Silk History

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China managed to keep the secret of silk for thousands of years, exporting the rare textile to Europe over trade routes. Eventually, silkworm eggs were smuggled out, and in the 13th century, Western production of silk began in Italy. This by no means brought the cost down, as the extensive amount of work required to make silk remained the same. Thirty thousand eggs can end up eating one ton of mulberry leaves and producing 12 pounds (5.5 kilograms) of silk. Mens Long sleeve silk pajamas at www.freegiftssite.usSilk manufacture begins when female silkworms lay their eggs. A single silkworm may produce hundreds of tiny eggs, which are incubated until they hatch into larva. The larva must be kept warm and fed on mulberry leaves frequently throughout their brief lives. In four to six weeks, the larva have reached their maximum size and have mustered enough energy to pupate. Short sleeve silk pajamas at www.freegiftssite.usIt is the pupation stage that produces silk, as the larva attach to branches and spin a shell around themselves. The shell is unique to insect pupation, formed by two spinnerets on the larva. The fluid they secrete is high in protein and forms a continuous thread, which is repeatedly wound to form a pod to mature in.Unfortunately for the silkworm pupa, it is maturity that silk producers want to avoid. A small number of the larva are allowed to gestate into adults to carry on the lineage, while the rest are subjected to heat to kill the larva before they can begin to eat through the valuable silk thread. The pods are dipped into hot water to loosen the thread, which is then wound onto wheels. The dead larva are discarded. ######y womens silk pajamas at www.freegiftssite.usOnce raw silk has been wound onto wheels, it can be spun into a variety of different types of thread, depending upon the intended use. Crepe is made by twisting multiple strands of silk together in different directions, while tram is made by twisting one to two threads in the same direction. Organzine is formed by twisting multiple threads together, switching direction, and repeating the process until the end of the thread. ######y womens silk pajamas Categories:http://www.freegiftssite.us/womens-s...c-145.htmlMost wearers are familiar with all forms of silk thread, with single threads being used for fine and sheer garments and crepe being used to create textured and wrinkly silks. Organzine is used for warp threads in weaving, and tram creates the weft, or filling. Silk can also be used in knit fabrics.Silk can be treated to remove roughness or left raw, depending on the demand. Silk takes dye well and is available in a dazzling array of colors from subtle to bright. The textile appears in scarves, sweaters, underwear, shirts, and everything in between. Despite its low yield, production of the sought after textile is rising globally. Many consumers prefer silk for its comfort, insulating qualities, look, and feel.