[Comfort]Spider Goats: Milking Goats for their Silk

At Utah State University,  a new kind of silk is being produced.  Professor Randy Lewis has been working on genetically modifying goats so they can produce spider silk.  Nicknamed “ spider goats ”,  these remarkable creatures are actually capable of producing silk.

Genetically Modified for Success

To get the goats to produce silk, Professor Randy Lewis added genes from spiders into the goats DNA. Although the goat looks like any other of its kind, it comes with a remarkable capability. These goats are milked like they normally would be and the goat’s milk appears to be exactly the same. If the milk is analyzed, there would be only one major difference.  Within the fresh milk, an extra protein enzyme normally found in spider silk can be found. Once this is produced, the milk can be processed so to make silk.

Reactions

Despite the controversy over genetically modified animals, the new breed of goats has helped to allay animal rights activists over the source of silk. Without causing any harm to the goat, silk is produced for clothes and industrial usage.

This new form of genetically altering animals is known as synthetic biology. To people like Randy Lewis, genetically mutating creatures is just the most recent advance in agriculture. Born into a farming family, he is accustomed to the demands of a farmer’s life. In order to create spider goats, Professor Lewis took a strand of genetic material from an orb-weaver spider and placed it within an egg from a female goat. Once the goat grew up, it was able to give off spider-silk protein when it lactated. After the milk is processed, it can be wound around a single glass rod and used to create any silk product.

Future Potential

Along with its well-known softness, silk is an exceptionally durable material. Scientists have already discovered that it can be extremely elastic and placed in the body for ligament repair. Unlike other substances, the human body does not react negatively to silk. This means that the medical field can use silk in humans without it causing inflammation or illness. As technology grows, scientists will be able to discover more unusual properties for this exceptional material.

Sources:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/jan/14/synthetic-biology-spider-goat-genetics
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16554357

[Taste]Beautify is silkify

I was at a local mall one day looking for makeup brushes when I came across these curious little hollowed oval balls.  At first I thought they were a pack of cotton balls, but I was probing about the hollowed center, so I took a closer look before I recognized that it was a pack of empty cocoons.Silk cocoons!  I was not really sure what these were for, however my curiosity pushed me to purchase it, so I did. 

Still my curiosity would not die, so I looked it up and found out that silk proteins from the cocoons have sericin which is composed of amino acids that are easily absorbed through the human skin. Sericin's crystalline structure protects skin from harmful UV light.

These amino acids have antioxidant content that helps skin regeneration and helps reduce the amount of free radicals that cause skin problems.  The antibacterial properties helps prevent skin from breakouts and also speeds up the healing process of the skin, and it promotes the excellent moisture retention properties of the skin, thus making skin less prone to wrinkling making it look supple and younger.

As an avid wearer of silk clothing and completely intrigued by it all, I launched an online search of epic proportions and was pleasantly surprised with the results and the vast array of silk-related beauty products.

Another astonishing product is the silk facial mask that gently acts like a second layer to your skin.  It is light-weight and lets you experience the miraculous beauty effects.  The natural essence found in a mask boosts cell growth and restores damaged cells, whilst reducing fine lines and tightens skin.  The mask is made of natural silk content that brightens and whitens skin, and gives it radiance.  It is so simple, convenient and easy to apply and it contains multiple regenerative factors.

Naturally, silk is a high-quality protein and a high polymer compound made up from more than twenty types of amino acids.  Silk being founded in China many moons ago it actually did not surprise me that ancient oriental remedies already used it to beautify the skin.  In modern times and with the green revolution pushing our expenditure, consciousness and expectations it is the perfect natural product.

One of the latest cosmetic applications of silk is in the form of silk-fibroin, which is a water solution technology that means silk can be changed into a powder, film, or gel.  Silk helps to counter the natural decline of hyaluronic acid and retain a natural reservoir of moisture inside the skin.

Worth mentioning are its natural affinity with the skin and high biocompatibility, two properties that explain why silk has been used for so long as a material for surgical thread.  Newer applications for silk have been developed for artificial skin, contact lenses, and medical sensors.

