Texts for listening

UNIT 1

Ancient Clothing

Clothing was very expensive in the ancient and medieval world, because without engine-powered machines it was very hard to make it. So most people had very few changes of clothing; many people probably owned only the clothes they were wearing. Many children had no clothes at all, and just went naked. In the Stone Age most clothing was made of leather or fur, or woven grasses. By the Bronze Age people had learned to spin yarn on a spindle and to weave cloth out of the yarn on looms. Although many clothes, especially coats, were still made out of leather or fur, most clothes were made out of wool (from sheep) or linen (from the flax plant) or cotton. Some rich people wore silk. In the Middle Ages (the medieval period), people invented the spinning wheel, which made spinning yarn go about four times as fast. Clothes were a little less expensive than they had been before, but still most people had only one or two outfits.

People wore different kinds of clothes. Clothes helped to show where you were from, and whether you were rich or poor, and whether you were a girl or a boy.

UNIT 2

Sewing Your Own Clothing

Humans have been sewing clothing for millennia. Even in today’s modern world where clothing can be quite cheap, sewing clothing is still normally for many people. There are quite a few reasons to sew your own clothing, and you will definitely have a unique wardrobe.

Sewing clothing can be an option for those who are hard to fit. If you have a hard time finding clothes that fit you well, sewing clothing can definitely be a good answer to the problem. Sewing clothing at home can allow you to adjust and individualize the pattern. Another reason to sew could be for those who have a long torso. Even some tall sizes in stores may not help those who have long torsos. Quite often you can find long sizes in pants, but sewing clothing at home can allow you to make your own shirts and blouses as long as they need to be.

Another reason to begin sewing at home could simply be because you do not like the styles and fabrics of commercial clothing. Sewing clothing at home can allow you to dictate your own pattern preference and you will have “free hands” when it comes to choosing the fabrics that you like. Finding fabrics that you prefer should not be a problem simply because fabric is available.

Sewing clothing at home could also benefit those who have sensitive skin or sensitivities to certain fabrics. If you sew your own clothes at home, you can customize the fabrics and make the seams and sewing to your own preference.

UNIT 3

WOOL

Wool fabric brings to mind cozy warmth. Some wools are scratchy giving some people the idea that they are "allergic" to wool. Although wool fiber comes from a variety of animal coats, not all wools are scratchy but rather extremely soft. The wool fibers have curls which give the wool a spongy feeling. Wool will not only return to its original position after being stretched or creased, it will absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. Its unique properties allow shaping and tailoring, making the wool the most popular fabric for tailoring fine garments. Wool is also dirt resistant, flame resistant, and, in many weaves, resists wear and tearing.

Basically, there are two different processes used in wool production. Woolen fabrics have a soft feel and fuzzy surface, very little shine or sheen, will not hold a crease, and are heavier and bulkier than worsted wool.

Worsted wool is smoother than woolen, takes shine more easily, holds a crease well, is lighter and less bulky, and wears longer than woolen. Worsted wools require a greater number of processes, during which fibers are arranged parallel to each other. Fine worsted wool is even seen in clothing for athletics such as tennis. No, they are not hotter than polyester but actually cooler, as the weave of the fabric allows wool to absorb perspiration and the fabric "breathes," unlike polyester.

UNIT 4

Дата добавления: 2015-10-30