How to Care for your Silk Twill Scarf

How to Care for Your Silk Twill Scarf

We are often asked how is the best way to care for your silk twill scarf.  There are two routes that are equally acceptable to maintain the delicate touch and beautiful longevity of a silk scarf or silk pocket square.

1. The At Home Solution: This may take a bit more time, but is a perfectly appropriate solution.

* Hand Wash: Carefully fill your sink with cold water and use a very gentle detergent ~ or even Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo and swish very carefully in the basin, slowly swishing the fabric around.  Do not scrunch with your fingers as the edge of a nail could snag the silk twill ribbing accidentally. 

*Avoid Agitation: When hand-washing, gently swish the scarf in the water without wringing or scrubbing to prevent damage.
* Always avoid using harsh detergents.

* Rinse Carefully: Rinse the scarf in cold water until all detergent is removed. 
* Never wring it out!! instead, gently press out excess water by rolling it in a clean, dry towel.

*Lay Flat to Dry: Lay your silk scarf flat on a towel or a clean, dry surface to air dry. Avoid hanging it, as the weight of the wet silk can distort its shape. This is very important!

*Iron with Caution: If necessary, iron the scarf on a low setting (silk or low heat) with a cloth or another piece of silk in between to prevent direct contact with the iron. AND NEVER, EVER iron the dimensional rolled-edge.  This is a luxury cue to the hand-sewn craftsmanship and will never "bounce back" into a rounded shape once flattened.
The Joy Steamer is our favorite for truly the most effective option to remove wrinkles.
2. Effortless Solution: 
* Dry Clean: This is an easy and stress-free way to clean and preserve the quality of your silk twill scarf.
*Finding the Right Dry Cleaner is Key: Be sure it is a high-quality dry cleaner that will understand your extremely important request to NOT press the hand-rolled edge of your silk scarf.  I always emphasize to the dry cleaner to ensure the dimensional roll is preserved.  Professional cleaners will appreciate this reminder.
Grey Hall Design How to Care for your Silk Twill Scarf
Helpful Tips & Tricks for Caring for your Silk Scarf: 

*Store Carefully: Store your silk twill scarf flat or rolled to prevent creases. Keep it away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can fade the colors.

* Protect from Perfume and Makeup: These elements have potential to damage your silk scarf.  However, lipstick will inevitably get on your scarf as the wind always seems to blow just as i've applied lipgloss!  

By following these care instructions, you can keep your silk twill scarf looking beautiful for a very long time! 
Xx
Grey Hall Design custom silk scarf designer and watercolor illustrator
John Ruthven x Grey Hall Design Artist Collaboration

John Ruthven x Grey Hall Design Artist Collaboration

Your Bengal Tiger game day spirit-wear is now available in a whole new realm of luxury! Thanks to a beautiful collaboration with renowned wildlife artist, John Ruthven, we are elevating the playing field of your football flair with an Hermes-like quality silk twill ~ 38"x38" scarf and 16"x16" pocket square.  The vibrant orange is electric and sets the scene of quite the exotic jungle.

Let me take you back in time just a bit!

With a friendship between our families dating back generations, it was truly serendipitous that I should re-connect with John's grandson, Matt Weissman, who initiated the idea for a collaboration. Having possessed a love for John Ruthven's art for years, it really was quite an honor to be given the challenge to design a silk scarf and pocket square that would bring our different artistic styles together in one composition.

John Ruthven x Grey Hall Design Painting Collaboration


Both having roots in Cincinnati, Ohio, it was only fitting to step into a collaboration that would celebrate this common bond via our beloved Bengal Tiger. Thus the vision was aligned, sketching began and here we are with an absolutely striking display of Bengal spirit and pride. The leading character, John’s fierce Bengal Tiger, is ready to pounce out of my watercolor jungle. Ruthven's incredibly lifelike Bengal Tiger possesses captivating eyes and realistic striped coat juxtaposed against a monochromatic, dense orange jungle. The outcome, a dramatic crescendo fitting for a gallery wall in a beautiful frame or adorning the neck or pocket as wearable art for football fans everywhere.

Bengal Tiger silk scarf and pocket square john ruthven grey hall design
We hope you enjoy this most stylish touch of Luxury Game Day spirit! Cheers to John's magnificent Bengal Tiger painting now available as a modern-day, bespoke piece of wearable art! 
🧡 🖤  *Here is a picture from 2018 when my husband, Matt, and I had the privilege of meeting John and hearing is captivating stories!
John Ruthven famous wildlife painter

GO BENGALS!

