Many Consumers looking for custom silk drapes have surely noticed a significant increase in prices over the last 18-24 months. The increase is primarily due to the nearly doubling of raw silk fiber from China. Like any natural commodity, raw silk's pricing fluctuates. Raw silk is created naturally from silk worms which are farmed in China. Weather conditions, food supply, rain fall all effect the yield that silk worms produce. Over the past 24 months the yields have been very poor resulting in a low crop and increased pricing.
As a result of these higher silk pricing, many consumers who are looking for custom drapery are discovering some great fabric alternatives. Cotton is a great example of a cost effective drapery fabric to replace silk. Many mills like Robert Allen are producing very high-end designer drapery fabrics at very competitive pricing relative to traditional silks. Cotton is a very resilient fabric for drapery as it wears well and is extremely durable.
An additional benefit with cotton fabric is that the yarns accept dye pigmentation much more efficiently than silks. As a result it is easier and cheaper to create great fabric designs from cotton that just aren't possible with silk or linen.
When you are next shopping for new custom drapes be sure to see what is new in Designer Cotton. You may be surprised at the selection and designs for custom cotton drapery that just weren't available a few years ago.
Robert Allen Bella Porte Fabric in Brindle. Custom Drapery by DrapeStyle.