I remember listening to the radio when I heard a plane hit the World Trade Center. That was all that was said. The announcer didn't know what kind of plane or exactly what happened. I thought "oh my". Then minutes later, the same announcer said the second tower was hit by another plane. It was then that "oh my" turned into "oh God, what is happening?". We had no t.v in my office - so we ran out to get one. We knew when the second plane hit - this was a nightmare, an act of war, and a day that will forever be etched into our minds.
I will not forget watching those brave firefighters and policeman running into a building while others were running out. I will not forget the faces of family members looking and praying for their loved ones. I will not forget the towers collapsing. I will not forget those brave and patriotic Americans on Flight 93 and their sacrifice. Ordinary folks who chose to down the plane rather than allow the terrorists to kill others. I will not forget the Pentagon, the headquarters of our military, hit by yet another plane.
And then the silence. No planes flying - just silence. The background noise we have all become so used to , we no longer notice it. But when it was gone the silence was deafening. I remember looking up to the sky - waiting just waiting to hear that sound again. When the planes began to fly again - I stood in the street - just to watch them and silently pray.
Ten years have passed since that day. Ten years. Much has changed. We know the enemy has not given up. But neither have we. We stood together. We showed those cowards - those radical Islamic terrorists - we do not give in, we do not act them , we help one another and we stand together and we will not be victims. WE ARE AMERICANS!!! We are the greatest nation on the earth, we are the greatest people on the earth , and WE WILL NOT ALLOW CRAZY COWARDLY TERRORISTS TO DEFEAT US! And yes, WE ARE BETTER THAN THEM - IN EVERY WAY IMAGINABLE.
So this Sunday, September 11th, I will pray for those who lost their lives ( I will not do that for the terrorists - they can ask their own vindictive god to do that for them). I will thank God ( the kind, just and merciful one we believe in) for those firefighters and policeman who thought of others before themselves. I will thank God for the heroes of Flight 93. I will thank God ( despite that idiot Mayor Bloomberg's objection) for this country and for our people. WE ARE AMERICANS. I WILL NOT FORGET. YOU WILL NOT FORGET. We will make sure our children, grandchildren, and every future generation remembers. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The FTC Wants You
It's the 100th day of over 100 degrees in San Antonio. ( well maybe not 100 days but darn close). So as I wither here, I was wondering what I could possible write about. My brain is fried and I could be an ad for any antiperspirant - even though I haven't worked out. So what does my whining have to do with the Federal Trade Commission? Not a darn thing. But I just figured it's my blog and I can whine if I want to ( or it's my party and I can cry if I want to). But onto the actual topic of this blog.
The FTC wants you ( well sorta)! Every now and then the Federal Trade Commission decides to review some of their laws. This year they are reviewing the care label law. This could be a cause for celebration but it's government - so I'm going to go out on a limb here - this will probably be a total screw -up. But this is your chance to tell them what you think about the care labels. I did!!!!!
They are actually pondering if care labels are necessary. Yep, you read that right . The Federal Trade Commission wants to know if you want to know how to safely clean your clothes. ( did you just mutter "that's government for you".) And that my dear readers is just one of the thirty or so questions they have listed. You can go to htttp://ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ftc/carelabelinganpr/ to read the whole questionnaire and voice your opinion. Please do .....
Since I have spent the last year whining about care labels - those that are wrong, stupid and just plain outlandish -WE NEED TO COMPLAIN!!!!! Aren't you tired of the " Do Not Dry Clean Do Not Wash Spot Clean Only" label? Tell the FTC. Wouldn't you like to know all the methods that are safe to clean your clothes? Right now the manufacturer only has to give you one method.But most of the time the garment can be either wet cleaned or dry cleaned. But you the consumer, the owner of the garment will never know. FAIR? HARDLY!!!!!
This is your chance to tell the FTC what you want - do you want the care labels in English? Is that a big DUH!!!! Do you prefer written instructions to the fun and funky symbols? It's your clothes - it's your chance - don't let it pass you by - write the FTC.
