Celtic Engagement Rings

Irish Peasant Dress

Irish Peasant Dress

Luxury Bed Linen From Russia

It is really interesting to me that no one in the UK seems to have heard about Russian linen. Everyone knows there is Irish linen but how on earth - with all stories about Siberia and the really bad Russian weather and climate - can there be linen from Russia?

Simple… In Russia, we never had any cotton and through centuries linen became a national treasure.

Linen is the most ancient fabric known to man. For centuries people have been growing flax which is then made into fibre and woven to become linen. Domestication of flax occurred in India and China well before cotton ever did - more than 5,000 years ago.

But despite its venerable age flax remains to be as young as ever and is always in trend.

Flax has been grown in Russia since 2000 B.C. and ancient manuscripts from 1,000 years B.C. contain evidence of linen made by the Slavs. Oriental writers of the time also described Slavs dressed in linen clothing. Prior to the formation of Kievan Russia (pre-Moscow), all Slavic tribes that inhabited the Eastern European plain grew flax. Flax was used to make sailcloth, fishing nets, ropes and linseed oil.

In the 10th-11th centuries A.D. flax was extensively grown for fibre and seed. It was regarded as an important crop both for crafts and commerce. Peasants used it to pay feudal taxes and make payments to the Tsar's treasury. Russian Princes collected tribute in linen.

In the late 19th-early 20th century, Russia emerged as the leading producer and exporter of flax and linen among European nations. So popular was linen and its variety of uses that the first standard Government tax imposed in Russia, by Peter the Great, was the standard tax on flax.

Russian linen is a quality product and one of our manufactures was even a supplier of the Russian Royal Court in the 19th century when they were weaving the most beautiful and highest quality Jacquard tablecloths for the Russian Tsars to use and enjoy in their Palaces. So today, with the help of Alenska, you can enjoy the same in your own home!

Nowadays linen flax is one of the main materials used in the manufacture of UK banknotes and improves their useful life. And yes, we can joke about linen having the same value as money…

Here are a few more interesting facts about flax fibre:

• The famous Turin Shroud (that bears the image of Jesus Christ and was used to wrap his body) is spun from flax fibres. There is also evidence that the towel bearing Christ's image which was not painted by human hands - was also made of linen.

• Prior to the invention of paper, manuscripts were written on linen. One of the most renowned manuscripts - “Linen Book” by ancient Etruscans - was written on linen in the 7th century B.C.

• In ancient Greece linen clothes were the privilege of high priests.

• The famous army leader Alexander the Great wore an armour made of… linen to protect him in battle. It was said to be impenetrable to the enemy’s sword.

• In ancient Russia, linen clothes were worn on festive occasions. The first ever flag in Russia approved by Peter the Great was made of linen.

About the Author

ALENSKA is the internet retailer.
The company established in 2005 by Russian woman based in London.
Major products - bed linen and table linen.
Company sells online over http://www.alenska.com
Our first mail order catalogue is to be launched in September.

An Irish Peasant Among a Bevy of Leprechauns $39.99 An Irish Peasant Among a Bevy of Leprechauns - Giclee Print

Peasant Style Dress 1923 $39.99 Peasant Style Dress 1923 - Giclee Print

A Peasant in His Summer Dress, with a Child $39.99 A Peasant in His Summer Dress, with a Child - Giclee Print

Enya The Irish Dancer Porcelain Doll $199 This genuine Crolly Doll was lovingly hand finished by the award-winning team in beautiful North West Donegal, Ireland, using only the finest of Irish Linens and velvet, in the best traditions of design and manufacture, which have been synonymous with Crolly Dolls since 1939. Enya is Ireland with her flawless porcelain face, deep green eyes, and soft auburn hair. Embroidered velvet and satin dress edged in ivory eyelet. 18 tall. Stand and sturdy collectors' box included, along with signed Certificate of Authenticity. From Ireland. Web Exclusive!

View Showing a Peasant Girl's Dress $79.99 View Showing a Peasant Girl's Dress - Premium Photographic Print

Young Woman Modeling a Peasant Dress $79.99 Nina Leen Young Woman Modeling a Peasant Dress - Premium Photographic Print

Dress with Irish Crochet $39.99 Dress with Irish Crochet - Giclee Print

Child's Shamrock Dress $23.99 Picture perfect! This darling shamrock scattered lace trimmed dress will look adorable on your wee lass. 100% cotton. Imported. Sizes 12 mos., 24 mos.

Shamrock Dress & Bloomers $32.99 This adorable wee dress is graced with multi pink and green shamrocks and accented with white and pink ruffles at the hem. Comes with pink bloomers. 100% cotton. Sizes 0-6 mos., 6-12 mos., 12-24 mos.

Central American Peasant Dress $46.43 Bright bands of color upon a deep jewel toned dress easily capture the joyful spirit of Central America. While this peasant dress is traditional in design, it is definitely rich with history! Bring the world to your classroom with this collection of ethnic dress ups that nurture an appreciation of cultural diversity. Each dress up is made from quality fabrics and craftsmanship to endure the rigors of a classroom environment and are machine washable. They are extra large in size with front openings for easy use. Appropriate for ages 4-8. Gender: Female Age: Child Size: One Size Fits Most Color: Multi-colored Material: Quality Fabric Condition: New

Denim Peasant Dress $79.95 Back in the day, we tiptoed through the tulips in one of these: the classic, ankle-length peasant dress—here updated in blue-jean denim! Fit and comfort are assured by the shirred waist and elasticized, on/off-shoulder sleeves and neckline. 100% cotton denim. Machine washable. Imported. Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 1X, 2X, 3X; 49"-53" long.

