Fabric

LINEN, elegant, beautiful, durable, the refined luxury fabric. Linen is the strongest of the vegetable fibers and has 2 to 3 times the strength of cotton. Linen table cloths and napkins have been handed down generation to generation. Not only is the linen fiber strong, it is smooth, making the finished fabric lint free. Fine china, silver and candles are enhanced by the luster of linen which only gets softer and finer the more it is washed.

Linen is from flax, a bast fiber taken from the stalk of the plant. The luster is from the natural wax content. Creamy white to light tan, this fiber can be easily dyed and the color does not fade when washed. Linen does wrinkle easily but also presses easily. Linen, like cotton, can also be boiled without damaging the fiber.

Highly absorbent and a good conductor of heat, this fabric is cool in garments. However, constant creasing in the same place in sharp folds will tend to break the linen threads. This wear can show up in collars, hems, and any area that is iron creased during the laundering. Linen has poor elasticity and does not spring back readily.

SILK, the fabric that makes its own statement. Say "silk" to someone and what do they visualize? No other fabric generates quite the same reaction. For centuries silk has had a reputation as a luxurious and sensuous fabric, one associated with wealth and success. Silk is one of the oldest textile fibers known to man. It has been used by the Chinese since the 27th century BC. Silk is mentioned by Aristotle and became a valuable commodity both in Greece and Rome. During the Roman Empire, silk was sold for its weight in gold.

Today, silk is yet another word for elegance, and silk garments are prized for their versatility, wearability and comfort. Silk, or soie in French, is the strongest natural fiber. A steel filament of the same diameter as silk will break before a filament of silk. Silk absorbs moisture, which makes it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Because of its high absorbency, it is easily dyed in many deep colors. Silk retains its shape, drapes well, caresses the figure, and shimmers with a luster all its own.

Contemporary silk garments range from evening wear to sports wear. A silk suit can go to the office and, with a change of accessories and a blouse, transform into an elegant dinner ensemble. Silk garments can be worn for all seasons.

Silk -- elegant, versatile and washable. In the past, owning a silk garment meant not only the initial price of the garment but also the cost of dry cleaning. All silk is washable. Silk is a natural protein fiber, like human hair, taken from the cocoon of the silkworm. The natural glue, sericin, secreted by silkworms and not totally removed during manufacturing of the silk, is a natural sizing which is brought out when washing in warm water. Most silk fabrics can be hand washed. Technically, silk does not shrink like other fibers. If the fabric is not tightly woven, washing a silk with tighten up the weave.... thus, lighter weights of silk (say a crepe de chine of 14 mm) can be improved by washing as it will tighten up the weave. A tightly woven silk will not "shrink" or will "shrink" a lot less. Silk garments, however, can shrink if the fabric has not been washed prior to garment construction. When washing silk, do not wring but roll in a towel. Silk dries quickly but should not be put in an automatic dryer unless the fabric is dried in an automatic dryer prior to garment construction. A good shampoo works well on silk. It will remove oil and revitalize your silk. Do not use an alkaline shampoo or one which contains ingredients such as wax, petroleum, or their derivatives, as these products will leave a residue on your silk and may cause "oil" spots. If static or clinging is a problem with your silks, a good hair conditioner (see above cautions) may be used in the rinse water.

Silk may yellow and fade with the use of a high iron setting. Press cloths and a steam iron are recommended. Silk is also weakened by sunlight and perspiration.

Question and Answer

Q: I understand you may be able to help me with a problem I have. I have some linen towels that my mother wove and I would like to pass them along to my grandchildren. I would like to know how to package them so that they will be preserved.