So once again - here's the link:
http://ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ftc/carelalinganpr/
The FTC wants you ( well sorta)! Every now and then the Federal Trade Commission decides to review some of their laws. This year they are reviewing the care label law. This could be a cause for celebration but it's government - so I'm going to go out on a limb here - this will probably be a total screw -up. But this is your chance to tell them what you think about the care labels. I did!!!!!
They are actually pondering if care labels are necessary. Yep, you read that right . The Federal Trade Commission wants to know if you want to know how to safely clean your clothes. ( did you just mutter "that's government for you".) And that my dear readers is just one of the thirty or so questions they have listed. You can go to htttp://ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ftc/carelabelinganpr/ to read the whole questionnaire and voice your opinion. Please do .....
Since I have spent the last year whining about care labels - those that are wrong, stupid and just plain outlandish -WE NEED TO COMPLAIN!!!!! Aren't you tired of the " Do Not Dry Clean Do Not Wash Spot Clean Only" label? Tell the FTC. Wouldn't you like to know all the methods that are safe to clean your clothes? Right now the manufacturer only has to give you one method.But most of the time the garment can be either wet cleaned or dry cleaned. But you the consumer, the owner of the garment will never know. FAIR? HARDLY!!!!!
This is your chance to tell the FTC what you want - do you want the care labels in English? Is that a big DUH!!!! Do you prefer written instructions to the fun and funky symbols? It's your clothes - it's your chance - don't let it pass you by - write the FTC.
So once again - here's the link:
http://ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ftc/carelalinganpr/
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Frankly,my dear I give a damn
Yes, I know I have changed the iconic line from "Gone With The Wind". But I do give a damn about the dresses worn by Vivien Leigh in the Oscar- winning movie. Now, you Rhett Butler's out there will care less - unless one of us Scarlett's show up wearing the drapes. But we gals, we remember all those beautiful gowns and if asked we all have a favorite. So southern belles - this column is for you.
Restoration has started to preserve and restore the dresses from "Gone With The Wind." The bad news is - some of the gowns cannot be made to look like they did on screen. The holes, and dropped stitches can be repaired. Feathers added to the Burgundy ball gown removed. But, the dresses are old, badly faded in spots and one is too fragile to handle.
In 2014 an exhibit will mark the 75th anniversary of the film. The Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas acquired five of the dresses from the collection of David O. Selznick in the 1980's. The center will spend $30,000 to preserve the five dresses. The five dresses are Scarlett O'Hara's green curtain dress, her velvet gown, a burgundy ball gown, a blue velvet night gown and Scarlett's wedding dress.
Cara Varnell, an art conservator who specializes in Hollywood film costumes is doing the restoration work. Varnell has studied the dresses. The waistline of the green curtain dress has been altered several times and extra feathers were sewn on the ball gown. The dresses are in rough shape. The reason was David O. Selznick realized the value of the dresses and put them on tour. They went through decades of traveling displays and were even loaned to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City ( fell free to utter the Pace Picante sauce line from the their commercial here) Plus, costumes were never made for everyday use- they were made to wear for the filming of movie and then be discarded.
But thankfully, since 1980 the Ransom Center has has kept them in a properly temperature and light controlled storage environment. Sadly, the the curtain dress has long faded streaks that have turned the fabric an ugly brown mustard color. Ms. Varnell does not believe this was caused by light fading because the fabric is not dried out or fragile in those areas that would be typical of light fading. Records show the dress was likely sprayed with Sudol, a disinfectant similar to Lysol, which may have affected the rate and nature of the discoloration. ( note to selves - never spray disinfectant on your clothes)
So the curtain dress will not be restored to it's original shade of green. Ms Varnell said her job is to keep the dresses sturdy enough to endure in as close to original form as possible, not to recreate their precise look in the movie. ( so disappointing but hey - it's going to be 75 years old - none of us look as good as we use to)
Varnell believes the dresses travels and faded spots are " part of it's history".( kinda like my wrinkles, grey hair and a few extra pounds) She believes she should "honor the history and honor the piece."( ha- take that husbands - honor the history - honor the wrinkles) The Burgundy ball gown, however, is still it's same vibrant color. Scarlett's silk wedding dress veil cannot be restored. It was brittle and lined with permanent creases when it was acquired and is now so fragile that it will likely disintegrate if handled. But Ms. Varnell said " we are all organic material ans when a costume has come to the end of its life, it is no different than we are.
