RAYON FABRIC AND ALL ABOUT IT

Rayon is a versatile fiber and is widely claimed to have the same comfort properties as natural fibers, although the drape and slipperiness of rayon textiles are often more like nylon. It can imitate the feel and texture of silk, wool, cotton and linen. The fibers are easily dyed in a wide range of colors. Rayon fabrics are soft, smooth, cool, comfortable, and highly absorbent, but they do not always insulate body heat, making them ideal for use in hot and humid climates, although also making their "hand" (feel) cool and sometimes almost slimy to the touch.

How Rayon is Made

Although the production of rayon involves chemical processing, the components used are all natural. Wood is the primary source from which rayon is extracted. A solution of caustic soda is used for treating the wood and this transforms it into cellulose. Most people are unaware that rayon is a biodegradable fabric and hence more eco-friendly as compared to other textiles. The cellulose formed after the wood treatment is then converted into a unique viscose solution. This solution is forced through a spinning machine and forms filaments that are treated with a sulphuric acid solution. The process leads to the solidification of the viscose and the filaments formed are called ‘regenerated cellulose’.

Here are a few tips on how to wash and dry your rayon garments to keep them from getting damaged.

1. Rayon is a less durable fabric as compared to cotton and is especially weak when wet. Fabric experts recommended that you give your rayon clothes a gentle hand wash with a mild detergent. Always use cold water for washing rayon.

2. You might be able to wash a few rayon blends in your washing machine, but on the most delicate setting. This, however, is a risk. For instance, you could end up damaging a beautiful rayon dress by washing it alongside your jeans in the machine.

3. Always read the label on your rayon garment before using any washing technique. The label might read ‘dry clean only’. In such cases, simply avoid washing the garment at home because the fabric may get damaged and/or might shrink.

4. Rayon clothes should ideally not be hanged for drying because they tend to lose their original shape quite easily.

The two drying techniques recommended for rayon fabric are line drying or flat drying.

Source: Wikipedia.

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AJRAK ; AJRAKH

Ajrak, also known as Ajrakh, is a unique form of blockprinting found in Ajrakhpur, Kutch district, India. These shawls display special designs and patterns made using block printing by stamps. Over the years, ajraks have become a symbol of the Sindhi culture and traditions. Ajrak print is also famous in neighbouring areas of India in the state of Gujarat due to their influence from Indus Valley Civilization in Sindh, Pakistan.

History

Early human settlements in the lower Indus Valley found a way of cultivating and using Gossypium arboreum commonly known as tree cotton to make clothes. These civilizations are thought to have mastered the art of making cotton fabrics.

Ajrak can be called the identity of Sindhi people. Ajrak is a symbol of pride and respect for men and glory for women. Sindhi people also present Ajrak as gesture of hospitality to their guests.

The level of geometry on the garment comes from the usage of a method of printing called woodblock printing in which prints were transferred from geometric shapes etched on the wooden blocks by pressing them hard on the fabric.

Dyes

Ajrak craft products are made with natural dyes. The entire production of the products include both vegetable dyes and mineral dyes. Indigo is a key dye.

Ajrak blocks

The most commonly observed pattern in Ajrak blocks and hence the fabric is dots between two lines, these dots are of same radius in almost all the design. These dots were initially carved out by hands, however later on brass nails were used to fill spaces between the two walls. This aspect is crucial in determining the expertise of the artisan.

Mughal era has a deep influence on these designs. The Muslims followed a sense of strong geometry in their patterns and most patterns were formed by the interaction of two or more circles. The Ajrakh blocks were designed taking inspiration from the Muslim architectural elements that form the 'Mizan' - balance and order.

The repeat patterns were determined by the grid system. Abstract symmetric representation of surrounding elements and environment were used.

Source: Wikipedia.

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