Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I clean my Silkcloque garment?

Silkcloque may be safely hand washed gently in cold water using a mild soap. DO NOT USE WOOLITE!  We generally recommend shampoo as it is mild and made for protein fibers. Would you use woolite on your hair? Fabric softener may be added to the final rinse to soften the fabric. Do not agitate your garment while washing or rinsing. Allow it to soak, then gently squeeze the water out with a towel.  Drape the garment over a line  (shower curtain rod works well) and allow it to dry.  If you’re in a hurry you may SPIN the piece in your washing machine, then hang.

They may also be dry-cleaned.

 

My top is a little big and gaps at the side. How can I make it fit better?

Silkcloque is easy to shape and fit your form. Simply put on the top, step into the shower, lather up the top with mild soap and massage the areas that are gapping. The rubbing action causes the wool to shrink and shape to your body. Rinse your top well before you take it off, then gently squeeze out the water and drape it over a line.

This also works well for hats that don’t fit well. More through instructions come with the piece.

 

Since Silkcloqué contains wool, isn’t it rough and scratchy?

We use only Merino wool from Australia. This is some of the finest and softest wool in the world. We work this gently wool into layers of fine silk. The finished garment is soft and plush.  Many people who have been unable to wear other forms of wool find that Silkcloque is a comfortable fabric to wear.

 

Is Silkcloque warm?

The amount of wool used in a garment determines how warm it is. Hats and scarves generally contain enough wool to make them warm in cold weather. Shawls, tops, vests and dresses usually contain less wool so they can be worn comfortably in warm weather or indoors.

 

The two sides of my garment are different colors. Which side do I wear out?

Most of our garments are designed to be reversible, so you can wear either side out, depending on your mood.

 

How do I clean my hand dyed silk garment?

Hand dyed silks can be gently hand washed in cold water using mild soap. DO NOT USE WOOLITE! Shampoo works nicely.  Rinse in cold water; fabric softener may be added. DO NOT use any kind of bleach or stain remover.

Silks may also be dry-cleaned.

 

Why shouldn’t I use Woolite?

Woolite is formulated for fine and delicate synthetics. Our hand-dyed natural fibers will fade with Woolite. We recommend mild shampoo because it is formulated for delicate protein fibers like hair, wool, and silk.

 

How do I keep the pleats in my crushed silk garment?

Gently hands wash your garment in cold water and mild soap. Rinse with cool water and fabric softener. While still wet, firmly secure one end of the garment either by grasping in with one hand, pinning it to a secure surface, or having someone else hold the end. Twist the other end of the garment until it forms a tight rope. The tighter you twist, the more your garment will crush. Pinch the twisted garment at the center point and bring the two ends together. Allow the garment rope to twist back on itself.  Secure both ends of the garment with string or rubber bands. Allow garment to dry thoroughly like this.

This is also a good way to maintain that crushed looked when storing your garment 

We include more detailed instruction with the piece.

 

When I wash my garment, it sometimes bleeds a little dye.  Does this cause the colors to fade?

Not at all. All of our fabrics and garments are hand dyed, rinsed forever, and fixed according to the dye manufactures’ directions. Sometimes a little residual dye remains in the garment after processing. This is why we recommend that you hand wash garments separately.

 

As other questions are frequently asked we will post answers for them.