So in 2014 - head to Austin to see Scarlett's dresses. But use what happened to them to as a reminder to be careful with your clothes. Proper care and storage would have kept Scarlett's dresses in better condition. Proper care and storage will do the same for yours. But no matter the condition, aren't you thrilled to know the dresses are still here? Can't you still picture Clark Gable looking up the staircase - when Scarlett asks who is that man ? Don't you still wonder why she preferred Ashley Wilkes over Rhett Butler? And don't ya just feel like saying "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn?"
Restoration has started to preserve and restore the dresses from "Gone With The Wind." The bad news is - some of the gowns cannot be made to look like they did on screen. The holes, and dropped stitches can be repaired. Feathers added to the Burgundy ball gown removed. But, the dresses are old, badly faded in spots and one is too fragile to handle.
In 2014 an exhibit will mark the 75th anniversary of the film. The Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas acquired five of the dresses from the collection of David O. Selznick in the 1980's. The center will spend $30,000 to preserve the five dresses. The five dresses are Scarlett O'Hara's green curtain dress, her velvet gown, a burgundy ball gown, a blue velvet night gown and Scarlett's wedding dress.
Cara Varnell, an art conservator who specializes in Hollywood film costumes is doing the restoration work. Varnell has studied the dresses. The waistline of the green curtain dress has been altered several times and extra feathers were sewn on the ball gown. The dresses are in rough shape. The reason was David O. Selznick realized the value of the dresses and put them on tour. They went through decades of traveling displays and were even loaned to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City ( fell free to utter the Pace Picante sauce line from the their commercial here) Plus, costumes were never made for everyday use- they were made to wear for the filming of movie and then be discarded.
But thankfully, since 1980 the Ransom Center has has kept them in a properly temperature and light controlled storage environment. Sadly, the the curtain dress has long faded streaks that have turned the fabric an ugly brown mustard color. Ms. Varnell does not believe this was caused by light fading because the fabric is not dried out or fragile in those areas that would be typical of light fading. Records show the dress was likely sprayed with Sudol, a disinfectant similar to Lysol, which may have affected the rate and nature of the discoloration. ( note to selves - never spray disinfectant on your clothes)
So the curtain dress will not be restored to it's original shade of green. Ms Varnell said her job is to keep the dresses sturdy enough to endure in as close to original form as possible, not to recreate their precise look in the movie. ( so disappointing but hey - it's going to be 75 years old - none of us look as good as we use to)
Varnell believes the dresses travels and faded spots are " part of it's history".( kinda like my wrinkles, grey hair and a few extra pounds) She believes she should "honor the history and honor the piece."( ha- take that husbands - honor the history - honor the wrinkles) The Burgundy ball gown, however, is still it's same vibrant color. Scarlett's silk wedding dress veil cannot be restored. It was brittle and lined with permanent creases when it was acquired and is now so fragile that it will likely disintegrate if handled. But Ms. Varnell said " we are all organic material ans when a costume has come to the end of its life, it is no different than we are.
So in 2014 - head to Austin to see Scarlett's dresses. But use what happened to them to as a reminder to be careful with your clothes. Proper care and storage would have kept Scarlett's dresses in better condition. Proper care and storage will do the same for yours. But no matter the condition, aren't you thrilled to know the dresses are still here? Can't you still picture Clark Gable looking up the staircase - when Scarlett asks who is that man ? Don't you still wonder why she preferred Ashley Wilkes over Rhett Butler? And don't ya just feel like saying "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn?"