[Comfort]Irrational Rationale

In our search for self-actualization we often endeavor on mysterious paths that lead to irrational behavior, seemingly rational at the time.

This poses a question which to me still remains unanswered:
Why do some people spend many hours and much money on being fashionable, whilst others seem to be content with whatever?

I think this dilemma is amplified when it comes to underwear, since it is worn under the clothes, mostly unseen and not-admired by others. Is it the way sexy and sensual underwear makes us feel or is it in the way we fashionably express ourselves without being scrutinized by the lurking and critical eyes of society?
Suggesting the feeling of temptation and the promise of passion to come, might not be far off.The amazing softness of silk and the comfort this unique fabric brings to its user might lead us to the answer.
Silk garments are often complimented with lace detail that adds to the allure of this highly sought after fabric. Often wearing silk lingerie, I have found it to be more arousing than any other fabric. High quality lingerie undoubtedly pleases the eye, but the confidence factor it provides the human psyche, I believe is yet unmatched.

Wearing silk underwear gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride, even though my body is definitely not on par with the Kims and the Julias of the world. It makes me feel content in an unexpected and inexplicable way, as if the world melts away in its own misery.

So, why do some people bluntly not care about this and others like me are completely hooked on it?
I guess you might have your own opinions on this and I wish we can unequivocally find the source of the phenomena. But for now I wish you to, if you are one of the unenlightened ones, take the chance and be brave.
Take a look at the amazing variety Narasilk offers and be good to yourself. They truly cater for any size or style and what is more, each product is made to order, delivering unmatched tailoring-precision and craftsmanship.

[Comfort]Stone, Bone and Silk Age

Time marches on and here it is: Fall 2012.  My birthday is October, stunned about how fast this year went by, I find myself miserable.

The other day I went through my closets and drawers, hopefully discovering the real me, or motivation to throw out the old stuff and reinvent myself.

I came across a really old silk baby doll, I guess 7 years old or so.  After ravaging my wardrobe and ending up with 2 piles; “out” or “in”, I indulged in a hot bath.  It was the kind of bath where the soap bubbles flooded on the floor with absolutely no regard to the poor me, diligently cleaning up afterwards.

After spending an hour in the bath and another 15 minutes cleaning up, duty called; dinner.  Without hesitation I grabbed the baby doll and slipped it on, it was on top of the “in” pile.

The combined softness of the garment and my “hotly bathed” body was magical.  I felt so sexy!  I was amazed that just 2 hours ago I was deeply down and irritated and here I was re-energized and positive.
I made a promise to myself never again to reach for the baggy T-shirt and sweatpants just because I am at home and nobody will see me.  Now I find myself explicitly and intentionally wearing this still fashionable baby doll.  I figured why save it only for special occasions?  Now every time I get home I look forward to the sensation on my skin and high feeling of self-worth it gives me.

There are many benefits to wearing Sexy Lingerie and Nightwear, the most obvious being the added sex appeal and allure. When you look sexy you feel sexy and your partner is most likely to act upon that.

So the “out” pile is out and I scavenged the web for replacement stuff.  Sitting once again in my silk baby doll, listening to Harry Belafonte’s “A Fool For You” with a great cup of coffee, thunder struck.  It was like a revelation; I discovered Narasilk and their fabulous product range.

Needless to say more…

[Comfort]Looking to the Future: Armor Made from Silk

Within the next few years, scientists believe that they will be able to make body armor from silk. Currently, soldiers must wear armor made of heavy, cumbersome materials. These bulky vests and outfits make it difficult to move and the weight slows the wearer down. If silk can be converted into a kind of body armor, it would become the strongest, lightest and most flexible armor on the market.

Better Protection

Instead of armor that reduces agility, silk offers a better alternative. Law enforcement officials in the United States currently wear Kevlar to protect their body from damage. Described as five times stronger than steel, Kevlar is still far weaker than spider silk. Each strand of spider silk can be more than five times stronger than steel and offers three times the flexibility of Kevlar. This ultra-strong material is lighter than Kevlar and is able to absorb large impacts.

