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what are tops? textile fibres are sent through a variety of industrial processes which will determine their end use. when fibres are classified as a "top" it means that they have first been scoured then carded on big rollers and then sent through a combing machine. this machine separates the short fibres, neps and noils from the longer more desirable ones. these longer fibres are then aligned in a perfect parallel rope-like preparation referred to as a "top". from this preparation a worsted yarn will be spun. worsted yarns create the highest quality fabrics. at treetops we purchase only the highest quality a-1 silk tops and the softest superfine merino wool tops for our dyeing. in this way you can be assured of creating your project with only the best quality fibres.
silk silk is spun by a caterpillar as a semi-liquid, continuous filament that hardens on contact with air. the smooth surface of the silk fibre reflects light, and this reflected light is seen as lustre. silk is processed and sold in many forms. there are different types of silk and silk preparations. there are two major types of silk fibre depending on which species of caterpillar spins the silk. the bombyx mori extrudes a pure white silk that is very fine and highly lustrous and is sometimes commonly known as mulberry silk. the chinese tussah silk worm spins a lovely honey coloured fibre. at treetops we use on a-1 grade tussah silk tops and a-1 grade bombyx silk tops for our dyeing.
silk throwster's waste this bombyx silk has long lengths of twisted threads among what is often a tangled collection of long fibres. it can appear to look somewhat like curly kid mohair locks. it is fantastic for adding texture and luster to your work.
silk laps a cobweb-like preparation of long silk filaments laid out in organically shaped batts. each lap comes approximately 1.25 - 1.5 meter wide and 2- 4 meters long. many cobweb-like layers that can be separated off. the length of the fibres run the entire width of the lap, therefore the laps are incredibly strong. these laps are fabulous for felting very strong light-weight garments with a high silk content.
silk hankies each hanky is from one silk cocoon which has had its sericin (glue) soften and the cocoon pierced so that it can be opened up and stretched over a small square frame (similar in size to a handkerchief). layer upon layer of cocoons are stretch over the frame. individually they look like a very shear cobweb, but several layers are easily peeled away to give a denser appearance.
wool types of wool are generally classified according to the breed of sheep from which they come, and include merino, romney, and drysdale, to name but a few. each type has its preferred uses, depending on the qualities required. romney, for example, makes great carpets because it very strong and resilient. for finer applications requiring something soft, merino is the preferred variety. it is also the more commonly produced variety herein australia. the finer the wool the softer it feels to your skin. a wool's fineness is indicated by the thickness of the individual fibres of wool which are measured in microns. wool fibres generally range from 16 - 40 micron(16being the finest and softest). at treetops, we use exclusively18.5 micron superfine merino wool tops. our wool is soft enough not to scratch and has a lovely lustre and drape when used in clothing.
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