Monday, June 20, 2011
We're Having a heat Wave
Some of you will remember the song "We're Having a Heat Wave." If you are not old enough to have heard it on the radio , watch re-runs of "M.A.S.H." But, if you are living in San Antonio - we are having a heat wave. Heck we are frying. Yesterday it was 104. Today it's 104. Tomorrow- who knows. We need rain. My lawn is a lovely shade of brown and plants are dying. So simple reminder - drink a lot of water, stay indoors if you can, and try to keep cool.
I know I talked about this before - but it really needs to be said again - perspiration can damage clothes. It can change the color of the dyes used in making your clothes. It is important with days like these to make sure that anything you wear - is immediately cleaned to remove perspiration. Don't leave damp clothes in your hamper - one garment can fade unto another. So if your garment is damp from perspiration -hang it up to dry (if dry clean only) or wash immediately if you can. Don't put these garments back into the closet until it's cleaned.
Also remember to clean to clean stains and soil as soon as possible. Any stains or soil left on a garment can become impossible to remove. Studies by the Dry Cleaning And Laundry Institute show after aging for only one week,20% of stains cannot be removed satisfactorily. After three weeks , this increases to 47%.
Always allow lotions, antiperspirants, perfumes, and toiletries to dry before you get dressed.These products can contain ingredients that can cause color loss or color changes in your garments. We all know we are not supposed to sit in the sun - ( yeah that summer tan can kill ya) so if you use a sunless tanner - be sure you give it enough time to dry.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or strong artificial lights can affect the color in your garments. The light can fade the color. If the garment is white -it can cause the white to yellow or gray. I have always wondered what crazy architect thought putting a window in a closet is a good idea.
Always clean and wear matching items together.
So while you're roasting here - remember your clothes. This is that time of year to pay special attention to your clothes. The deodorant and perspiration that isn't immediately removed from those garments can leave lasting damage. Oh joy - as if you didn't have enough to worry about. But think of it this way - there are 3 things you have the largest investment in - house, car and wardrobe. So don't forget to protect your investment.
I know I talked about this before - but it really needs to be said again - perspiration can damage clothes. It can change the color of the dyes used in making your clothes. It is important with days like these to make sure that anything you wear - is immediately cleaned to remove perspiration. Don't leave damp clothes in your hamper - one garment can fade unto another. So if your garment is damp from perspiration -hang it up to dry (if dry clean only) or wash immediately if you can. Don't put these garments back into the closet until it's cleaned.
Also remember to clean to clean stains and soil as soon as possible. Any stains or soil left on a garment can become impossible to remove. Studies by the Dry Cleaning And Laundry Institute show after aging for only one week,20% of stains cannot be removed satisfactorily. After three weeks , this increases to 47%.
Always allow lotions, antiperspirants, perfumes, and toiletries to dry before you get dressed.These products can contain ingredients that can cause color loss or color changes in your garments. We all know we are not supposed to sit in the sun - ( yeah that summer tan can kill ya) so if you use a sunless tanner - be sure you give it enough time to dry.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or strong artificial lights can affect the color in your garments. The light can fade the color. If the garment is white -it can cause the white to yellow or gray. I have always wondered what crazy architect thought putting a window in a closet is a good idea.
Always clean and wear matching items together.
So while you're roasting here - remember your clothes. This is that time of year to pay special attention to your clothes. The deodorant and perspiration that isn't immediately removed from those garments can leave lasting damage. Oh joy - as if you didn't have enough to worry about. But think of it this way - there are 3 things you have the largest investment in - house, car and wardrobe. So don't forget to protect your investment.
Monday, May 16, 2011
May 1961
I cannot say I really remember May 1961. Let's just say I was very young ( a lady never tells her age). But apparently, even though I don't recall all of this - 1961 was a very good year.