Challenges

Despite the obvious benefit of having silk in body armor, there are still significant obstacles barring its usage. Until recently, it was impossible to manufacture large enough quantities of silk. With the advent of silk-producing goats, scientists are becoming closer to their goal of creating silken armor.

Previously, attempts at farming spiders had failed miserably. When in a closed environment, many kinds of spiders will start to fight or kill each other. Detrimental to a farm’s production levels, this also put massive scale silk production out of the reach of scientists until recent advances.

One way of producing large quantities of silk is easily done with silkworms. Although the silk is much more fragile, a team at the Rakamangala Institute of Technology in Thailand managed to make a set of body armor out of it that is capable of withstand bullets.

If science continues to advance in the field of genetics, researchers may one day be able to create armor out of the bark spider silk. Known as the strongest silk on the planet, bark spider silk is 100 percent stronger than any other form of silk known to man. Once this silk is produced on a large scale, it will be included in fishing ropes, parachutes, armor and artificial tendons. Until that time, scientists can only dream about the possibilities.

[Taste]Pajamas Inspired by Kung Fu Design

The latest addition to Narasilk’s line of clothing is the men’s silk pajamas set. These open-cut jackets and pants are made as a nod to China’s past. Nobly designed in the Chinese Kung Fu style, these silken pajamas

boast of a bias cut and edgeless seems.

Kung Fu in Chinese History

Any viewer of martial arts videos has probably seen an example of Kung Fu. This martial art form was made as a self-defense mechanism for soldiers in ancient China. According to legend, Kung Fu began over 4,000 years ago during the Xia dynasty. Led by the Yellow Emperor Huangdi’s example, leaders and soldiers in China started to create a form of fighting that could be done with or without weapons. Emperor Huangdi’s counterpart, Chi You, created Chinese wrestling to counter the overwhelming success of Kung Fu fighters. The legend and ideas behind Kung Fu were later immortalized in the poetry of Li Bai.

As Kung Fu progressed, it became more than just a system of fighting. Chinese practitioner

s developed a philosophy and psychological system behind their Kung Fu studies. The popular Taoist text, the Tao Te Ching, included many of the principles behind Kung Fu.

Soon the popularity of this fighting form and philosophy spread to the religious community. Shaolin monks began practicing Kung Fu in the 16th and 17th centuries. Buddhist lore sprung up around the art form and attributed some of the self-defense styles to the Bodhidharma. Famed for their skill with the staff, Shaolin monks developed a reputation for martial arts expertise that continues to this day.

With this impressive history in mind, Narasilk designed pajama pants that are more than just an item of clothing. This piece of attire is created in true Chinese Kung Fu style design. When men place these pajamas on their frame, they are immersing their present in the ideals and martial prowess of China’s history. These silk pajamas feature hand-made Kung Fu buttons and an open cut that is typically used with this style of design. Further enhancing the clothing’s connection to the past are the dedicated tailors who sew each of the sets by hand. Trained in the historical tailoring methods of southern China, these are the last troupe of tailors skilled in traditional sewing methods.

[Taste]A man can buy women’s underwear!

I know how to jump-start a car, change diapers and cook. I know how to be romantic, sensitive and passionate. I know so many things that make me a real man. I am an emblem, a beacon, a rock and a shoulder.

However, there are a couple of things I fear and tackle with care. One of which is buying underwear for my wife. The mere thought sends shivers down my spine directly into my gut and the final blow into my wallet. It is like taking a stroll on lava-hot burning coals.

I can only but visualize how some lines of underwear may wreck or even send a relationship to oblivion. Buying underwear for me is so easy and effortless.

The process is simple:
Step 1: Generate awareness of my need.
Step 2: Schedule when and where to acquire.
Step 3: Arrive at the shop, choose and pay.
Step 4: Throw away the old rags and jump into the new.

Please bear in mind that I am trying to understand women, I have read many a book on “How to this and How to that”. I have been dating since I was 13, which makes me a veteran with almost 25 years experience. Admittedly I am merely beginning to scrape some of the first layers of paint.