A: There are several important issues which one should examine when considering the safe long-term storage needs of textiles. Is the textile clean? Soiled or stained textiles will never fare as well as clean textiles in even the most opportune storage environment. The method used for cleaning and the solvents used will likely depend on a variety of things such as the strength of the textile, the composition of the fabric, the fastness of the dyes to various solvents, the nature and age of the soiling, etc. Once cleaned, should the textile be stored flat or rolled? If the textile is three-dimensional, it can be stored safely folded and wrapped in either de-acified tissue or undyed, unbleached, washed muslin cloth. Care should be taken when folding the textile in preparation for wrapping to make sure that each inside fold is supported by a length of the tissue so that no creases develop during storage. Wrap the textile so that leaves of tissue are placed in each layer and also surrounding it. The folded, wrapped textile should then be placed in a lidded acid-free box made of fluted polypropylene or paperboard to protect it from moisture, dust, and ultraviolet light. If the textile is two-dimensional (like the towels you describe), it may be possible to roll the textile onto a cardboard tube. If this is feasible, you must first wrap the tube in mylar, a chemically inert film which will act as a protective barrier separating the textile from any acids or lignin. Lay the textile out on a flat surface and envelop it in a front and bottom layer of muslin or acid-free tissue (as if you were making a sandwich). Roll the textile onto the tube and then wrap it again in the tissue or muslin for outer protection. Tie the ends of the roll so that the textile does not unravel. The advantage to rolling is that the tube will distribute the weight of the textile more evenly, thereby reducing the opportunity for creasing. The finished work should then be stored in a cool, dark, dry place with consistent levels of relative humidity (no more than 55%) and temperature (50-65 deg. f.). All of the archival supplies I have mentioned (mylar, tissue, acid-free boxes etc.) can be purchased from most preservation supply houses. I hope this helps.

TEA STAINS

In the case of white articles, these are usually removed satisfactorily during the ordinary process of washing. If the stains are old, however, the use of a little borax dissolved in water is advised.

A SCORCH ON WHITE FABRICS

Methods which are sometimes successful are as follows: (a) Bleaching in sunlight, keeping the scorched part wet with soapy water, (b) Rubbing on powdered borax, (c) Soaking in ammonia, (d) Applying Javelle water. If badly scorched, however, no remedy will be found to be satisfactory, as the fibres are actually destroyed.

UNKNOWN STAINS

The simplest methods should be tried first, and it is possible to remove many stains merely by treating with cold or hot water. If this is not successful and the article is white, bleaching agents may be used. For cotton or linen, bleaching powder or hydrogen peroxide may be used; for silk and wool, however, the use of bleaching powder should be avoided. If the stain proves still resistent, potassium permanganate solution followed by hydrogen peroxide or oxalic acid should be tried, following the directions given for the removal of marking ink stains.

Stains on coloured fabrics are naturally more difficult to remove, and bleaching agents should not be used before a small piece of the material has been tested with the chemicals to ascertain whether the colour is affected.

WINE AND FRUIT STAINS Wine and fruit stains are usually found on table linen and, being of an acid nature, borax often successfully removes them. Use the borax over a basin, pouring on boiling water. If the stains do not entirely come out with one treatment, repeat once or twice. Any slight remaining discoloration rarely fails to disappear after boiling.

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TUSSORE SILK

This fabric should be ironed dry and on the wrong side-if ironed damp like other silk, it will feel hard and have a mottled appearance. If the colour becomes too light with washing, it may be restored by rinsing the silk in water coloured with a little clear tea, or in water in which a little hay has been boiled.

SATIN BOUTIQUE

Animal Kingdom Faux Fur, Jacquard Napa Bridal Satin,Lingerie Satin, Napa Bridal Satin, & Sonoma Satin

Please treat as you would any fine apparel. They should be washed by separately on a gentle cycle, cool, or low temperature setting. Do not use any type of Bleach. We prefer Ivory Liquid. When finished washing, promptly dry under a low temperature setting. When dry to the touch, promptly remove. If you follow this advice you should be able to enjoy your product(s) for a long time to come.

Bridal Satin Fabric: Bridal Satin can be washed in your own washing machine preferably by itself using light soap, coolest temperature setting on gentle cycle. Dry on low setting and do not allow the material to get to hot. Satin can be ironed only on very low setting.

Satin – Satin weave fabrics are characterized by yarns that usually float over four to seven yarns before being interlaced with yarns laid in the opposite direction. The floating yarns along the surface reflect light, which gives the fabric its luster. Satin fabrics can be made from silk or man-made fibers like acetate or polyester.

Silk & satin

. Do the Dye-run test. If color runs, send for

dry cleaning.

