Wistfulvistas Reviews
Journey with us:
Season Special:
Christmas and Yuletide
Apple Country
Thai Incense Search
Oak Glen California
Thailand Condos
Thailand Escape
Thailand Snake Farm
African Safari
Twisted Tryst
Roundabouts
Ruminations
Visit from Ernest
Thai Silk
Agriculture
Impermanence
Consumerism
War and Politics
Reviews
Oak Glen, California
Solvang, Fairytale Destination
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The Story of Thai Silk
by Yunee
Yunee
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Thai silk products are still very much a cottage industry. Very
little has changed in the way the silk is processed since the
fabric first came to this area of south east Asia. Much of the silk
produced comes from plantations, the cocoons sold to
individuals to process. The strands are still made into skeins by
hand, and sold by weight to weaving mills. Weaving in Thailand
is nearly all done by hand. Since labor is relatively inexpensive,
and quality fabric is very labor intensive, it is not economical to
'go the route of the western world', sacrificing quality for quantity.
Silkworms
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Most skeins of silk are hand dyed using the same techniques
known for thousands of years to achieve the delicate variations in the appearance of the finished fabric. The average factory is anywhere
from one to 10 looms, all of which are hand made, usually by
local craftspeople. The weavers work at a leisurely pace. In
typical Thai style, nobody is ever expected to work at break-neck
speed or under harsh or severe conditions.
Coccoons
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The weather is often
sweltering, and thus the weavers take breaks when they wish
and work at their own pace. In turn this adds a personal touch to
each piece of fabric made. Often one will see mothers weaving,
their children about them, the local dogs and cats sleeping in the
shade on the cool floors.
Silk Scarves and Greek Islands
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