On January 20,1961 John F. Kennedy was sworn into the office of the president. But it was Jacqueline Kennedy who changed fashion. The pill box hat was the fashion must have. Oleg Cassini, who designed her inaugural dress was "the" designer.
If you were watching t.v. in 1961 - and weren't we all. You had a choice of 3, yes count'em on one hand, 3 channels. your favorite shows were "Wagon Train", "Bonanza", Gunsmoke", "The Twilight Zone" and my personal favorite ( back then) "Mr. Ed." Clearly, mom and dad must have been into pop culture - top shows = westerns - cleaners name = cowboy. Do you remember this - "The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat"? That was the opening for the new Saturday afternoon show with Jim McKay - "The Wide World Of Sports".
The movies that year included " The Absent -minded Professor","101 Dalmatians "( still my husband's favorite dog) "Breakfast at Tiffany's","judgement at Nuremberg", The Guns of Navarone" and "The Pit and the Pendulum". The Broadway musical "West Side Story" was made into a film this year starring Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno. ( the American Romeo and Juliette) .Are you humming "We want to live in America?" or "Tonight"?
On the radio , you were listening to "Moon River" by Henry Mancini ( the theme song from "Breakfast at Tiffany's).Pete Seeger sang "Where Have All The Flowers Gone", Roy Orbison recorded "Crying". And my two all time favorite songs "Crazy" recorded by Patsy Cline and written by Willie Nelson ( yep the same Willie Nelson) and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" recorded by the Shirelles - Thankfully re-recorded by the song writer in the 70's , Carole King.
In 1961 construction began on the Berlin Wall. (amazing some young folks never saw it in their lifetime). Texas introduced the state sales tax. (oops) The first Six Flags was opened in Arlington. Proctor and Gamble introduced and test marketed Pampers in Peoria,Illinois. Coca-Cola had a brand new soft drink - they called it Sprite. TWA showed the first in-flight movie. Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space. ray Kroc had bought the rights to McDonalds and had opened 230 stores.
The average cost of a new home $12,500.00
The average income $5315.00
Gas per gallon $0 .27
The average cost of a new car $2850.00
Pound of bacon $0.67
Dozen eggs $0.30
This was when Mom and Dad decided to open the first Cowboy Cleaners. Fifty years later McDonald's is world wide ( to some the scourge of America - to the rest of us a quick, tasty burger and dang good fries). If there hadn't been pampers -millions of kids would literally have been butt-naked.( no way was I going to use a cloth diaper)."West Side Story" is a classic. And Cowboy Cleaners is still here . The company has grown but we still follow the same ideals that dad started. We do the best job. We take the the time and care to make the clothes we are entrusted with look their best. So if you look at the picture on the home page and think who are those folks? That would be us - Dad, Shannon and I and the next generation of Cowboys and Cowgirls.
On January 20,1961 John F. Kennedy was sworn into the office of the president. But it was Jacqueline Kennedy who changed fashion. The pill box hat was the fashion must have. Oleg Cassini, who designed her inaugural dress was "the" designer.
If you were watching t.v. in 1961 - and weren't we all. You had a choice of 3, yes count'em on one hand, 3 channels. your favorite shows were "Wagon Train", "Bonanza", Gunsmoke", "The Twilight Zone" and my personal favorite ( back then) "Mr. Ed." Clearly, mom and dad must have been into pop culture - top shows = westerns - cleaners name = cowboy. Do you remember this - "The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat"? That was the opening for the new Saturday afternoon show with Jim McKay - "The Wide World Of Sports".
The movies that year included " The Absent -minded Professor","101 Dalmatians "( still my husband's favorite dog) "Breakfast at Tiffany's","judgement at Nuremberg", The Guns of Navarone" and "The Pit and the Pendulum". The Broadway musical "West Side Story" was made into a film this year starring Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno. ( the American Romeo and Juliette) .Are you humming "We want to live in America?" or "Tonight"?