. Never use bleach on silk.

Pre-washed silk

. Can be handwashed.

. Use cool water.

. Squeeze out water gently.

. Lie flat to dry.

Dye-run test

. Wet the hidden seam of the fabric & wait for

a few minutes.

. Dab the wet area with a white cloth or a piece

of kitchen towel/tissue to see if the color runs.

Caring for Satin Sheets

Satin sheets require more care than regular cotton sheets, particularly when it comes to washing.

General care: Satin made of silk and nylon should be shielded from the sun, so if you have a bright sunny room, go for acetate or polyester satin. However, if you intend to use massage oil, nylon may be your best bet because polyester doesn't hold up as well.

Washing: Washing and drying your sheets demands depend on the material:

(Note: It's best to just dry-clean satin bedspreads and satin comforters. They are impossible to hand-wash, and bunch up too much in a washer)

Fabric Stain Guide

Dinginess, Yellowing, Graying - Always read anbd foolow the care instruction and any warnings on the garment label. And, follow these General Rules for stain removal.

There are several reasons why fabrics gray, yellow, and become dingy, including not using the right amount of detergent (i.e., using too much or too little detergent), insufficient rinsing, and/or the wash water temperature is too low. To reburbish clothing from these discolorations:

Wash with a permanent press cycle in hot water, use a cool-down rinse on permanent press and use one cup of water conditioner instead of detergent.

If the discoloration remains, either repeat this procedure or wash with the correct amount of detergent and either all-fabric bleach or chlorine bleach, if safe for the fabric. (always check for colorfastness first.)

If the fabric is white, consider speciality products available in grocery or drug stores, such as Rit's "Whitener and Brightener" to whiten the fabric.

Always separate and wash your whites separate from colors. And, don't put heavily soil garments with lightly soiled items.

Also see "Yellowing" in this list.

Fabric Stain Guide

The General Rules

Treat stains promptly. Fresh stains are easier to remove than old ones. If the stain is on a nonwashable fabric, take it to the dry cleaner as soon as possible, and describe the nature of the stain and the fiber content of the garment.

Read and carefully follow package directions when using any stain removal product.

Always test stain removers on an inside seam or other hidden part of garment for color fastness. To test, apply product and let stand 2-5 minutes, then rinse. If color changes, do not use product on garment.

When using a bleach, do not try to bleach just one area of garment; bleach the entire garment to prevent uneven color removal.

When treating, place stained area face down on a clean paper towel or white cloth. Apply stain remover to the underside of the stain, forcing stain off the fabric surface instead of through it.

Never put chemical dry-cleaning solvents directly into washer.

Thoroughly rinse and air dry areas treated with dry-cleaning solvents before placing in washer, to avoid a fire.

Do not mix stain removal products together. Some mixtures, such as ammonia and chlorine bleach, can produce noxious fumes.

Always launder washable items after treating to remove residues of the stain and the stain remover.

Have patience; it takes a little extra time and effort to remove some stains.

Remember, some stains cannot be removed.

Definitions

Detergent -- all-purpose synthetic detergent (liquid or powder). Use liquid detergent full strength; mix powder with water to form a paste when working into stain.

Dry-Cleaning Solvent -- stain and spot removers available at grocery and hardware stores. A nonflammable type is safest to use.

Stain Stick -- an enzyme-based cleaner available at grocery and discount stores. Most effective on food, grease, oil, protein, and dirt-based stains and can be used on any fabric and color. It can remain on fabric for up to one week.

Fabric Type:Satin

Effect:Sparkle

Fiber Content:Nylon

Care Instruction

Machine wash warm / Gentle cycle

Tumble dry low / Remove promptly

Do not use bleach

~ Laundering Instructions ~

Bridal Satin | Lingerie Satin | Pure Silk Charmeuse Satin | Velvets

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Bridal Satin

Bridal Satin is a sleek, domestic woven acetate for that special look and feel one associates with fine satin bedding. We call it Bridal Satin because it is used by many bridal gown manufacturers for this very purpose.

Is Bridal Satin machine washable? Yes, our densely woven acetate satin fabric is both very elegant and durable, and machine washable, if treated with proper care, it will last for a long time.

