Last modified on
Mar 05, 2010
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100% Silk and Natural Blends
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Silk fiber
is the protein excretion of a silkworm. Sericulture or silk production has a long and colorful history unknown to most people. Pliny, the Roman historian, wrote in his Natural
History in 70 BC: "Silk was obtained by removing the down from the leaves
with the help of water." The first description of silk making in Europe was printed in the famous and extraordinary, in 35 volumes, Denis Diderot's Encyclopédie.
For more than two thousand years the Chinese
kept the secret of silk, it was the most
zealously guarded secret in world history. The key to understanding the great mystery and magic of silk,
lies with one species: the blind, flightless moth, Bombyx mori.
The silkworm of this particular moth produces a thread whose
filament is smoother, finer and rounder than that of other silk moths. Silk yarn can be either releed or spun: releed and spun. Reeled silk, or filament silk, is the highest quality yarn, it is very white and shiny.
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Mulberry Silk is a very luxurious fiber. It makes a very strong and lustrous yarn with wonderful drape. Silk is very receptive to dyes and will retain its luster after dyeing. Because of its long length, a yarn can be spun very fine if desired. - Peace of Yarn
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Tussah (Tasar) Silk is a thread from wild silkworms. There are many indigenous varieties of wild silk moths found in a number of different countries. Whether they are reared in the tropics the leaves they eat contain tannin, the ingredient in tea that leaves a stain in your cup. The natural colour of Tussah silk is a warm honey beige. And as known, "..silk produced by wild silkworms stronger than steel..". Tussah is coarse silk, and it is mainly used for furnishings and interiors. Oak Tasar is a finer variety of Tussah silk.
• Golden Muga or Assam silk production is centered in Sualkuchi, and is a labor intensive industry. The detailed information about Muga Silk and Eri Silk, including history and step-by-step production, is available in Wild Fibers Magazine Fall 2009.
• There are also Pat silk, Spider Silk or
gossamer, Thai silk, Silk Latte made of MILK! Art silks or " fake silks" are using in mass knitwear and yarn production: viscose, tencel, rayon.
For more information on silk production, or sericulture, please follow the links:
• History of Sericulture by Dr. Ron Cherry |
• History of Silk |
• Sericulture in pictures |
• India Silk
• Department of Sericulture, Shivaji University, India
Silk Knits or 20 Designs in Fabulous Fibers, including Möbius, lace shell, shell with sequins, eyelet-yoke pullover, Sicilian pullover, vests, a circle vest, shawls, jackets, a shrug, poncho, a scarf and hat, as well as a Short History of Sericulture, and swatching with different types of silk (sizes S - XL).
Luxury Knitting by Linda Morse. The ultimate guide to exquisite yarns: cashmere, silk, merino, and their blends. Learn how and when they thrive as well as who tried to cultivate them and failed. Those seeking to learn about the best yarns will benefit from the experience of the author. Valuable tips on knitting and caring, and patterns for each of these types of yarn are included.
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100% Silk, Tussah, Shappe
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SETA by Lang
FIBRE: 100% Silk
YARN WEIGHT: Double Knit
TENSION: 25 sts / 36 rows
NEEDLES: 3.5 - 4 mm (US No.5-6)
LENGTH: approx. 120 m / 132 yds
HANK WEIGHT: 50g
* machine wash | made in Italy
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SILK by Lang
FIBRE: 98% Silk, 2% Elité
YARN WEIGHT: Aran or Fancy
TENSION: 22 sts / 28 rows
NEEDLES: 4.25 - 5 mm (US No.7-8)
LENGTH: approx. 78 m / 83 yds
HANK WEIGHT: 25g
* machine wash | made in Italy
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100% SILK by Makalu
FIBRE: 100% Silk Top
YARN WEIGHT: Aran
TENSION: 16 sts / 20 rows
NEEDLES: knit tight on 4 - 4.25 mm (US No.6)
LENGTH: approx. 142 m / 157 yds
HANK WEIGHT: 100g (3.5oz)
* hand wash | made in China
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100% Raw Silk
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100% SILK by Estelle
FIBRE: 100% Raw Silk
YARN WEIGHT: Aran
TENSION: 10x10cm (4"): 18 sts/ 24 rows
NEEDLES: 4.25 - 4.5 mm (US No.7-8)
LENGTH: approx. 95 m / 106 yds
BALL WEIGHT: 50g
* hand wash | made in Italy
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Luxurious Blends  |
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BACO by Linea Rossa
FIBRE: 70% Silk, 30% Cotton
YARN WEIGHT: Aran or Fancy
TENSION: 10x10 (4"): 18 sts / 26 rows
NEEDLES: recommended 4.5 mm (US No.7)
LENGTH: approx. 120 m / 128 yards
BALL WEIGHT: 50g
* hand wash | made in Italy
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SILKY CASHMERE Aran by Makalu
FIBRE: 55% Silk, 45% Cashmere
YARN WEIGHT: Aran
TENSION: 10x10cm (4"): 16 sts / 22 rows
NEEDLES: 4.5 - 5 mm (US No.7-8)
LENGTH: 40 m / 44 yards
HANK WEIGHT: 25g
* hand wash | made in China
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SILK DREAM
by Lang
FIBRE: 50% Silk, 50% Merino extra fine
YARN WEIGHT: Aran
TENSION: 10x10cm (4"): 18 sts / 26 rows
NEEDLES: 5 - 5.5 mm (US No.8-9)
LENGTH: approx. 90 m / 99 yards
HANK WEIGHT: 50g
* hand wash | made in Italy
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