On the radio , you were listening to "Moon River" by Henry Mancini ( the theme song from "Breakfast at Tiffany's).Pete Seeger sang "Where Have All The Flowers Gone", Roy Orbison recorded "Crying". And my two all time favorite songs "Crazy" recorded by Patsy Cline and written by Willie Nelson ( yep the same Willie Nelson) and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" recorded by the Shirelles - Thankfully re-recorded by the song writer in the 70's , Carole King.
In 1961 construction began on the Berlin Wall. (amazing some young folks never saw it in their lifetime). Texas introduced the state sales tax. (oops) The first Six Flags was opened in Arlington. Proctor and Gamble introduced and test marketed Pampers in Peoria,Illinois. Coca-Cola had a brand new soft drink - they called it Sprite. TWA showed the first in-flight movie. Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space. ray Kroc had bought the rights to McDonalds and had opened 230 stores.
The average cost of a new home $12,500.00
The average income $5315.00
Gas per gallon $0 .27
The average cost of a new car $2850.00
Pound of bacon $0.67
Dozen eggs $0.30
This was when Mom and Dad decided to open the first Cowboy Cleaners. Fifty years later McDonald's is world wide ( to some the scourge of America - to the rest of us a quick, tasty burger and dang good fries). If there hadn't been pampers -millions of kids would literally have been butt-naked.( no way was I going to use a cloth diaper)."West Side Story" is a classic. And Cowboy Cleaners is still here . The company has grown but we still follow the same ideals that dad started. We do the best job. We take the the time and care to make the clothes we are entrusted with look their best. So if you look at the picture on the home page and think who are those folks? That would be us - Dad, Shannon and I and the next generation of Cowboys and Cowgirls.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Happy Easter
Today I recieved the usual batch of e-mails. I am sure you get them too. Friends and relatives send political information, touching human interest stories, cute photos of pets and then the odd clean and slightly dirty ( I am a cleaner - so they are never really, really dirty) jokes.
But today, I got a fun Easter related e-mail. I thought I would share it with you.
All I need to know I learned from the Easter Bunny:
1. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
2.Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
3. There is no such thing as too much candy.
4. All work and no play can make you a basket case
5. Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
6.Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
7. Some body parts should be floppy.
8. Keep your paws off other people's jelly beans. ( and Russell Stover chocolate marshmallow eggs)
9. Good things come in small, sugar coated packages.
10. The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.
11. To show your true colors, you have to come out of the shell.
12. The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.
So Happy Easter and may God bless you all.
But today, I got a fun Easter related e-mail. I thought I would share it with you.
All I need to know I learned from the Easter Bunny:
1. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
2.Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
3. There is no such thing as too much candy.
4. All work and no play can make you a basket case
5. Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
6.Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
7. Some body parts should be floppy.
8. Keep your paws off other people's jelly beans. ( and Russell Stover chocolate marshmallow eggs)
9. Good things come in small, sugar coated packages.
10. The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.
11. To show your true colors, you have to come out of the shell.
12. The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.
So Happy Easter and may God bless you all.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Worm Has Turned
Ever wonder where we got the phrase "the worm has turned"? Did you say Shakespeare? Then you were right. It appeared in Shakespeare's Henry VI part III " the smallest worm will turn, being trodden on." Then the phrase meant even the most humble will strike back if abused enough ( remind you of the Tea party or the you tube video of the boy that was being bullied). Like many English words and phrases it evolved over time to its current meaning - the situation has changed. So what does turning worms have to do with dry cleaning? SILK ! Silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm. The two countries that are the largest producers of silk are China and Japan.
Silk is a beautiful and yet fragile fabric. It comes in may forms. It can be smooth or rough. It can be raw, polished or suede. The colors and weaves used for silk fabrics are endless. Silk can be used for wearable fashion and for home fashion.
Silk does have some problems. I'm going to help you look for some of these problems before you plunk down your hard earned money and some that occur from wear. Let's start with one you can avoid before you buy.
