This fabric has long been known in high society; it is not for nothing that paintings depicting Elizabeth I, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Charles VII in luxurious robes made from this material have been preserved. It is associated with tenderness, beauty, nobility and luxury. This place of honor velvet fabric has rightfully deserved to be made available today not only to noble families.

A little history

Velvet is the merit of Chinese craftsmen; it was created back in the 3rd century BC, and in Europe they learned about it in the 12th century. In 1247, “serious” production of the material began in Venice, and already in the 16th century it captivated the nobility of the royal courts. The Venetians believed that red velvet was best suited for high-ranking persons.

The fabric of aristocrats was as expensive as rare jewelry, so velvet products in noble families were passed down by inheritance. In Russia, production was established in the 17th century. Modern technologies make it possible to produce material from natural threads or with the addition of synthetics.

Interesting fact!

The year 1543 in France was marked by the ban on velvet fabric, and all because of the crazy prices for it: even the richest nobles began to go bankrupt when purchasing this aristocratic material. So velvet for some time became a purely “royal fabric”.

General characteristics

Among other fabrics, velvet quickly became popular due to the following characteristics:

• special softness due to the presence of pile on one side of the material;
• pile length – up to 5 mm;
• dense texture;
• a texture in the form of loops or such as is formed by cutting two fibers woven at the same time;
• the ability to shimmer in the light.

When velvet first appeared, it was made from silk; today such fabric is rare due to its high cost, but you can choose velvet fabrics with the addition of wool, cotton or synthetic fibers to suit every taste. The quality of velvet depends on its composition - synthetic and combined fabrics are inferior to natural ones and look less elegant.

Velvet can be decorated and colored in several ways:

• printing of designs (printed velvet);
• embossing (laying the pile in the form of a pattern and then fixing it with a hot press);
• embroidery (manual or using computerized machines).

Advice

Clothes made of velvet are chosen with a minimum number of seams: flaws in the work of tailors are very noticeable on this fabric.

Types of fabric

The palette of velvet fabrics today is very rich, but the main types can be distinguished.

• Rubber velvet (semi-velvet, or weft velvet) is better known to consumers as corduroy, it is distinguished by a longitudinal rib and durability, and is convenient for creating draperies.
• Chiffon-velvet has a thin woven base and is lightweight; its variety is pan velvet, which has a silk base and shiny pile.
• Sisel velvet has a looped structure.
• Bagheera is considered one of the most durable and dense types of velvet fabric; its surface is rough to the touch.
• Devore velvet is made from viscose (this component allows you to create patterns on the fabric), the basis of the material is natural silk.
• Lyon velvet has a rigid base. Thick, made from silk (artificial or natural), cotton and synthetics.
• Velvet-mother-of-pearl got its name due to the characteristic iridescence and shimmer created by natural silk of different colors.

This list of types of velvet is far from complete, because experts are actively experimenting with this material. Experiments with fabric colors are especially popular: a combination of colors and shades allows you to create original patterns and unique visual effects.

Caring for delicate materials: how to wash, dry and iron?

Following the rules of caring for velvet will help preserve its beauty for many years. You need to remember how to clean, iron and store velvet products.

• Remove dust from the fabric using a vacuum cleaner and a slightly damp sponge.
• Velvet can only be washed in warm water (30-45 degrees); the product cannot be twisted.
• After washing, you need to hang the product and wait until the water drains, wring out the velvet items in a terry towel, and dry them on a cotton cloth.
• Iron with hot steam along the loops of the material, but do not touch it with the iron.
• Vertical ironing works very well.
• In order to lift the lint on the fabric, use a soft brush after washing and ironing.
• When folding things for storage, do not allow creases; clothes are best stored on hangers.

This is a selection of universal rules, but when buying a velvet product, you need to ask how to care for it, because each type of fabric has its own characteristics. To clean velvet from serious stains, it is better to use dry cleaning services, this way you will definitely protect your favorite item.

If you are transporting a velvet dress in a suitcase, when you arrive home (at the hotel), immediately take it out and hang it on a hanger: the curves will be evened out, and the item will not need to be ironed.

Advantages and disadvantages of aristocratic fabric

Velvet fabric, at first glance, has only positive characteristics. But those who are going to buy a product made from such material need to know about both the pros and cons.

Advantages of velvet:

• presentable, luxurious appearance;
• pleasant (dense and soft) to the touch;
• not electrified;
• perfectly breathable and absorbs moisture;
• able to last for many years;
• does not shrink after washing, does not become deformed;
• usually does not cause allergic reactions.

