Versatile Linen
The art of weaving is normally done on a loom, where threads go in a vertical line which is then interlaced with horizontal threads. This is commonly called the weave.
There is evidence that weaving is an ancient art and samples have been found that were made thousands of years before Christ.
Linen is made out of the flax plant which was extensively grown in the Nile valley and weaving of the linen started there about three thousand years before Christ. Then a simple loom was used, sometimes shown in the hieroglyphs. This loom had to be operated by two people. References are also made in the Bible to the art of weaving cloth.
The art was practised throughout the ages until we come to the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century when looms became mechanical.
At this time Ulster weavers were established in 1880. Their fabrics are made exclusively from Irish linen and the company have three different departments; the furnishings department, the apparel department and the industrial department. The company is a family business.
The furnishing department produces cloth for the manufacture of cushion covers and curtains. Some of the cloth is plain and prepared for the printing of motifs by the purchasers.
The apparel department produces yarns of a very fine quality to be used by fashion designers. They manufacture different fine quality linens for different pieces of clothing. Shirts and blouses are made of a mercerised linin, whilst suits will require a somewhat heavier cloth that hangs well.
The industrial side makes linen for artists’ canvases, table linen and tea towels. It can be seen that the use of linen is very diverse across many industries. The industrial section was founded in the nineteen sixties.
Although the company sells mainly to retail businesses, a small section is now accessible by the general public, due to popular demand. These are mainly small finished items such as tea towels, tea cosies and other such products.
The fabric is still only sold to manufacturers of diverse products. You can find the finished articles in the many cook shops and furnishing stores. These establishments can be accessed by the public on line as well as the high street.
Obviously, if you are pressed for time and want to be able to buy table linen or tea towels, it is easiest just to go on line. There are many outlets to be found on the internet. The buying of your chosen item is very easy.
Although many people are wary of credit and identity fraud, the reputable companies have filtering equipment in place that secures the details of your credit card. Information on their computers will only contact you when they have special offers or new lines of merchandise. Many of the shops, if you wish to visit them in person, will also hold coffee mornings and cookery demonstrations.
Deliveries to the value of over £50 are free to your doorstep. If you need a next day delivery then generally the company will charge you for the privilege.
If you need more information about the product range of Ulster weavers then please feel free to log on to http://www.smithsofloughton.com/.
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