Archive for September, 2010

Bamboo fabric is eco friendly

Bamboo fabric is one of the world’s most sustainable eco friendly resources  because it is one of the worlds fastest-growing plants and does not have to have its roots removed when it is harvested  causing erosion. It can be harvested annually regenerating from the roots, replacing the crop naturally without the need for re-planting or crop rotation. It also absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen into the air.

Fibres such as  cotton require large amount of water, pesticides etc but bamboo being drought and flood tolerant is by comparison low-maintenance and doesn’t require costly and damaging pesticides to grow it. Bamboo has natural anti-bacterial and anti microbial properties that make it unattractive to pests.  Also when it is manufactured into bamboo fabric these properties persist. A Japanese company conducted testing on bamboo fabric  showed these properties were still evident even after 50+ washes. This attribute assists with  people who suffer from body odour.

Bamboo fabric is soft like silk and is used amongst other things for babies nappies, towels and clothing. It is very durable though and can be washed frequently usually on a delicate cycle in your washing machine. It can wick moisture from your skin, is fast-drying  and offers natural UV-protection ensuring it is a versatile fabric for everyone. This eco friendly natural fabric is cool for those hot summer months but  warm and snug when the cooler season begins. It is also a perfect fabric for people who have very sensitive skin and are hypoallergenic.

David Warnsbrough poem on silk

This is the full transcript of a poem on silk written exclusively for Simply Silk by a well know poet  David Wansbrough, Sydney,  Australia

SILK

Silk. Whisper the word slowly so the lips pout,

but not quite kiss. Silk. No other sound

allows the tongue to rhythmically undulate,

until the top of its tip barely touches the front

palette. Silk. A child would laugh with delight

at a silk scarf’s ripple. It reflects and flicks

light all along its shimmering length.

Sages mystically wrote that silk worn

near naked flesh was armour for a soul that is hurt.

It must be so. They said each thread was spun rays

of moon and sun. Implicitly yin and yang.

***

Imagine an erotic glimpse of pale smooth skin,

enfolded by dark layers, flashing colours.

Such a sight aroused even a jaded Asiatic potentate

to select a concubine and honour her forever

with exotic carved jewel flowers.

***

A silk scarf over denims or dungarees

evokes an innovator, or perhaps a revolutionary.

***

The embroidered stole of a Byzantine Empress

empowered her to rule with authority ranks

of scheming eunuchs, and defy ecclesiastics’ anathemas.

***

A petit Russian Contessa, teasing with just a little décolletage

her muscled officer lovers to stand to attention.

***

Silk gives dignity, and yet suggests

the mysterious revelation of a sensual secret.

Diaphanous silk reveals the spiritual,

woven through the physical.

***

Whisper, “Silk”. Such a soft word is a caress -

and hints at its reality. Silk. Slip out of your dress. Let it rustle

as it falls to the floor. And as the illusion of the colours hover, step out of it.

And walk to your lover.

D. Wansbrough                             Sydney, Australia 2010

Silk Sleepwear for Men

Just lately i.e. in the past year I have had more requests for silk sleepwear for men by men. Yes I think we all know men are not presently the biggest purchasers of any clothing. They are often content to wear the same clothes year in and year out. In fact for many  the older the better.  They will keep wearing them with much loved holes etc with pride.

Now I appreciate there is not much out there for men in the silk department as previously there was not much demand.  I even conducted a google search for a male customer of mine and couldn’t find much out in cyberspace and most was for satin not silk. I would like to know just what the demand is so I can get some sleepwear manufactured but need to know a couple of things first. Just how many men want silk sleepwear and secondly what kind of style do they want, ie long or short silk pj’s (Pyjamas)  a nightshirt or just silk singlets, silk underpants and silk socks?.If there is anyone out there who can assist me in this research I would love to know.

If I get a vey favourable response I am happy to get some items made and if contributors want to provide me with their details and colour preference that would be helpful too.