Disadvantages of the material:

• due to its structure, it collects dust and quickly absorbs dirt;
• color fades in the sun;
• it takes quite a long time to dry completely;
• products must be supplemented with lining, otherwise they will not be strong enough;
• processing at home (sewing clothes or furniture covers, pillowcases and other products) causes difficulties;
• requires careful care.

Velvet analogues

On the modern fabric market you can find materials similar to velvet, but they are not identical, but only similar in structure.

Here is a list of the most common analogues of velvet fabric:

• plush - has the highest pile;
• velor - it is made from both cotton and artificial fibers;
• elastic stretch velor - due to its structure, it is used for sportswear and tight-fitting items.

A product made of noble fabric will take pride of place in your wardrobe or interior, and with proper care it will delight the eye with its luxurious appearance for a long time.

Velvet: tenderness and luxury

Among the variety of ancient materials, the name of which is synonymous with luxury, one of the first places is occupied by velvet fabric based on natural silk. It is characteristic that in different countries this textile is called differently. The English “corduroy”, the Italian “barocano”, the French “velor” are currently classified as completely different materials.

The Russian name for the fabric “velvet” is eastern origin and denotes a soft draping material with thick, delicate pile that shimmers when moved.

It is believed that velvet material was first produced in China. It reached European countries along the Silk Road and was highly valued. In the 13th century, velvet fabrics began to be produced in Venice. Over time, such production began in other Western European countries. In Russia, domestically produced velvet materials have been known since the 17th century.

The rarity and high price of this textile are explained, first of all, by unusual manufacturing technologies, which can be based on two principles. Relatively simple types of velvet are obtained by forming thin loops on the surface. Softer and more delicate fibers are formed when, during the weaving process, two fabrics are formed simultaneously, connected by thread broaches, which are then separated. This is how cut velvet is obtained, the texture of which is particularly refined. The criterion for determining what kind of fabric is in front of you is the height and nature of the pile (velvet materials - no more than 5 mm).

Most often, this group of paintings is monochromatic, with deep, saturated colors. Also produced:

• mixed and paper velvet with printed printing;
• embossed fabric with shaped pile laying using hot method or mechanical devices;
• embroidered and combined with other types of weaving;
• material with figured surface etching, etc.

Initially, beautiful and very expensive silk velvet, which is quite difficult to care for, was imported to Europe. Many centuries ago, other fibers began to be added to this fabric in order to reduce the cost. Cotton velvet, which also looks very beautiful and prestigious, is affordable even for people with low incomes. Modern textile technologies have led to the production of mixed and synthetic pile materials. The most common among them is stretch velvet with the addition of elastane, which has the property of stretching.

All tissues in this group are characterized by common features:

• brushed surface with smooth tints of shades when moving;
• density and softness of the fabric;
• the ability to drape and fall beautifully.

The hygienic properties of a material depend on its composition. Traditional natural velvet absorbs moisture, has the ability to regulate temperature, allows air to pass through, and is even suitable for allergy sufferers. However, its significant density makes this fabric not very suitable for high temperatures. At the same time, artificial velvet can create a “thermos effect”, accumulate static electricity and collect not only dust, but also quite large specks. However, these shortcomings are compensated by its durability, affordability and variety of textures and colors. In addition, such velvet materials are easy to care for.

Areas and features of application

Classic silk velvet has been considered the “fabric of kings” since ancient times. It was used for the ceremonial robes of monarchs and high-ranking clergy. Natural velvet with the inclusion - at least partially - of silk fibers is just as prestigious today. It is used for expensive toilets, concert suits (including men's), jackets, trousers, coats, capes, etc. Silk velvet is also suitable for finishing luxury interiors. It is often used as curtains, curtains, and draperies. For the same purpose, blended and cotton velvet are used, which are much cheaper, but also look very representative. The most common nowadays are synthetic-based pile materials.

A variety of velvet fabrics containing viscose and polymer threads can be used for clothing, as home textiles and for the manufacture of various accessories. They give any item an elegant and sophisticated look and are widely used as decoration. However, you need to remember that velvet products are not very suitable for prolonged use. This especially applies to materials containing synthetics.