As I was watching the Isle of man TT, it suddenly hit me. Those riders are amazing at what they are doing, but sometimes they expect too much of their machines and then catastrophe strikes, the bike ending up in a wreck or even sending the rider to oblivion. Writing this I even realize that some women might argue that this idiotic self-proclaimed man-emblem is comparing women to bikes, but quite the contrary my dear, I wish to say.

I wish to state my case clear and firm. It occurred to me while watching the TT that we, us as men sometimes send the wrong signals to women. Never as much as in the case of purchasing underwear for our better-halves.

Before purchasing underwear for her, all we need to do is to take score. We need to evaluate her personality, size and shape! Do not; in any way be selfish in your decision of what underwear you are going to buy her. Consider her personality first, if she is of the shy and reserved type, do not go for the hardly anything there see-thru-thong number! Instead choose something that leaves a little to the imagination, a Chemise is perfect as they tend to cover all the sexy bits and will not leave her feeling exposed!

Generally you know her better than anyone. Remember not to be selfish, you should know how far you can or cannot go.

Ticking off personality leaves probably the most sensitive subject. Size, you do not want to get this wrong, raid her draws, wardrobe, anywhere just to get this right. It is important to look at as many items of clothing as possible to make sure you cover all the size variations. When looking for a bra size you want numbers and letters such as, 32B, 34C, 38DD and so on. Remember to make a note of all the size variations you find. Size matters!

Now, almost there! The final stage could be like falling down in the home-straight. Should your lady happen to be very curvaceous, trying to squeeze her into a Chemise would not be advisable, chemise’s tend to be very tight and figure hugging, unless she is completely comfortable with her body and shape I would instead advise you choose something a bit more loose and free flowing, a Babydoll would be perfect.

Now, eventually I find myself unafraid and able due my scientifically calculated PSS-approach (Personality, Size and Shape) to buying underwear for women. Armed and alarmed I found myself looking at underwear and knowing if it is a yes, a maybe or a no.

Her birthday is coming soon and you bet I am going to buy her something romantic, sensitive and passionate. I surfed-up a really interesting company called Narasilk. All 100% natural silk garments, any design imaginable, any shape and size. What is more they have a men’s line too, I guess to be fair I might as well buy matching underwear; after all I am a real man!

[Comfort]Time to tally the score

Maslow depicted the hierarchy of needs, but there is one ever-present basic need that migrates from zero to hero. Depending on interest, personality and others, the time spent hunting and gathering clothes is a huge deal.

The endless spectrum of colors, fabrics and styles protect and decorate our bodies, or so we might think. The skin being our biggest external organ is subject to irritation, discomfort and disease caused by the fabric we wear. We spend countless hours in our clothes, and yet the health related issues are often overlooked and disregarded.

Fabrics consist of fibers, natural or artificial. To ultimately produce a desirable garment, some fabrics undergo a wide variety of processes, the main concern being the chemical processes utilized within these. More often than not artificial fabrics like polyester, acrylic, rayon, acetate and triacetate, and nylon undergo a wide array of toxic processes to ultimately produce garments that are wrinkle-free, fire retardant, static and stain resistant, insect repellent and colorful.

Natural fibers may also be subjected to chemical processes, which inherently provide the wearer with the aforementioned benefits. Coincidently, it is within the dying process where the biggest of all culprits can be found; artificial dyes. So what are the differences between toxic and non-toxic artificial fibers? Quite simply, the manufacturer of the garment and the processes used, make up the differences.

Due to its natural protein structure, silk is the most hypoallergenic of all fabrics. It has natural temperature-regulating properties, making it an all-climate fabric which lets your skin breathe. Silk is robust and strong, wrinkle and tear resistant. Silk fabric takes color well, which allows the use of all natural dyes, once again dependent on the manufacturer.

Silk is the best of both worlds, being healthy and luxurious. Recent studies delivered some uncommon and surprising facts about silk and its impacts on women’s health. Silk pajamas can help regulate the body’s temperature during menopause, during which hot flashes are common. Silk fabric locks in the skin’s natural moisture, leaving it refreshed and less prone to wrinkles. Silk causes less skin irritation than any other fabric, resulting in a youthful and glowing complexion. Silk underwear helps reduce irritation and redness caused by recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Silk wards off dust mites, mold and fungus, fighting allergies as you wear it.

