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From Wiktionary under the GNU Free Documentation License. Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum. Linen is labor-intensive to manufacture, but when it is made into garments, it is valued for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather. Textiles in a linen-weave texture, even when made of cotton, hemp and other non-flax fibers are also loosely referred to as "linen". Such fabrics generally have their own specific names other than linen; for example, fine cotton yarn in a linen-style weave is called Madapolam. The collective term "linens" is still often used generically to describe a class of woven and even knitted bed, bath, table and kitchen textiles. The name linens is retained because traditionally, linen was used for many of these items. In the past, the word "linens" was also used to mean lightweight undergarments such as shirts, chemises, waistshirts, lingerie (a word which is cognate with linen), and detachable shirt collars and cuffs, which were historically made almost exclusively out of linen. Linen textiles appear to be some of the oldest in the world: their history goes back many thousands of years. Fragments of straw, seeds, fibers, yarns, and various types of fabrics which date back to about 8000 BC have been found in Swiss lake dwellings. Dyed flax fibers found in a prehistoric cave in Georgia suggest the use of woven linen fabrics from wild flax may date back even earlier to 36,000 BP. Linen was sometimes used as currency in ancient Egypt. Egyptian mummies were wrapped in linen because it was seen as a symbol of light and purity, and as a display of wealth. Some of these fabrics, woven from hand spun yarns, were very fine for their day, but are coarse compared to modern linen. Today linen is usually an expensive textile, and is produced in relatively small quantities. It has a long "staple" (individual fiber length) relative to cotton and other natural fibers. Many products are made of linen: apron, bags, towels (swimmers, bath, beach, body and wash towel), napkins, bed linen, linen tablecloth, runners, chair cover, man and woman wear. From Wikipedia under the
GNU Free Documentation License Best way to preserve and duplicate an old linen photograph? Q. My grandmother has an old (1900s) piece of linen cloth with a picture of her parents on it. It is currently folded up inside a manila envelope. I'm looking for ways to preserve it, duplicate it, and possibly present it in an appropriate frame. The photo itself is a bit larger than 8x10, with an extra two inches of linen as a border. The picture is still in good condition, but the linen has creases in it running across the photo. Professional assistance is not out of the question -- I just don't know where to look for these types of services. Asked by David - Mon May 24 16:46:35 2010 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments A. Start by getting an archival envelope or box like this . Look for a professional photo copy and restoration service. The reason for going to a pro is copying a linen print requires soft diffused lighting and a good judge of how the light is interacting with the print surface. It's something that requires the right equipment and experience. Answered by Phi - Tue May 25 01:33:53 2010 How to shrink linen effectively without damage? Q. I have a pair of white linen ankle pants that are one size too big. I would like to shrink them slightly. How can I do this? Asked by Texas-Cutie - Wed May 30 11:39:43 2007 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments A. You can dampen them and throw them in the dryer. Check them every 10 minutes or so to see whether they have gotten to the size you desire. Then hang dry them every time you launder them because linen will continue to shrink. Answered by eskie lover - Wed May 30 14:58:08 2007 How do I soften a linen/cotton duvet cover?
Q. I just received my duvet cover in the mail, and the fabric is linen-cotton. It's a little too stiff for my taste, and I want to make it softer. Are there any at home remedies out there that will do the trick? Fabric softener, vinegar, washing it a few times? Any kind of help will work. If there isn't a way to make it softer, I can simply return it. Thanks! Asked by Shane - Sat Aug 22 23:32:32 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments A. "Many use and recommend washing rather than dry cleaning for linen garments, bed and table linens. (However; dry cleaning is recommended for cleaning linen draperies, due to potential for shrinkage in long pieces.) Washing is recommended because the more linen is washed, the softer, more absorbent and more luminous it becomes. One can use either hand or machine washing, but observe the following points: * Be gentle when laundering linen: use a gentle wash cycle or handwash and use just a little gentle soap. We like Ivory Snow (powder), but some people swear by Woolite, some people like Orvus Quilt Soap (available at some Quilt stores as well as many Saddle and Tack shops!) and some even use their favorite shampoo. Whatever you use,… [cont.] Answered by Jennifer - Sat Aug 22 23:43:31 2009 From Yahoo Answer Search: "linen"  timesunion.com Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:56:54 GMT+00:00 Service in Menands Albany Times Union Morgan LInen employees were evacuated into the adjoining parking lot and several area fire companies responded. (Luanne M. Ferris/Times Union) Workers ...  idahostatesman.com Fri, 20 Aug 2010 06:10:40 GMT+00:00 Building IdahoStatesman.com The community storytelling event wraps up the hot weather with "Dog Days: Stories of Summer." Featured storytellers Jan Schlicht, Elaine Ambrose and Clay ...  seattletimes.nwsource.com Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:17:21 GMT+00:00 Seattle Times When I was an impressionable teen, I spent a lot of time at the home of a friend whose family always used linen napkins at their dinner table -- the height ... From Google News Search: "linen"  fashion.elle.com 448px x 336px | 48.80kB [source page] Phillip Lim in Uniqlo this morning quietly observing the shoppers The adorable cream linen dress I wanted but didn t get Namely because it s linen and I haven t picked up an iron since 1998 when I picked one up and handed it to my mother begging her to From Yahoo Image Search: "linen"  spanishdict.com unknown Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:00:00 GM (noun) canvas, cloth, . linen. , fabric. Examples. Necesito un lienzo mas grande para pintar este paisaje. - I need a bigger canvas to paint this landscape. Se aprecia un orificio en lienzo del brazo del sofa. - There is a hole in the ... From Google Blog Search: "linen" |