Traditional fabrics include cotton velvet, although it is very difficult to work with.. This material crumbles when cut, is difficult to sew, and it is impossible to adjust seams with an iron. Velvet made from cotton and other fibers is cut only in the direction of the fibers upward, which leads to additional fabric consumption. Only with sufficient experience in sewing can you make an elegant outfit from this material. In this regard, stretch velvet, which fits perfectly even with the simplest cut, causes fewer problems. Stretch fabric allows for slight variations in size, making it easier to work with, while cotton velvet requires precise patterns and a good fit, which is achieved by steaming.

Rules of care

The main problem with pile fabrics is the accumulation of dust on the surface, so they should be regularly brushed and wiped with a damp sponge soaked in vinegar. In addition, in places where there is constant mechanical impact on the pile, it begins to wear out; Paper velvet and inexpensive synthetics especially suffer from this.

High-quality silk items should be dry cleaned. Unlined items can be washed by hand in cool water and a mild detergent. After rinsing, they are easily wrung out, wrapped in a towel, and dried, spread out on a fabric lining. You need to iron velvet from the inside out in a slightly damp state, selecting the temperature in accordance with the composition of the fibers, but the optimal operation for it is steaming. Store dried products on hangers in the closet or neatly stack them on shelves.

MOSCOW, April 8 - RIA Novosti. Mass unrest after the parliamentary elections in Moldova raised a wave of talk about another “color” revolution in the post-Soviet space, which this time should be painted the color of lilac. However Russian experts they urge not to escalate the situation - if the West’s trace in the “Moldavian lawlessness” can be traced, then it is hardly directed against Russia.

Revolutionary romance or banal looting

On April 5, elections to the parliament of Moldova brought victory to the Communist Party, led by President Vladimir Voronin, who has been unchallenged for eight years.

Despite the fact that the country's leadership and international observers, including from the OSCE, stated that the elections were held without violations, the opposition insisted on a recount of the voting results. As a result, on Tuesday, opposition protests escalated into riots. A crowd under Romanian flags and slogans “We are Romanians” destroyed the parliament and presidential administration buildings in Chisinau.

Some political forces in Russia quickly began to look for traces of “colored” revolutionaries in Moldova.

The leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation Gennady Zyuganov expressed confidence that the Moldovan communists led by Voronin will not succumb to the provocations from which the “ears of Western intelligence services” stick out.

Some United Russia members also drew parallels and even saw the colors of the riots in Moldova. First deputy leader of the faction " United Russia"Vladimir Pekhtin believes that the revolution will be lilac, since lilacs are now blooming in the republic.

According to Deputy General Director of the Center for Political Technologies Boris Makarenko, the Moldovan scenario, at first glance, may indeed resemble the scenarios of the “color” revolutions in Ukraine and Georgia.

“A large part of society (Moldova) is in despair because the country is not moving anywhere, there is stagnation and the same force is coming to power for the third time in a row, which, in their opinion, is not capable of bringing the country forward. The same motives were in Georgia and Ukraine,” Makarenko told RIA Novosti.

The problem, he said, is that the country is polarized, Chisinau is anti-communist and has always been so, and the Communist Party of Moldova relies on the peasantry, with whom it “always knew how to talk.” Therefore, those who talk about external intervention do not take into account that in Moldova there is a completely legitimate internal motive for the unrest - a deep and long-term economic crisis.

In addition, the “color” revolutions were led by specific political leaders with specific political goals.

“Here, perhaps, the opposition leaders are guilty of calling for protest actions, but they did not lead this crowd, the crowd got out of control, hooliganized and looted. But on the Maidan the crowd behaved in a civilized manner, people were sober, they used toilets and didn’t break windows,” Makarenko added.

Director of the National Strategy Council Valery Khomyakov also believes that the origins of the Moldovan scenario are not political, but economic. In his opinion, the impoverished and unsettled part of the population is using the discontent of the opposition to “profit and rob.” In his opinion, there is no need to talk about a planned revolution.

“NATO and the USA don’t need to organize a revolution there, they have already been burned in Georgia and Ukraine - why do they need another headache?” he told RIA Novosti.

The head of the Center for the Study of International Relations, Valery Egozaryan, also wonders what interest Moldova might have for the organizers of the “orange” revolutions.

“In Ukraine and Georgia, it’s a matter of fighting Russia and its influence in the oil and gas market,” he told RIA Novosti. “Why might Moldova be a target? To seize Moldovan vineyards?”

The machinations of neighbors

The “ears of Western intelligence agencies,” however, are not as visible in this story as Romania’s participation in it. This is obvious, apparently, for Moldova itself, over whose parliament on Tuesday three young people hoisted the Romanian flag. Voronin on Wednesday accused Bucharest of involvement in the riots in Chisinau, the Romanian ambassador declared persona non grata. The country is introducing a visa regime with Romania.