The benefits of silk garments are endless and sometimes unquantifiable. It was first discovered by the Chinese some five to six thousand years ago, and ever since becoming increasingly more popular in the heavily polluted world we live in. It is a safe-haven for your skin, leaving you healthier. Narasilk, pays homage to its ancestors, producing silk and silk garments of exceptional quality. All garments are subject to 100% natural processes and only use 100% natural dyes.

[Shop Actives]Father's Day Sales

When I was a little girl, my father is just like a hero in my heart, tall,strong, and powerful, I though that my father can solve all the problems. Then I grow up, I find that he is not so tall and strong as I though but, still, he is always a hero for me, tall and strong in my mind as before.  What do you think for your father ?

http://www.narasilk.com/Special_163.aspx

[Comfort]The allied powers of sleep

While climbing the corporate ladder, it quickly became apparent that getting quality sleep was one of my biggest allies, but the lack thereof my toughest and highest hurdle.

Thankfully, I managed to climb the proverbial ladder one step at a time, sleepless night after sleepless night. Southern China, my first business trip abroad, was hot and humid. Mentoring me on this trade expedition was John Pierce, a dear friend and well experienced colleague. Onboard we spoke about many things and I complained to him about not being able to get enough good sleep.

Self-dubbed insomnia extraordinaire, he explained to me that silk being a protein fiber and a non-conductor of heat makes it suitable for winter and its excellent absorptive capacity makes it suitable for summer. He lyrically explained that it is a popular fabric for apparel because of its unique properties. He ended with: “Silk is cool in summer and warm in winter”.

Back home, we quite literally threw out all our sleepwear, new and old, thinking I have followed John blindly before and he always seemed to know best, why not now. We were astonished to see the varieties of styles and colors on offer. It has been two years since we have transformed our sleepwear closet, and what a godsend it is.

The skin is often known as "the largest organ of the human body". This applies to exterior surface, as it covers the body, appearing to have the largest surface area of all the organs. Moreover, it applies to weight, as it weighs more than any single internal organ, accounting for about 15 percent of body weight. For the average adult human, the skin has a surface area of between 1.5-2.0 square meters; most of it is between 2-3 mm thick. The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than a thousand nerve endings.

First, we’ve noticed the way our skin felt in the morning. It felt clean, relaxed and comfortable. Then, as a result, we started experiencing longer and deeper sleep intervals. The soft edges and seems did not leave our skin wrinkled and irritated. The elasticity of silk meant the garments were less sagging and less binding than other fabrics. We have also experimented with different styles ranging from sexy baby dolls for her and boxer shorts for me, to long matching pajama sets and the results were equally impressive throughout.

Silk does not constrict the body’s movement and it keeps the skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. We often indulge ourselves in the delightful range of garments, sleepwear connoisseur Narasilk has on offer.

[Taste]Regain Feminine Strength with the Nightshirt

For many years, the nightshirt has remained a traditionally male-dominated clothing item. Worn during the night, men enjoyed the immense comfort and practicality of the clothing item. After many years as a male-worn style, women are beginning to take control. In their new Fall Fashion line of silk clothing, Narasilk has introduced a nightshirt that allows women to exhibit their inner strength and femininity.

From movies to television shows, women are always stealing their husband’s garments. Most men’s garments are designed to be comfortable while women’s clothing styles are made to be fashionable. Instead of having to steal their lover’s attire, women can now have the best of both worlds. The short-sleeved silk nightshirt made by Narasilk is made to be exceptionally simple and comfortable while still retaining an edge of femininity. It is design with buttons that fasten in the front and a breast pocket.

Since the nightshirt is made with 100 percent silk from spring silkworms, special care has to be taken to ensure that this nightshirt can last a lifetime. Ladies should keep their nightshirt away from bright sunlight or excessive humidity. Normally, storing the nightshirt in a dark closet or dresser drawer will work best. This elegant nightwear should always be hand washed or dry cleaned to preserve its soft sheen. If ladies choose to hand wash it, they should use only lukewarm water and a gentle detergent.

