Silk

Silk began to be produced in Asia, probably in China, around 5,500 years ago. According to one Chinese legend, Empress Leizu was drinking tea under a mulberry tree when suddenly something fell into her cup. It was a cocoon, which began to unravel when she tried to fish it out and throw it away. Inside was an insect. The empress noticed that the thread it had created did not break easily. She thought it might be worth using for something. This legend has been passed down to this day in many versions. What remains unchanged is that silk captivates us as much as it once captivated our ancestors from distant Asia.

It is believed that the silkworm originated in the eastern regions of Asia, possibly in the Himalayas. It was domesticated quite quickly, so it is difficult to determine its exact origin. Thousands of years of breeding have made this insect unable to survive without human care. Adults have reduced wings and cannot fly. They are slow, have no camouflage colours and do not exhibit reflexes to protect them from predators. Therefore, silkworms do not occur in nature and are currently bred for the textile industry.
The larvae feed on tree leaves. This species of silkworm, which is most commonly used in the textile industry, prefers mulberry leaves. The larva feeds almost continuously for over a month, after which it wraps itself in a cocoon. The fibre is obtained from these cocoons. Various insects spin elastic protein fibres, but only silkworm thread is suitable for industrial use.

The process of obtaining silk fibres consists of several stages, resulting in the production of raw silk (gręża). It is a thick, rough thread with little shine. Next, the so-called detached silk is produced – the one we know, i.e. thin fibres with a beautiful sheen and delicate to the touch. Silk is one of the most ecologically pure fibres. Its production does not require pesticides, fertilisers or any other chemicals.
Interesting fact – female mulberry silkworms secrete a sex pheromone – bombicol, which can attract males from a distance of 10 kilometres.


ADVANTAGES OF SILK

Silk – as a raw material with a long history and tradition – is associated primarily with its extraordinary softness. This noble fibre gives the fabric a unique feel and a pleasant touch. It is also very gentle on the skin. In addition, silk is ideal in winter, providing us with warmth, while in summer we take advantage of its cooling properties.


CARE

This extremely comfortable and delicate material requires gentle maintenance. Hand wash in special silk detergents at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Remember to mix the detergent with water before putting the clothes in. Do not rub the fabric too hard, as silk is prone to thread shifting. Silk should be ironed on the reverse side through a dry, thin cotton cloth at an iron temperature of up to 110°C. Avoid water condensation to prevent marks.