8 Metre skeins are no longer available so once these have sold out there will be no more in 8 metre lengths.
Au ver a soie is made of the best quality spun silk (called strusas) which gives it an unrivalled regularity, lustrousness and softness. The thread does not snarl in the needle and has a good tensile strength. It also resistant to abrasion. Great care is taken to see that this product is properly made. It is considered as a reference thread in all needlework activities.
Hand applications : Carpets, tapestries and embroideries restoration and creation, Trimmings, Cross stitch, counted thread, needlepoint, embroidery, Hardanger, lace making, blackwork, ribbon embroidery, stumpwork, Smocking, quilting, crazy quilting, crewel and Miniature.
Machine applications : Weaving, Knitting, Embroidery,Large topstitching (on fabrics).
PROCEDURE FOR WASHING SILK:
Before washing, test for colour fastness. Dip a small piece of the silk in cold or tepid water. Take a piece of white cotton fabric and lay it over the silk, then press with a warm iron. If there is any transfer of colour to the white fabric other than a faint mark, do not wash the item.
Never soak, boil or bleach silk.
Never try to remove stains yourself. Silk threads (Light colours only) may be hand-washed in tepid water (35øC maximum) with the addition of a washing product for delicate lingerie e.g., soap flakes or gentle detergent. Rinse thoroughly three times using hand hot water for each rinse.
Roll the article in a clean dry towel to remove surplus water. Never leave it in a towel or in a crumpled condition. Allow to dry if necessary in an airy place away from the sun and direct heat but only until the material if slightly and evenly damp with a cool iron taking special care not to apply too greeat a pressure over seams. Do not use a steam iron and do not attempt to redamp locally. Finish off lightly on the right side.
N.B.: Warning ! Be very careful with dark colours. (Dark marine, dark brown, bright red, green or purple...) they are obtained by addition of colouring matters and colour fastness cannot be guaranteed.
The international group for textile labelling defines the symbol for hand washing as equivalent to a washing temperature from 30 to 40øC. Given the delicacy of silk, the commission of technology and research of the A.I.S. (International Silk Association) at LYON specifies that the temperature should not be higher than 35øC.