Once it has been washed, wearers can roll it in a towel to remove excess moisture. It should be laid out in a flat area that is away from any direct sunlight. If the nightshirt must be ironed, it should be flipped inside out and the iron should be set to the lowest possible temperature.

Designed to be different, the Fall Fashion line of silk nightshirts at Nara are made with 19 momme silk. Rated export grade A, this silk is sewn by hand by experienced Chinese tailors. For fashionable and comfortable nightwear, nothing suits the female figure better than a silk nightshirt.

[Comfort]Making Medical Implants out of Silk

Making Medical Implants out of Silk       

     

At the University of Illinois, a new kind of electronics is becoming en vogue. Scientist at the university have been working on a silk-based electronic that can dissolve. This state-of-the-art technology is designed to reduce the number of electronic parts in landfills. Medically, it has a number of uses in modern medicine. As an implant, these electronics would be able to dissolve in the body’s fluids without leaving a trace that they were ever there.

Creating Silk Technology

The sophisticated devices are being made by a team at the University of Illinois in conjunction with researchers from Northwestern University and Tufts University. With their unique design, the silk gadgets are turning the way we view electronics around. In the beginning, electronics were made to last forever. Now, researchers are realizing the benefits of sturdy gadgets that can disappear.

Some of these gadgets have already been created. One of the newest lines of electronics is a 64-pixel camera. This unique camera is designed to be implanted into post-surgery patients. It monitors infections and dissolves in a controlled manner. Once the doctor deems the implant no longer necessary, it can dissolve within five seconds. Although the implant has not been tested on humans yet, it was successfully used with lab mice.

Making the Electronics

To create the electronics, researchers have to go through an exceptionally painstaking development process. Each gadget is made out of ultrathin sheets of silicon. These sheets must be made thin enough so that they can dissolve within days once they touch the body. At the same time, the camera must be outfitted with soluble conductors and dialectics. These electronic parts can create transmitters, sensors and other camera components.

For the dissolving process to be controlled, the camera is wrapped in silk. The silk is structured in such a way that it can determine how fast the electronic gadget dissolves. Scientists can select different varieties of silk so that their electronic equipment dissolves over a period of a few minutes to a few years.

Although this technology is not available to the consumer market yet, the possibilities are endless. With the help of silk, scientists can create a new breed of medical implants that are made to work with the body. These gadgets can help to gauge a patient’s recovery process and determine if there is an infection within an incision.

[Shop Activities]Mother’s Day Sale

Mother is not only an appellation, but also a name, a symbol of my life. When I was in junior high school, I learned how hard and difficult it is to give birth to a baby, I know that I come from my parents’ love, especially my mother’s. Now I am grow up, and my parents become old, I know time flies when I grow. Suddenly, I think that life is so short that I have never done anything for them ! Any way, I should begin now.

Silk let skin breathe and prevent vascular sclerosis, arthritis and delay the appearance of wrinkles. Silk nightwear may be a wonderful gift for mammy.

                                           http://www.narasilk.com/Special_163.aspx

[Silk FAQ]How to wash and care silk ?

How to wash silk ?

Wash by machine

Wash by hands

Attention: 

If necessary, the garment can be ironed, turning it inside out and iron at low temperature.  Silk should always be ironed from the backside.

It should always still be slightly moist. Check your iron's setting! Always remember that silk is a protein structure much like human hair. Heat will damage it.

[Silk FAQ]How to tell if the silk is genuine or artificial?

Price

No doubt about it – genuine, high-quality silk will always be relatively expensive. Synthetic fibres like polyester can be made to look like real silk to the untrained eye. Although synthetic fabrics can be deliberately priced high, low prices usually indicate the fabric is not genuine silk. Real silk usually costs at least ten times as much as synthetics to produce.

Lustre

Thai silk is renowned for its lustre. It is a result of the combination of threads of different single colours in each of the weft and warp. This "shot" effect gives a surface that "shines" and appears to change colour as the angle of light on it changes.
Synthetic fabrics shine white, no matter what the angle of the light.