* Bridal Satin should be washed it by itself on a gentle cycle, cold water setting.Please do not, under any circumstances, use Hot Water. Heat is an enemy of Acetate Bridal Satin for both washing and drying.

* Do not use any type of Bleach. Fabric softer is not necessary. Prefer Woolite. * When finished washing, promptly remove to avoid unnecessary wrinkles.

* Line-dry, or use a Cloths Dryer set to "Fluff No Heat". When dry-to-the -touch promptly remove to your bed or loosely roll up for storage.

* If desired for that fantastic smooth satin look, Touch up any stubborn wrinkles on the Reverse Dull Side with a clean steam iron set to the lowest steam setting recommend by your iron for Acetate Satin. Suggest you first Test the operation of your iron on a piece of white material so as to be certain of your iron's cleanliness and proper operation before attempting to iron your Bridal Satin.

Please Dry Clean any of our Comforters due to their bulk. Home machine washing though possible, is not recommend for our Comforters.

To extend the life of any satin bedding we suggest rotating sheet sets frequently so that one set is not abnormally worn due to continual usage.

Lingerie Satin

Lingerie Satin is high-grade imported woven polyester satin with a look and feel nearly identical to our Pure Silk Charmeuse Collection. It is very washable and nearly wrinkle free. Please treat the lingerie satin as you would any fine fabric. If you follow this advise you should be able to enjoy your lingerie satin for long time to come.

* It should be washed it by itself on a gentle cycle, cool or low temperature setting.Prefer Woolite.

* Do not use any type of Bleach. Fabric softer is not necessary.

* When finished washing promptly remove and dry on a low heat temperature setting.

* When dry to the touch promptly remove to your bed or loosely roll up for storage. Ironing is seldom necessary with Lingerie Satin.

To extend the life of any of our satin bedding we suggest rotating sheet sets frequently so that one set is not abnormally worn due to continual usage.

Please Dry Clean any of our Comforters due to their bulk. Home machine washing though possible, is not recommend for our Comforters.

Pure Silk Charmeuse Satin

Pure Silk Charmeuse Satin is a very special fabric that requires special care. Nothing but the real silk can match its softness and elegance. If you follow this advise you should be able to enjoy your pure silk satin bedding for long time to come.

Recommended Care for Silk Bedding in order:

1.) Have professionally Dry Cleaned (or)

2.) Bulk Dry Cleaned (Cheaper but you will most likely have to carefully iron to retain a wrinkle-free condition)

3.) Soak in Woolite in a large tub or your bath tub in luke warm water (hand wash for 10 minutes by gently plunging and mixing but not scrubbing between your hands) Then rinse repeatedly each time refilling with cool water Until the rinse water becomes clear of all soap scum. This usually will take from 4/5 refilling/rinse cycles. Then dry by draping over something like a series of cloths lines. Best would be a bed-size flat surface. When still slightly damp.. dry iron out any wrinkles with the dull side UP. Iron on the Silk setting. If the silk is dry ironed on the reverse side with a damp ironing cloth or the steam setting this must be done very carefully for if the steam splatters it Will Leave a Visible Water Spot.

4.) Machine wash on the most gentle cycle on cold or luke warm temp, use Woolite then machine dry on the most gently low heat setting. Follow the above ironing instructions if necessary.

Summation.. This is best left to the Pros if you do not want to take any chances with this very special silk bedding.

To extend the life of any of our satin bedding we suggest rotating sheet sets frequently so that one set is not abnormally worn due to continual usage.

Please Dry Clean any of our Comforters due to their bulk. Home machine washing though possible, is not recommend for our Comforters.

To extend the life of any of our satin bedding we suggest rotating sheet sets frequently so that one set is not abnormally worn due to continual usage.

Please Dry Clean any of our Comforters due to their bulk. Home machine washing though possible, is not recommend for our Comforters.

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Tumble dry at lowest heat setting. Remove immediately from dryer to prevent wrinkling. Avoid extreme heat to preserve quality of permanent press

fabrics. No ironing necessary if care instructions are followed.