Satin the Fabric of Royalty
Satin
Smooth and slick and in many places represents royalty. Prized for centuries this fabric has been thought of as the most luscious fabric in existence. Typically the weave of satin has a glossy surface and a dull back. This fabric weave is characterized by four or more cool fill or weft yarns floating over a wrap yarn or vice versa, four warp yarns floating over a single weft yarn. Floats are missed inter-facings, where the warp yarn lies on top of the weft in a warp-faced satin and where the weft yarn lies on top of the warp yarns in weft-faced satin’s. These floats explain the even sheen, as unlike in other weaves, the light reflecting is not scattered as much by the fibers, which have fewer tucks.
Uses for Satin
This fabric is commonly used in apparel: satin baseball jackets, athletic shorts, women’s lingerie, nightgowns, blouses, and evening gowns, but also in some men’s boxer shorts, briefs, shirts and neckties. It is also used in the production of pointy shoes for use in ballet. Other uses include interior furnishing fabrics, upholstery, and bed sheets.
Not all satins are trues satins
To be considered a true satin, a fabric must be woven in a very specific manner. The material must have at least four threads brought to the surface of the fabric to “float” over a single thread running perpendicularly to them. The threads on the top are called warp strands, which run vertically, while the one on the bottom is called a weft strand, which runs horizontally. This process is called floating, and allows large portions of thread to reflect light, which makes the fabric shiny and glossy on one side. Some types, called double-faced satins, are made to be shiny on both sides by using two sets of warp strands.
Types of Satin
Antique: commonly woven from rayon and acetate with various colors and yarn thicknesses giving of a textured feel and iridescent appearance.
Charmuse: cheaper and can often withstand machine washing, but it does not breathe as well as silk
Crepeback: one side of the fabric is silk while the other is crepe making the appearance of the fabric either shiny or dull
Silk: the most luxurious of all satins is light weight very shimmery and is breathable, making it ideal for sleep wear
Stretched Satin: the same as ordinary fabric \expect with a additional 5% spandex
Now that you have learned about satin learn more about velvet.
Velvet the Fabric of Nobility
A product of rayon and nylon, velvet is woven in such a way as to create tiny, densely-packed fibers that stand up from the back of the cloth. Having a finish that drapes well, making it a better choice for formal wear, cotton velvet is a sturdier choice for day wear. Type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are very evenly distributed, with a short dense pile giving it a distinctly smooth feel.
Historical background on Velvet
Traditionally, associated with nobility, dating back to the medieval era velvet was introduced to European nobility by Crusaders returning from the Middle East. This extravagant material became a symbol of wealth and power in Europe and was so favored by kings and queens. Although it is used in everyday clothing today it is still known for its beauty and elegance.
The Season For Velvet
It’s that time of year when velvet starts making its triumphant comeback with holiday dresses for girls and ladies of all ages, the perfect way to make a grand entrance. Considered the fabric of the holidays anything from coats to stockings are coated with it to give that warm cozy feel to holiday festivities. Although it is heavily used during the holiday season it is also great for year round events such as weddings, formal, get together’s and birthday parties.
Properties
A heavy durable fabric with a strong sheen. Its characteristics depend on the type of material that has been used to manufacture it. Silk has a soft drape and shimmering surface, while synthetic velvet’s have a strong sheen but do not tend to drape as well.
Types
Embossed: A metal roller is used to heat stamp the fabric, producing a pattern
Hammered: This type is extremely lustrous, appears dappled, and somewhat crushed
Lyons: A densely woven, stiff, heavier weight pile velvet used for hats, coat collars and garments.
Plain: Commonly made of cotton, this type of velvet has a firm hand and can be used for many purposes
Care
Knit and fine velvet with plain weave, must be dry cleaned. Others, such as crushed velvet, can be machine washed. When in doubt, take your special clothing, such as a velvet dress or velvet jacket, to a professional dry cleaner. Now that you have read about velvet its properties and uses learn more about cotton.
From pink bows to pinking shears, the color pink is associated with fashion and femininity; perhaps no other color has as much social impact and gender association in fashion. Pink is associated with charm, politeness, sensitivity, tenderness, femininity, romance and the exotic.
History of the Color Pink
The color pink was first introduced in the 1700’s and takes it’s name from a flower called pinks derived from the Dianthus flower. The color comes from the frilled edges of the flowers. Although the color was written about as early as 800BC it was referred to as “Rosey” and did not become “pink” until the 1700’s. European countries still refer to the color as “Rose” or “Rosa”.
Pink was not a normal color in the fashion of the Middle Ages for men as they preferred brighter reds, such as crimson. However, pink did appear in women’s fashion and boys wore the color. The color was worn by boys in the USA until the 1920’s because as men wore red, boys who were seen as little men wore pink. When it became used as more of a girls color in the 1920’s, socially the shift towards the color being associated only with girls began in the USA. Other countries such as Japan still use pink as a mans color.
