Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The protein fiber of silk is composed mainly of fibroin and produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons. The best-known type of silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx Mori. Silk is very similar to wool or human hair. Today China is the leading silk producer of the world. Other major silk producing countries include Japan, India and Italy. Silk in America came about when King James I of England sent silkworm eggs and mulberry tree seeds to the new colonists in Virginia. Although cotton and tobacco proved to be more profitable crops, there was some limited silk production in Virginia and Georgia from 1603 to 1760. In 1762, the struggling industry got a boost when Nathan Aspinwald decided to expand his white mulberry orchard from Long Island, New York, to include his native town of Mansfield, Connecticut. A silk farm and silk-spinning industry sprang up there, and by 1830—once other entrepreneurs became aware of the potential for high profits—the industry spread all along the Atlantic coast
Types of silk fabric: chiffon, china silk, charmeuse, crepe de Chine, jacquard, douppioni, noil, raw silk, tussah, shantung and taffeta. Silk has a lovely draping quality, won’t shrink like wool and it’s comfortable against the skin.
Silk in other household products include:
Clothing
Scarfs
Yarn
Nail products
Make-up
Hair Care
Sheets
Rugs
Carpets
Upholstery
Silk in Rugs:
Silk rugs are highly regarded as luxury items in decorating a home. The soft and light texture is ideal for intricate patterns and designs. In fact, many Oriental rugs are made with silk, sometimes in a combination of wool and silk. And while a lot of homeowners like to use silk area rugs around the house, they can also use them as wall hangings as well, to display the art for the design.
• light and smooth texture
•can be combined with other materials
•great for decorating
You might want to note that silk rugs:
• should not be used in high traffic areas
•are easily stained
•expensive
Oriental silk carpets add a rich, luxurious appearance to any home’s decor. Delicate silk requires special care to prevent stains and maintain its beauty….
Silk fibers might not be the best choice if you have an active household with kids and pets.