Articles 
The Production of High Quality Silk from Thailand and Laos.
Thailand and Laos are known as the major producers of high quality silk in South East Asia. Undoubtedly the lengths of silk and silk scarves woven here are some of the finest in the world. Thai silk is held in particularly high regard, although much of what is now called Thai silk is actually produced in Laos as less and less young people in Thailand are learning the art of silk weaving. Silk spun and woven in these countries is distinctly different from the Chinese, Indian and Italian silks. The process of manufacturing, the patterns and colors used make the silk types different.
Once you have experienced the luxurious feel and warmth of real silk against your skin, you will accept no imitation. And why should you, when Orientations can supply you with the very best?
The production of silk requires knowledge and understanding, and much of current spinning and weaving practice is still respectful of tradition. Different silks produced in different regions of the world exhibit distinctly different characteristics. They are their own their own unique sheen and texture. Chinese silk tends to be smooth with a satin-like finish, while Indian silk tends to be soft with rich colours and a ruffled texture and Italian silk has the elegant look of high fashion. Thai silk and Laos silk displays a real natural beauty of blended textures and patterns that are unique to South East Asia.
Raw silk is a natural product made by the silkworm – actually the caterpillar of a type of moth that feeds on the mulberry bush. In actual fact the silkworms are reared in large sheds and keen fresh mulberry foliage everyday. When the silkworm begins to pupate stage it spins a cocoon. The resulting cocoon placed in a vat of boiling water to remove the silk threads of the cocoon from the caterpillar inside.
The silkworms of Thailand are grown primarily in the northeast region, although silk production takes place in the north and north east area. In Laos silk is produced in the central and northern regions. The silk thread of the silkworms is a natural gold color and one cocoon consists of one thread. Incredibly, these threads can be as long as 500 meters but as each thread is too thin to use alone many threads are spun together in order to make a thicker fibre.
Raw silk threads are then washed and bleached before being dyed. Although the majority of dyes used today are chemical dyes to produce bright and vibrant colours, natural dyes are experiencing a resurgence of interest. Naturally dyed silk, however, is more expensive as there is a great deal more work involved. The colours are also more subtle, less harsh – muted earth tones. After dying, the silk is washed and stretched before being dyed a second time. Following this the silk threads are wound onto bobbins and are ready for the loom. On a typical hand operated loom a skilled weaver can produce about four metres of silk a day.