Gauze Peasant Dress $69.95 Exclusive! Shes Back. The return of the classic peasant dress—in basic black! Ankle length, graceful, and gauzy, its comfort and fit are assured by the shirred waist, and elasticized, versatile, on/off-shoulder neckline. 100% cotton. Machine washable. Imported. Sizes: S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14-16), XL (18), 1X (18W-20W), 2X (22W-24W), 3X (26W?-28W); 50"-53" long.

Sexy Gretchen Peasant Dress Adult Costume $49.99 This feminine and playful adult costume includes peasant top dress with satin ribbon trim, stockings and matching

Juvie Moon Tilly Peasant Dress Pattern Size 3/6mo to 12 Years $12 Juvie Moon Tilly Peasant Dress Pattern Size 3/6mo to 12 YearsJuvie Moon Tilly Peasant Dress Pattern Size 3/6mo to 12 Years

Renaissance Peasant $24.99 Costume Includes: Dress and cummerbund.

BNW CHG707 Central American Peasant Dress $43.19 Bright bands of color upon a deep jeweltoned dress easily capture the joyful spirit of Central America. While this peasant dress is traditiol in design it is definitely rich with history

RXB Embroidered Smock Waist Peasant Dress $59 Short sleeve embroidered smock waist peasant dress. 100% Cotton. Machine wash. Available in Black. Sizes S-XL. Click on Alternate View to see additional detail.

Sangria Puff Sleeve 4 Tier Peasant Dress $60 Puff sleeve 4 tier peasant dress. 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex. Machine washable. Available in Black or Aqua Marine. Sizes S-XL. Click on Alternate View to see additional colors.

Juniors Speechless Ditsy Challis Peasant Dress $29.99 Floral ditsy print challis broomstick peasant dress. 100% Rayon. Wash cold with like colors. Line dry. Available in Aqua/Purple. Sizes S-L. Click on Alternate View to see additional detail.

Oneworld Chiffon Peasant Tie Waist Dress $68 Chiffon peasant tie waist ruffle tier dress. 100% Polyester. Machine wash cold. Available in Black Aegean, Green Wood Aegean or Plum. Sizes S-XL. Click on Alternate View to see additional detail.

Juniors Speechless Batik Broomstick Peasant Dress $29.99 Batik challis broomstick peasant dress. 100% Rayon. Machine wash in cold with like colors, line dry. Available in Blue/Tan. Sizes S-L. Click on Alternate View to see additional detail.

Ojai Clothing Relaxed Peasant Dress (Women's) - Black $89.95 Created on the basis that not everyone is an extreme sports enthusiast, Ojai Clothing is designed to fit and embrace every part of your active life. This peasant dress is made of cotton and is cute and comfortable, great for any casual occasion.

Czech Peasant Women with Children Wearing their Dress-Up Clothes in their Village in Bohemia $79.99 Czech Peasant Women with Children Wearing their Dress-Up Clothes in their Village in Bohemia - Premium Photographic Print

Actress in Peasant Dress from Thessaly, Poses at the Delphic Festival $39.99 Maynard Owen Williams Actress in Peasant Dress from Thessaly, Poses at the Delphic Festival - Photographic Print

Juniors Sequin Heart Belted Lace Peasant Dress $49.99 Lace overlay peasant dress with faux leather braided belt. Dress: 95% Nylon, 5% Spandex. Lining: 100% Polyester. Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. Available in Blush or Slate. Sizes S-L. Click on Alternate Views to see additional colors and detail.

Juniors Sequin Heart Eyelet Belted Peasant Dress $49.99 Eyelet peasant dress with faux leather braided belt. Shell: 100% Cotton. Lining: 100% Polyester. Machine wash cold, line dry. Available in White. Sizes S-L. Click on Alternate View to see additional detail.

Juniors Sequin Heart Belted Peasant Dress - White $49.99 Lace overlay peasant dress with faux leather belt. Shell: 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex. Lining: 100% Polyester. Machine wash cold inside out, line dry. Available in White. Sizes S-L. Click on Alternate View to see additional detail.

Juniors Speechless Cap Sleeve Pucker Peasant Dress $29.99 Cap sleeve pucker peasant knit dress. 67% Polyester, 28% Rayon, 5% Spandex. Machine wash cold with like colors. Lay flat to dry. Available in Navy. Sizes S-L. Click on Alternate View to see additional detail.

Juniors Sequin Heart Lace Belted Peasant Dress $45.98 Ditsy print lace peasant dress with faux leather braided belt. Self: 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex. Lining: 100% Polyester. Machine wash inside out. Available in Aqua. Sizes S, M. Click on Alternate View to see additional detail.

Heart & Soul Zebra Print Lace Peasant Dress $49.99 Peasant dress features a zebra print lace overlay, tie detail waist, and a ruffle hem. 92% nylon, 8% spandex, shell. 100% polyester, lining. Machine wash cold, line dry. Available in Black/Ivory. Sizes S-XL. Click on Alternate View to see additional detail.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 15th, 2010 at 7:07 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.