“A certain part of the political class of Romania has been sleeping for a long time and sees the creation of “Greater Romania,” and here they decided to use the discontent of the opposition. I do not rule out that the money comes from certain nationalist circles (of Romania) in order to destabilize the situation and try to provoke President Voronin to take forceful actions, which can lead to significant casualties," Khomyakov said.

Egozaryan believes that those who really want to find an American trace in the Moldovan unrest can still do so, but this has nothing to do with the threat to Russia.

“There may be some truth in the fact that the Americans are somehow trying to act through Romania, because objectively there are close ties between the Americans and the Romanians in parallel with the European Union. One can assume that they are trying to destabilize Europe, that Washington wants to annoy Europe, and ultimately weaken the euro ", the expert suggested.

Call the police

According to experts, no matter how the situation with the elections develops, whether a recount of votes will be carried out or not, the situation in the republic now depends on whether the authorities can show character and, bypassing the victims, reassure the Protestants.

“If we say that this is not a revolution, this is a reason for optimism, because the main reason for the tension in Moldova that we saw yesterday was not the dishonesty of the elections or external interference, but the stupidity of the police, who were unable to cope with the crowd. Everything will calm down. , if they manage to take control of the city center and prevent a repeat,” Makarenko said.

Khomyakov did not rule out that this would even require the introduction of a state of emergency and the participation of army units.

“If you now have the strength and character to suppress what is happening there, then nothing terrible will happen next,” Egozaryan concluded.

Not a single political protest in the history of modern Armenia has ended in success

The Republican Party of Armenia, which has been ruling in this post-Soviet country for more than ten years, has always been led by its leader Serzh Sargsyan legislatively provided itself with the ground for staying in power for as long as possible. The constitutional reform in 2015 allowed S. Sargsyan, who has been president since 2008, to serve another 7 years as prime minister, who, by the way, now has more powers than the president.

The constitutional changes, despite all the risks associated with the reproduction of power, failed to provoke worthy protests in the country. This, first of all, was caused by the fact that many believed the then current President Sargsyan in his reluctance to head the cabinet of ministers. Subsequently, his opinion on this matter changed, and almost on the eve of his appointment as prime minister, which will take place on April 17, the streets of Yerevan became crowded again.

So far the weather has been favorable to the protesters, who have announced round-the-clock protests. The forces of law and order turned out to be less favorable. They have already used stun grenades, tear gas. There are wounded. The barbed wire stretched to block the demonstrators' passage to administrative buildings caused injuries to one of the main initiators of this protest - Nikol Pashinyan.

Ten years ago, Serzh Sargsyan came to power under similar conditions. Then mass protests resulted in bloody clashes - as a result ten people died, and Sargsyan ten years became president. Later ten years the situation repeats itself. But the country’s leadership will not use firearms for now, because the protest mass is not critical.

Nikol Pashinyan undoubtedly demonstrated his oratorical and organizational skills, but he alone is not enough to bring to the streets that critical mass that can force the authorities to make concessions. The protest history of Armenia has shown that not a single political action has ended in success. At the same time, almost all actions of an economic or social nature were decided in favor of the protesters. There are no prerequisites yet that the number of people on the streets of Yerevan will increase to at least the 2008 level. Then, even according to the most skeptical estimates, about 30 thousand residents of the country came out to protest.

Today, the backbone of the demonstration are students who, with the romanticism and pathos inherent in youth, with bouquets of lilacs in their hands, are ready to go to the barricades and believe that they can change not only the order in the country, but also the world.

On the other hand, there is a possibility that future Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan, who demonstrated his compliance during the period of socio-economic actions, will show a desire to find a middle ground this time. There is a way out of this situation: he can promise that he will occupy the post temporarily, specify a period (six months) until the Republican Party proposes another worthy candidate. This will solve several problems at once. Firstly, the Prime Minister and the Republican Party will save face, secondly, the opposition will for some time lose the pretext of collecting mass actions and will again fall into demagoguery, thirdly, Sargsyan will strengthen his position as a “people’s” politician, ready to listen to complaints and find solutions for them decisions, discarding them for good ten years the likelihood of a revolutionary solution to political issues in the country. There will be no victory for the Lilac Revolution, but Sargsyan will make concessions.

Armenia, Gyumri