Rub the silk

This is a very quick test and requires some information about the traits of real silk to spot it in the first place. Rub the silk with your hands and if it’s a real one then you will feel warmth on your hands after rubbing it. If you do not feel any warmth then it is artificial.

Burn the silk

This test will guide you how to know about real silk by burning it with flame. Of course you wont be burning the entire silk! Here is how you will do it Pull a thread from one corner of the silk fabric and burn it with flame. If after burning it smells like a burning hair and the ashes are brittle then it means that the silk is made from silk worm cocoon.

Chemical Test

This test will rightly tell you whether the silk is real or not. You will need the following chemicals in order to conduct this test. - 16 grams Copper Sulphate - 8 grams Glycerin - 1 tablespoon Caustic Soda Mix the above chemicals in a jar filled with 150 cc of water. Now take a small piece of silk that you want to test and then dip it into this solution. You will see that real silk will dissolve in this solution after a few minutes but if it is artificial silk, it will not dissolve.

             Reference : mizpah.biz and stepbystep.com

[Silk FAQ] Benefits of silk

What are the Advantages of Silk ?

• Silkworm silk is the strongest of natural fibers. It contains natural protein and 18 essential amino acids, known to reduce the signs of aging. It also contains natural cellular albumen which speeds up the metabolism of skin cells, thus delaying the aging process.

• Natural Silk is a breathable fabric. It is a natural temperature regulator, helping the body retain heat in cold weather and excess heat is expelled in warm weather. Therefore your body maintains a natural, comfortable temperature.

• Silk is hypoallergenic; it does not attract dust mites and is a natural fungal repellent. Silk Pillowcases and Silk Baby Cot Sheets can therefore help alleviate asthma and other allergies.

• Silk has an extremely smooth and soft texture which proves to be beneficial for those with sensitive skin conditions (e.g. Eczema).

• Silk from silkworms (Mulberry Silkworms) does not conduct static electricity so the use of silk pillowcases reduces hair breakage and thinning of hair, whilst helping the hair to maintain proper moisture balance.

• Silk is a natural fire retardant material, making silk one of the safest fabrics for bedding or cushions!

• Silk protects your skin from UV ray. SERICIN, a by-product of silk, may now find use in skin care products that protect from ultraviolet (UV) rays. A study revealed the protein protects the outermost layer of skin from UV rays. Sericin halts death of skin cells initiated by UV-B ray. Exposure to UV-B burns the outer layer of skin. It can even cause cancer.

Article from theethicalsilkco.com 

[Silk FAQ]Types of Silk

• How silk becomes silk fabric

The finest silk fibers, and most of what we use today, are produced by "cultivated" silkworms grown in a controlled environment. The worms are fed a diet of mulberry leaves and increase their body size 10,000 times in their short life span. Once the cocoon is spun and before the worm hatches through the silk into a moth, the cocoon is soaked in hot water then unraveled, producing filaments that can be up to a mile long in size.

The raw silk is then processed to remove the sericin - the natural "gum" that protects the fibers and causes them to stick to each other as the cocoon was spun.

Silk is a protein fiber, similar to wool or to human hair. It is only natural for silks to have some irregularities – sometimes called "slubs". This is the nature of the 100% silk fabric.

Silk that has been processed can be woven or knit into a variety of fabrics. Silk will shrink, so if you are using it to construct clothing, be sure to preshrink it. Silk often has a wonderful feel, (referred to as a "hand"), and an almost iridescent sheen that makes us think of luxury.

The weight of silk is shown as "mm" – pronounced "mommy" – and varies within the different types of silk. The following list of various types of silk may help you understand some of the qualities of each:

Chiffon

Often the lightest weight and most diaphanous of the silks, Chiffon is also the most see-through. It creates the "billows" of fabric that add dimension to garments, but generally requires some kind of lining or backing unless it's used for scarves.

China Silk

China silk is a lightweight, sheer, plain-weave fabric. It's sometimes referred to as habutai, or habotai, or pongee. It is one of the less expensive and more commonly available silk fabrics.

Habotai can often be found as light as 5 mm and as heavy as 12 mm. Most of our scarves are made of 8 mm Habotai. When purchasing for clothing construction, or purchasing ready-made clothing, this fabric is not recommended for fitted garment styles because the seams will tear from the stress. On different seasons, silk product has its own distinction. Silk from spring cocoons is considered the best due to its extra softness. 