YARN SLIPPAGE
Yarn slippage looks like puckering or separation between the fibers. It is caused by the yarns slipping apart or seam separation. The fabric will have a rippled or distorted effect and appear thinner. It can appear any where on the fabric. The yarns are not broken but have slipped across the warp yarn. How can you tell before you buy? Hold the garment up to a light - you will see areas where the yarns have a slight separation. You will notice that the yarns don't look straight but slightly wavy. These areas will eventually pucker and will become holes. So before you buy a silk blouse, shirt, dress or whatever - hold it up to light. ( sound like Poltergeist - "look into the light")
MYSTERIOUS HOLES
Sometimes relatively new silk garments will show holes or tears for no apparent reason.The damage appears as a local loss of fibers or tears on the fabric. Sometimes there will be a visable discoloration in the weakened area. ( in whites it will appear yellow - in colors it will appear a lighter shade than the original color). This is caused by chloride salts. chloride slats are found in perspiration and deodorants. Chloride salts are also found in many foods, beverages,skin lotions .medicines and table salt or salt water. When the solution dies, the moisture evaporates out, but the salt residue remains int eh fabric and starts the chemical process that degrades the silk. So does this mean - don't wear silk in Texas in the summer. NO! it means get the silk cleaned after wearing and make sure the cleaner pays attention to the underarms and any area you may have spilled liquid on. Just because you don't see the stain after it dried doesn't mean it's still not there. ( once again think Poltergeist - just when you think the ghosts are gone - they rear their ugly heads - and haunt you - stains not removed will haunt your silk and make holes)
COLOR FAILURE
You know what this looks like - the dye in an area is lighter or just gone. The dyes on silk are fragile. That is why your cleaners charges more - it takes time, patience , and knowledge to work on silks. Do NOT RUB SILK. What does that mean? OK - picture this - You are sitting at a restaurant and you spill white wine on your blouse or shirt. You quickly grab your napkin and dunk into your water glass and rub stain and it's gone. But so is the dye. when you look down that area will look lighter or once it's cleaned it will lighter. This may be able fixed by a knowledgeable dry cleaner( no promises) but if it can be corrected - it will need that done every time its cleaned. NEVER RUB SILK. ( oh while we at it - the napkin dabbing thing - yes I've done it - but never never never do that with an oil-based stain e.g butter or salad dressing)
Silk dyes can be solvent soluble or water soluble. That means some dyes on silks cannot be washed and some cannot be dry cleaned. How do you know? If you've been reading this blog - this is an easy one - read the care label. So what happens if you don't follow the care label - over-all fading.
Silk fabrics are more prone to fading from light exposure than most fabrics. This is especially true for bright,vivid colors ( blues, greens and purples). This can be caused by sunlight, strong artificial light, and ultraviolet light. ( I have never understood why a builder puts a window in a closet - can you say light fading on all your clothes)Light fading can happen with even minimal exposure to to the light source. Never place a silk in direct exposure to light. ( silk drapes with no lining or sheers - bad idea!)
SPLITS
We are not talking about those painful legs stretching things that cheerleaders do but lengthwise ( I guess kind of like those cheerleader legs) in the fabric . The thin warp yarns are broken and thicker filling yarns remain intact. This happens from the stress of wear and can be aggravated by by the cleaning process. If this happens it needs to be returned - the manufacturer needs to balance the yarns during construction.
So now you know - silk is a great fabric but one that needs special care. It can be soft and shiny or when raw nubby and rough. It is versatile. You can wear it or your windows can be draped in it. Beautiful rugs are constructed from it. Silk was first used in China in 3500BC. Any fabric that old - has really got something going for it. So enjoy the fabric that was once only for Chinese emperors and empresses.
Silk is a beautiful and yet fragile fabric. It comes in may forms. It can be smooth or rough. It can be raw, polished or suede. The colors and weaves used for silk fabrics are endless. Silk can be used for wearable fashion and for home fashion.
