Cashmere

a variety of light weight, fine twilled, woolen dress goods. It is dyed in plain colors. It is soft and fine, and of pleasing appearance. A fine wool material made from the wool of the Cashmere goat was imported into England in 1820. The cashmere known at the present time is one of the many imitations of this cloth, which, in turn, was an imitation of the plain portions of the famous Cashmere shawls. The chief peculiarity in the weaving of cashmere is that it is made of a "single" warp. This means that the yarn forming the warp is composed of one fine, single thread instead of two or more threads twisted together as one. In order to stand the strain put upon it, this "single" thread of cashmere must be of the best raw material, tightly twisted. It is run through a solution called sizing, which adds strength, just as a string might be made stronger by dipping it in mucilage or varnish. Cashmere is made up usually "in the gray" or natural color. It is held in stock, and is dyed only to fill orders and in such colors as happen to be fashionable. A cheaper grade of cashmere is made with cotton warp, but it is less durable, and the colors are less permanent. A well made cashmere is one of the most serviceable dress materials ever manufactured. Its beauty lies in the evenness of the weave, and its soft draping qualities. It may be washed as easily as cotton.