Characteristics of the Color Pink
The color was originally pale in nature because dyes would fade when washed until the 20th century when updated dying methods made the color brighter and more assertive. It also made the color less likely to fade. In the 1930’s to the 1940’s a new shade of pink called shocking pink was introduced by the fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Many more shades were added after the 1940’s.
Pink encourages friendliness while discouraging aggression and ill-will. Psychologically the color is associated with tenderness and innocence and puts people in touch with the nurturing side of themselves. The color is used in girls fashion for that very reason.
To view Treasure Box Kids color pink Birthday Dresses visit Treasure Box Kids.
Organza the Occasion Fabric
The Occasion fabric Organza is perfect for luxurious party dresses. Often it is used to make tablecloths, light curtains, and formal dresses. Traditionally this fabric was made of silk and was very expensive. Today, many modern organza’s are woven with synthetic filament fibers such as polyester or nylon. This new synthetic fabric is more common and much less expensive. This fabric is incredibly soft and flowing, unlike other sheer fabrics like tulle, it has less stiffness. Multiple organza layers in a garment will permit a gentle sway.
Organza Types
- Crystal
Crystal and Mirror Organza can be embellished into many different patterns and prints.
Caring for Organza
Easy to care for fabric that most often can simply be thrown in the washing machine and hung to dry. Use the washing machine’s cool or warm setting and take care not to include anything else that could catch onto the fabric. When ironing make sure to keep the iron at a low heat to avoid burning. Some Organza fabric will need dry cleaning.
Uses
Used as an underlying to protect the delicate fabrics that are used in bridal dresses as well as commonly used for constructing little girl’s dresses. The fabric can also be used for party decor, curtains, tablecloths, bags as well as many other applications.
Properties
The silk fiber is chiefly composed of 80% of fibrin, which is protein in nature and 20% of servicing, which is otherwise called as silk gum. Organza is produced in India and the United States as well as other countries. Often it is made from a mixture of nylon and polyester. Organza can be made very soft or a bit firmer. Organza is one of the materials that can be dyed often very quickly. This characteristic allows it to be used most often in prom and evening dresses to create an airy look.
Quality
The quality depends on the type of silk and how the silk fibers are woven together. The detail and fringe quality of the fabric make it more expensive than most fabrics. Although the highest quality is from France or Italy, fabric produced in India and the United States often uses a mixture of nylon and polyester to create usable organza that is both cost effective and smooth to the touch.
Organza Fabric in clothing
When it comes to attire, organza fabric is a staple of formal dresses as a way to create full skirts and a graceful fall. One of its main uses is in the construction of wedding dresses which help to make the big day all that more special. Between wedding attire and evening fashions, organza fabric has a secure future in the world of fashion. Now that you have read about Organza, to learn about cotton read All about Cotton-Care and use of a versatile fabric.
All about Cotton-Care and Use of a Versatile Fabric
We all love cotton and wear it, but do we really know what it consists of, where its mostly made or anything specific about its production? This fabric is made from a shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including The Americas, Africa, and India. There are four commercially grown species of cotton:
- Gossypium Herbaceum- less than 2% of the worlds population.
- Gossypium Barbadense- 8% of the worlds population.
- Gossypium Arboreum- 2% of the world population.
- Gossypium Hirsutum– which is considered upland cotton that makes up 90% of the world population.
Cotton Uses
The largest producers are China and India, with annual production anywhere from 27-34 billion bales a year. Most people don’t notice, but cotton is used to create many of the vital necessities of the world such as bed sheets, towels, robes, cambric, coffee filters, jeans and even the shirts on our backs. In addition to the textile industry, it is used in fishing nests, coffee filters, tents and for bookbinding
Cotton Properties
Cotton, on average, is mostly made up of about age 80-90% cellulose. Containing 6-8% water, 0.5-1% of waxes, 0.1.5% of protein, 4- 6% of hemicellulose and pectin’s and 1-1.8% ash.
There are several different types of cotton fabric about over 2,500 distinguished by structure, appearance and purpose. Here are some just to name a few.
Gingham: lightweight, washable, stout fabric is a sheer, lightly woven stout fabric that is woven in checks, plaids or stripes
Gauze: sheer, lightly woven fabric similar to cheesecloth. Is also made in silk
Percale: light weight, closely woven, sturdy fabric that can be found printed or in dark or light colors
Flannel: plain or twill weave with a slight nap on one or both sides
Seersucker: lightweight cotton fabric crinkled into lengthwise stripe
Care:
The durability and versatility of this fabric is what makes it a prime choice for our everyday items and luckily it is also very easy to care for cotton. Cotton can be machine washed and dried with no ill effects. To prevent bleeding, similar colors should be washed together on the specific heat setting for that color family. To keep your garments from stretching, dry the article half in the dryer and half on the line. Towels can also be kept soft by using only half of the recommended detergent because detergent residue erodes cotton.
Now that you’ve learned about cotton learn more about organza
