Silk production was a mainstay of the Chinese economy and was so important that anyone who shared the secret with outsiders was tortured to death. During the rein of the Roman Emperor, Justin, two monks were said to have visited China and left with thousands of silkworm eggs and mulberry seeds hidden in their hollow walking sticks. In the years that followed, silk was produced in many Asian and European countries and was treated as currency in some and as a measure of wealth everywhere. Its role in world history has ties to great works of art and to the peasant economy that produced it.
Silk is a protein fiber that is extruded by the silk moth, Bombyx mori, to make its gestational cocoon. Silkworm eggs hatch in about 10 days into worms that feed exclusively on mulberry leaves. When they are about 1 1/4" long the worms start spinning their cocoons. Moving its head in a steady figure eight motion, each worm extrudes enough glossy, gummy filament from two glands near its heads to surround itself in a fuzzy, oval cocoon. Three days later the worm becomes a chrysalis, which becomes a grayish-white moth in about three more weeks. If allowed to emerge from the cocoon, the moth will lay more eggs and die a few days later, completing the life cycle in about two months time. In silk production, the moth is not allowed to emerge from the cocoon because it would destroy the silk filament. The cocoons are subjected to heat to kill the moths and then the silk is processed. Silk production is fascinating! The cocoons are soaked and the fibers reeled, combined to make thicker threads, dyed and woven or knitted into cloth. It is truly amazing that someone, 4000 years ago, realized the value in those fuzzy little cocoons!
The filament from a single cocoon might measure up 1300 yards - which contributes to the lustrous look and feel of silk fabrics. Synthetic fibers are produced as continuous filaments too, but silk is the only natural fiber that is. It is also the strongest and most durable natural fiber - stronger than an equal sized steel wire filament!
Silk is more resilient than linen, cotton or rayon, wrinkles little, presses easily and holds its shape. It is moth resistant, more durable than linen and lighter weight than wool. All that, coupled with a lustrous look and gentle hand should be enough to recommend any fabric. But silk also has the advantage of being extremely absorbent. This makes silk extremely easy to dye, which is why silk fabrics often boast incredible colors. More important, it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture and still feel dry to the touch. It absorbs perspiration, repels dirt and seldom mildews.
As perfect as silk is, it has gotten even better with EC2 Qwik-Dri technology. When perspiration is allowed to soak a fabric, moisture is trapped next to the skin and the body overheats and perspires more in an attempt to cool itself. In hot weather or during rigorous exercise you end up feeling sweaty and over heated. In cold weather you end up sweaty and easily chilled. EC2 uses a process that changes the molecular structure of silk fibers so that moisture is lifted away from the body and evaporates more quickly. The fabric actually helps your skin maintain ideal temperature so you stay drier and cooler in warm temperatures and maintain body heat better when its cold. The Qwik-Dri process is permanent, won't wash off or wear out and it doesn't alter any of the beautiful qualities of the silk itself.
Sometimes you'll find silk blended with other fibers for very specific purposes. Sock liners are often made of silk and nylon blends because the nylon adds durability. Glove liners are blended with lycra for a stretchier, smoother fit. In both cases, you'll be warmer and drier, shoveling snow or taking a winter walk!
Silk is not difficult to care for, but it has three enemies: hot water, hot irons and strong soaps. Dry cleaning is not recommended for silk underwear, sock or glove liners. They can be machine washed on the gentle cycle and tumbled dry on a low setting. Always check garment labels for special care instructions, but keep in mind that the Goddess of Silkworms definitely washed her precious fabrics by hand!
It takes almost 3,000 cocoons to produce a yard of woven cloth. And, to produce those cocoons takes a whole lot of mulberry leaves: The worms grow 70 times their original size, eating 200 pounds of leaves to produce one pound of silk! It's easy to see why silk was a luxury fabric until very recent developments in production brought the costs down!
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