of the fabric will also fade after time. To save on those expensive dry cleaning bills and preserve the original color and beauty of your silk scarf there are other possibilities for washing your scarves by hand but only if done carefully.

Silk is protein fiber, more similar to wool than to cotton. It is very similar to human hair. Remembering this will help when you think about how to wash or clean it.

Step 1 - Test the dishwashing detergent you have chosen to use on a small portion of the silk scarf to determine the colorfastness of the scarf. Most scarf stains are from grease (skin and make-up) and as a mild detergent specifically made to clean grease, any dishwashing detergent is an effective choice for cleaning silk scarves. If the color of the silk changes in any way, consider using a small amount of delicate fabric soap like Woolite or hair shampoo.

Step 2 - Soak the scarf in mixture of 1 qt. of lukewarm water, 1 tbsp. of table salt and a 1 cap full of dishwashing detergent for two minutes. The table salt will help prevent the colors from bleeding.

Step 3 - Squeeze out the excess water and rinse the scarf with cold water until the soap is washed out.

Step 4 - Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to a sink full of water and rinse the scarf again with cold water. The vinegar will help brighten the color and shine of the silk.

Step 5 - Roll the scarf in a dry, clean towel and softly squeeze it to remove excess water. do not twist.

Step 6 - Unroll the scarf and lay it flat on another towel to completely dry or Iron dry with steam on a low setting. . You may lay a towel on top to prevent scorching. Always iron the silk scarf on its dull color side. Do not dry under direct sunlight.

Step 7 - Gently fold scarves and store them in linen boxes or breathable containers. Line the box with acid-free tissue paper for long-term storage. You may also store designer scarves in their original boxes.

                                                                  Ways to Tie a Scarf

It is possible to wear the same scarf or stole differently for different outfits and occasions. However, adding a Quality Silk Print Scarf onto the plain outfit is always a smart way to outstand yourself from others. It can be tied in multiple fashions depending on the outfit, weather and occasion – either in leisure or in elegance. Given below are just a few ways a scarf can transform a simple look into something special.

- French Twist – This is a perfect style for filling in the neck of a suit, sweater or jacket.

Tying instructions - Fold the scarf lengthwise, center the scarf in front of your neck. wrap around, crossing ends behind neck and pull forward.Tie a single knot centered underneath chin. Twist scarf to one side of neck so that the knot is off-center. Finish by tying a double knot and let ends hang loosely.

- Slip Knot/ Men’s Tie style –This style gels with almost everything, especially with a collared shirt or a crewneck.

Tying instructions - Fold the scarf twice lengthwise to create an "S" fold. Drape the folded scarf around your neck with one end of the scarf slightly longer than the other. Wrap the longer end around the shorter one and tie a loose knot. Pull the unknotted end of the scarf to adjust the length.

- Ascot Wrap – An ascot is ideal with formal collared shirts, blouses paired with skirt or pants

Tying instructions - Pull the scarf around the back of the neck as you would a tie with left end slightly longer than the right. Flip the left end over the right and push the left end up, through the neck loop, so that it emerges over the top. Center and spread the sides the top flap. Undo the top button of your shirt and tuck the ends of the ascot into the mouth of your shirt.

- Hacking Knot / Bow- A hacking bow looks wonderful on suits, jackets, sweaters and T-shirts

Tying instructions - Fold a scarf in half by length. Place around the neck and pull the two ends through the center-fold. Center Knot under chin, loosely For another look tighten the scarf to the side of the neck. Form a bow 

- Faux Bow – A faux bow looks good with an open neckline or a collared dress shirt

Tying instructions - Make a loose knot in the center of an oblong scarf. Place knot under chin and cross ends behind the neck. Bring them back to the front. Place the ends into the knot going in opposite directions and tighten slightly.

- Classic Shoulder or Neck Drape - Suitable for formal eveningwear

Tying instructions - Fold scarf or stole into half lengthwise. Just drape the scarf over your neck or shoulders with both ends in the front. Hold it in place gently. The styles mentioned above are just a few of the endless possibilities that this small piece of fabric called the Scarf presents. The only thing required is a little creativity and style.

 Why Digital Textile Printing