Silk does have some problems. I'm going to help you look for some of these problems before you plunk down your hard earned money and some that occur from wear. Let's start with one you can avoid before you buy.
YARN SLIPPAGE
Yarn slippage looks like puckering or separation between the fibers. It is caused by the yarns slipping apart or seam separation. The fabric will have a rippled or distorted effect and appear thinner. It can appear any where on the fabric. The yarns are not broken but have slipped across the warp yarn. How can you tell before you buy? Hold the garment up to a light - you will see areas where the yarns have a slight separation. You will notice that the yarns don't look straight but slightly wavy. These areas will eventually pucker and will become holes. So before you buy a silk blouse, shirt, dress or whatever - hold it up to light. ( sound like Poltergeist - "look into the light")
MYSTERIOUS HOLES
Sometimes relatively new silk garments will show holes or tears for no apparent reason.The damage appears as a local loss of fibers or tears on the fabric. Sometimes there will be a visable discoloration in the weakened area. ( in whites it will appear yellow - in colors it will appear a lighter shade than the original color). This is caused by chloride salts. chloride slats are found in perspiration and deodorants. Chloride salts are also found in many foods, beverages,skin lotions .medicines and table salt or salt water. When the solution dies, the moisture evaporates out, but the salt residue remains int eh fabric and starts the chemical process that degrades the silk. So does this mean - don't wear silk in Texas in the summer. NO! it means get the silk cleaned after wearing and make sure the cleaner pays attention to the underarms and any area you may have spilled liquid on. Just because you don't see the stain after it dried doesn't mean it's still not there. ( once again think Poltergeist - just when you think the ghosts are gone - they rear their ugly heads - and haunt you - stains not removed will haunt your silk and make holes)
COLOR FAILURE
You know what this looks like - the dye in an area is lighter or just gone. The dyes on silk are fragile. That is why your cleaners charges more - it takes time, patience , and knowledge to work on silks. Do NOT RUB SILK. What does that mean? OK - picture this - You are sitting at a restaurant and you spill white wine on your blouse or shirt. You quickly grab your napkin and dunk into your water glass and rub stain and it's gone. But so is the dye. when you look down that area will look lighter or once it's cleaned it will lighter. This may be able fixed by a knowledgeable dry cleaner( no promises) but if it can be corrected - it will need that done every time its cleaned. NEVER RUB SILK. ( oh while we at it - the napkin dabbing thing - yes I've done it - but never never never do that with an oil-based stain e.g butter or salad dressing)
Silk dyes can be solvent soluble or water soluble. That means some dyes on silks cannot be washed and some cannot be dry cleaned. How do you know? If you've been reading this blog - this is an easy one - read the care label. So what happens if you don't follow the care label - over-all fading.
Silk fabrics are more prone to fading from light exposure than most fabrics. This is especially true for bright,vivid colors ( blues, greens and purples). This can be caused by sunlight, strong artificial light, and ultraviolet light. ( I have never understood why a builder puts a window in a closet - can you say light fading on all your clothes)Light fading can happen with even minimal exposure to to the light source. Never place a silk in direct exposure to light. ( silk drapes with no lining or sheers - bad idea!)
SPLITS
We are not talking about those painful legs stretching things that cheerleaders do but lengthwise ( I guess kind of like those cheerleader legs) in the fabric . The thin warp yarns are broken and thicker filling yarns remain intact. This happens from the stress of wear and can be aggravated by by the cleaning process. If this happens it needs to be returned - the manufacturer needs to balance the yarns during construction.
So now you know - silk is a great fabric but one that needs special care. It can be soft and shiny or when raw nubby and rough. It is versatile. You can wear it or your windows can be draped in it. Beautiful rugs are constructed from it. Silk was first used in China in 3500BC. Any fabric that old - has really got something going for it. So enjoy the fabric that was once only for Chinese emperors and empresses.
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