Crepe de Chine

Crepe de chine is a lightweight fabric made by twisting some fibers clockwise and others counterclockwise. The twisted fibers are then woven in a plain-weave fabric, but it's the twisted fibers, not the weave, that gives crepe its distinctive "pebbly" look and feel rather than a shiny luster. Both sides of the fabric look and feel the same.

Our drawstring pouches and some of our larger scarves are made of Crepe de Chine, often in the 12mm to 15mm range. When purchasing ready-made clothing or considering this fabric for sewing, avoid using it in tailored styles because the fabric is too soft to hold a structured shape.

Crepe de chine doesn't ravel as easily as other silk fabrics, but it will tear if not handled gently.

Charmeuse

Generally, when we think of traditional silk, this is the fabric we have in mind. The back of the fabric is a flattened crepe while the front is a shimmery satin weave.

Charmeuse has even more drape than crepe de chine and works well for scarves, blouses and lingerie. Occasionally we will offer scarves in Charmeuse.

Jacquard 

Jacquard silks offer various woven patterns, using matte and reflective threads to create a light and dark effect in the fabric. This effect is similar to brocade, although the Jacquard is originally created in one color. These are generally heavier weight and more densely woven. Patterns are often florals and paisleys.

This added dimension (pattern) makes this fabric perfect for abstract for free-form dyeing. Our Envelope Pouches are made from Jacquard, as are some of our Cell Phone and Glass Cases.

Douppioni

Douppioni is a plain-weave fabric with slubbed ribs. It has a stiff, taffeta-like hand and is usually dyed in bright colors.

Douppioni is often made into elegant evening gowns or semi-fitted vests and garments. But make sure the style isn't too fitted, because the fabric doesn't stand up well to stress and ravels easily.

It's often recommended that douppioni be drycleaned to resist abrasions. However, as with most silk, you can generally wash douppioni with positive results. Just be sure to serge the raw edges first to prevent raveling. Washing will make the fabric lose some of its stiffness, which may be your preference, and the color will soften as the excess dye is washed away.

Noil

Silk noil is made from the short fibers left after combing and carding so it doesn't shine like many other silk fabrics. Noil looks similar to cotton, but has the soft feel of silk against the skin. It also drapes better than cotton and resists wrinkling, so it's the perfect choice when traveling.

It can be machine washed on gentle and dried on low, but this will cause a faded, "weathered" look. If you prefer bright colors, dry-clean or hand wash.

Raw silk

Raw silk is any silk yarn or fabric that hasn't had the sericin - the natural "gum" that protects the fiber - removed. The fabric is stiff and dull and the sericin tends to attract dirt and odors.

Tussah

Tussah silk, often called shantung, is made from the cocoons of wild tussah silk worms who eat oak and juniper leaves – their "natural" food. Because the worm isn't grown in a controlled environment, the moth hatches from the cocoon thus interrupting the filament length and making the fibers short and coarse instead of long and lustrous.

Tussah silk is difficult to dye and to most often available in its natural color, a creamy tan. Because of its irregular slubs and the fact that it ravels easily, tussah should be dry-cleaned. It is a good choice for traveling as it doesn't wrinkle easily.

Shantung

Once made from hand-reeled tussah silk, today's shantung is usually made with cultivated silk warp yarns and heavier douppioni filling yarns. Depending on the filling yarn, shantung may be lustrous or dull.

It has a firm, semi-crisp hand and tends to ravel, so avoid close-fitting styles.

                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                            Article from magicalsilk.com

• What kind of silk that Nara uses for their products ?

China Silk
100% silk crepe plain, of spring silkworm, 19momme; shell fabric of export grade A.

Silk Knit
100% silk crepe plain, of spring silkworm, 125g per square; shell fabric of export grade A. Soft, good permeability and elastic are the outstanding characteristic of Silk knit.

Georgette
Georgette, of spring silkworm, 12momme; shell fabric of export grade A. It is specially for its sexy and light.