Hobbies And Interests
Silk Types and Sizes
Play silks can be made of any type, quality and thickness of silk. The most commonly used silk is Habotai. This silk feels luxurious, takes dye well and is semitransparent. The most popular play silk dimensions are 35-by-35 inches. However, play silks can be larger or smaller. They also can be rectangular instead of square. Preschool classrooms are often stocked with silks in a variety of sizes and colors to allow for more play options.
Common Uses
Adults can use the silks for a game of peek-a-boo with an infant. Toddlers enjoy wearing the silks over the head like a ghost. Since the silks are semitransparent, children can still see where they are going. Preschool-aged children might use the silks as superhero capes, baby doll blankets, tablecloths or dresses. Handkerchief-sized play silks make good accessories for budding magicians. Jumbo play silks make beautiful tents or forts. The options are as unlimited as the child's imagination.
Dying Play Silks
Play silks are sold in a rainbow of colors or can be purchased white. White silks are considerably less expensive and are easy to dye yourself. Children enjoy participating in the dying process. A common way to dye the silks is to use colored powdered drink packets mixed in a high concentration with water. The water must be heated, but with careful supervision, children can be allowed to stir the silk as it absorbs the dye out of the hot water.
Gift-Giving
Play silks are a welcome change from the many cheap plastic and electronic toys that fill kids' closets. Give a set of dyed silks in various colors and sizes as a gift. Lay out one of the silks flat. Fold the remaining silks and place them in the middle of the open fabric. Pull up the edges of the flat silk to form a bag containing the other play silks. Secure with a large satin ribbon.