Halcyon Yarn

About: Gemstone Soft Twist Silk

Silk is the strongest of all the natural fibers by weight, and its ability to breathe - to keep you warm when it's cold, cool when it's warm - is unrivaled. Whatever you make with silk will be very special indeed, treasured forever. It's luster and color depth have made it the fiber of royalty for centuries. You will love everything you make but do keep in mind when using silk that it has less elasticity than wool and will have minimal shrinkage in washing whether woven or knit. Silk does not full or bloom in finishing as wool does so in weaving, your warp sett should reflect this and be closer than for wool. Blend with worsted wools, such as Merinos to add a bit of spring. In knitting the luster is lovely, but the inelasticity may be a challenge eased by choosing textured stitches, and patterns which feature hems, picot or crocheted edges rather than ribs. Natural silks are ideal for dyeing. Care - Finish by dry cleaning or hand washing and, if desired, pressing while barely damp.