Caring for your Silk Sleepwear
Where did silk originate?
Silk originated in China about 5000 years ago By 300 AD the secret of silk production had reached India and Japan.
Silk manufacture became popular in Italy during the 13th century and in other parts of Europe in the 18th century. These days silk manufacture has virtually disappeared in Europe.
China remains far and away the largest producer. Italy remains the largest silk importer,mainly from China. Other major importers are America, Germany and France.
India is the largest importer of raw silk from China despite being the second largest silk producer.
Louise sources her silk from China and manufactures her silk sleepwear in India where she has her dedicated group of stitching ladies and hand embroiderers.
What is silk?
Silk is the softest, lightest and strongest of all natural fibres. Silk is stronger than steel. Sixteen layers of silk can stop a bullet.
Louise forbids you to try this!
Silk fibres are so supple they can stretch up to 20% of their length without breaking and still spring back to hold their shape. This is why silk garments keep their shape even after years of use.
Washing silk sleepwear
Louise recommends hand washing your silk nightgown or pajamas in soft soap powders or solutions. Rinse several times in clear water. Please do not wring them out to remove excess water. Just hang them on a coat hanger in your bathroom . By morning they will be dry and in most cases you will not have to iron. Our silk is high quality and wrinkles very little.
Many of Louise’s clients have told her that they throw their silk loose into the washing machine with their everyday wash. Good Luck!
Machine wash is ok if you use a bag. Hand washing is better. Your silk garment will last longer and look newer.
How to iron your silk sleepwear.
Louise asks you please to iron your silk nightgown on the wrong side while it is still damp. Use a cool iron. Extremely high temperatures can scorch silk.
However most of her clients don’t iron silk. They just drip dry.Our silk is good quality and does not wrinkle very much.
How to remove stains from your silk sleepwear.
Ink stains. Try to deal with an ink stain as soon as possible.
Lay your silk garment on a flat surface. Blot the stained area with a cloth to remove excess ink. Louise says that you must not rub . Rubbing makes the ink spread.
Fill a spray bottle with cold water and spray the stain.Blot it with a clean cloth.
Repeat this spray and blot until you can remove no more ink.
If some stain remains spray hairspray on it.and let it sit for 2 minutes., then blot and spray some more. Courage!
Lipstick stains. Lipstick is good for your lips because it is formulated to be long lasting.
Try these steps to remove it from your precious silk nightwear.
First test on an inconspicuous part of your garment.
Apply transparent tape or masking tape on the lipstick stain.
Smooth it down and then rip the tape off. Most of the lipstick should come off. You can repeat this step several times
If the stain persists, dab it with talcum powder.. the remnants of the lipstick should be absorbed by the powder.
Oil. Oil stains can come from makeup, lotions and food such as salad dressings.
Talcum powder is recommended. Let the powder sit for at least 20 minutes. Take a small brush such as a toothbrush and gently brush the powder away.
We wish you pleasure with your silk nightwear. Silk is marvelous for the skin, in fact many women sleep on silk pillowcases.
Best wishes,
Louise
Any questions please email [email protected]
