Irish Linen - Tough, Durable and Practical, Yet Full Of History And Tradition

Irish Linen - Tough, Durable and Practical, Yet Full Of History And Tradition

Linen tablecloths are what get brought out of the china cabinet when company is expected for dinner. Occasionally a truck will drive by advertising the linen company that sent it on its way. Perhaps the most popular knowledge, however, comes from the extraordinary Irish linen that is encountered in homes and fine stores.

There is an incredible history behind Irish linen. For many centuries, flax was grown in Ireland. Yarn was spun from the flax fiber, and from that, the durable, soft cloth was made. About 50 to 60 years ago, it was discovered that the climate was actually much better in Northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands for growing flax. Since that time, either the flax has been imported from those three countries, or spinners buy it to produce the yarn.

The yarn is then sold to weavers or knitters, who create the fabric. Does this change its quality? Not in the least. The Irish Linen Guild has said that the flax fiber and yarns do not have to be produced in Ireland. Irish craftsmanship and technology, as well as the skills that are used to spin the yarn, must be done in Ireland. Equally, the design and weaving skills must be Irish and take place in Ireland to bear the Guild logo.

Genuine Irish-made damask and jacquard weaving are the most expensive end items. Fabric woven outside of Ireland and brought in to be bleached or dyed, then finished, is not given the Irish Linen Guild logo. Fabric must have been woven or knitted in Ireland to earn the Guild logo.

Damask, a lint-free cloth, is cool to the touch. The special touch that is given to wool to create long-lasting Irish sweaters can be found in damask fabric. It takes time and talent to make it just right.

Remembering that the romantic hero in novels always had a clean white linen handkerchief to either present to the fair young maiden or lay down so her dainty slippers did not get soiled, it is easy to see why Irish linen had to be durable. Much scrubbing was done to remove the stains.

There is concern about the incredible tourists who visit Ireland to assure they are purchasing authentic Irish sweaters, linen, and other quality products from the Land of the Shamrock. Many of the farmers and fishermen have given up that line of work to earn the money tourists are happy to give to be taken from one shop or market place to another.

Businesses also have jumped into the fray. Tours are offered so that visitors have a better idea of the methods and skill needed to create the fabric and its finished products. Although some parts of the total procedure are done elsewhere, the essence of Irish linen remains. The history is amazing, and the future looks secure.

Click Here for a full range of TraditionalIrish Linen for all occasions.

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