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Certainly silk scarves and other silk garments and
accessories have been known for centuries for their bright and lively
colors. This is because silk holds the colors of dyes and pigments
exceptionally well.
Many people are not aware that silk is an all
natural fabric. It is made from the cocoons of silkworms, a special
domesticated caterpillar that eats nothing but the leaves of mulberry
trees. A single strand of thread is produced which is wrapped around
each cocoon. These strands are separated and then woven into a fabric.
The soft and expensive feel of silk has made it a favorite of royalty
for thousands of years.
Silk is a strong material despite its light weight,
and along with this silk possesses the ability to keep people relatively
warm in cold weather while feeling light and comfortable in warm weather
as well. It holds its shape better than almost any other fabric. If
silk is crumpled up it will not wrinkle and will return to its original
shape right away.
Artists have developed a number of techniques for
painting on silk to make clothing and accessories. One technique is
batik, and also various kinds of resists are used. With hand painted
silk each piece is somewhat original, as it is impossible to paint the
material exactly the same way each time by hand. The result is a unique
item every time.
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