Grey Hall Design scarf designer watercolor artist

highest quality silk twill scarf, how to find it

How to Identify the Finest Silk Twill for Your Next Silk Scarf

Silk scarves have long been cherished as symbols of sophistication and luxury, with their exquisite designs and unparalleled softness. Among the various silk types used, silk twill stands out as a pinnacle of quality.  The hand and draping of this high-quality fabric is like butter in your hand and becomes even softer with use.  In this blog, we delve into the intricacies of silk twill and explore why it is the preferred choice for creating the finest silk scarves.

~ The Essence of Silk Twill

Silk twill is renowned for its distinct weave pattern.  Take a close look at your silk scarves, do you notice a very fine ribbing?  Characterized by distinct diagonal lines in a subtle texture with the most beautiful sheen.
This particular weave imparts a soft luster to the fabric, adding depth and dimension to the colors and designs printed upon it. The twill weave not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of silk scarves but also provides a durability that ensures they stand the test of time.  As a result, they travel exquisitely.  We continue to be blown away by how well they hold-up under the pressures of travel; either when being worn or packed into a suitcase.  

~ Luxurious Softness and Comfort

One of the most alluring aspects of silk twill is its luxurious softness against the skin. The weaving technique creates a dense fabric with a smooth surface, resulting in the most gentle touch when being worn. This inherent comfort makes silk twill scarves a delight to wear throughout the seasons, providing both warmth in cooler months and breathability during warmer weather.

~ Vivid Colors and Designs

We pride ourselves on delivering gorgeous, rich colors in each of our silk scarves. The intricate weave of silk twill acts as a canvas for vibrant colors and intricate designs. The fabric's ability to hold rich pigments ensures that every hue is brought to life with unparalleled brilliance. Whether it's a classic woodland creature motif, a whimsical and loose composition, or a very detailed pattern, silk twill scarves showcase designs with stunning clarity and precision.

~ Versatility and Durability

While silk twill scarves exude an air of luxury, they are also remarkably versatile and durable. The tight weave structure contributes to the fabric's resistance to wrinkles, ensuring that your scarf retains its impeccable appearance even after hours of wear. This durability ensures that silk twill scarves become cherished heirlooms, passed down through generations.

~ Care and Maintenance

Caring for silk twill scarves is a testament to their enduring quality. Gentle hand washing with Johnson's Baby Shampoo, air dry and then steam or lightly iron ~ OR dry clean to preserve the delicate fibers and maintain the scarf's integrity. Proper care not only sustains the luxurious texture but also ensures that the colors and designs remain as vibrant as the day they were acquired. **But very importantly, do not iron the hand-rolled edge and if dry cleaning, be sure to inform them of the same.  Once the artisan quality of the hand-rolled edge is flattened and compromised, it will not "bounce back" to it's original dimension and beauty.**

~ Embracing Timeless Elegance

In an era where trends come and go, silk twill scarves are a classic staple in your wardrobe with timeless elegance. Their quality craftsmanship, luxurious softness, and captivating designs make them cherished accessories that transcend generations. Whether draped around the neck, tied to a handbag, or worn as a headscarf, the finest silk twill scarves epitomize sophistication and allure.  Even better, they make it easy to hop from yoga to running errands by simply tossing around your neck or tucking under your puffer vest! (Tips for How to Wear a Silk Scarf)

~ Enduring Symbol of Refined Style

Elevate your wardrobe with the timeless allure of silk twill – a choice that resonates with those who seek both luxury and lasting beauty.
Xx
grey hall design silk twill scarf designer
Dreaming of Sea Island ~ The Cloister in Silky Blues

Dreaming of Sea Island ~ The Cloister in Silky Blues

The timeless elegance of blue and white never ceases to fade.  It's classic aesthetic is like a fresh breeze.  Thus when we took to sketching the next generation Sea Island silk scarf and pocket square for The Cloister gift shop, this monochromatic color palette very quickly transitioned from a dreamy design of very loose watercolor brush strokes in varying hues of cobalt blue to the most beautiful interpretation of a custom-designed toile in an azure blue color scheme with white.

 

Sea Island Silk scarf and pocket square by Grey Hall Design

Expanding the featured vignettes to include the very romantic Sea Island Chapel was a must when designing the silk scarf composition!  ~If you haven't discovered this charming cottaged tucked into the shadow of The Cloister itself, nearly hidden behind Palm trees and fauna with a curtain of Spanish moss, be sure to make a visit next time you are among the Golden Isles of Georgia.  Its stain glass windows are breathtaking.  

The Chapel at Sea Island Watercolor Painting, Sea Island Georgia

Organizing all painted scenes to nest together in a pleasing cadence, while ensuring each gem sparkled in its own right was quite the design challenge.  And then, enabling a repeatable design for each side of the square so that from a distance, the visual contouring of the scarf as a whole would reflect fashion and art... elevated to a new level of creativity.

Discover the intricate details of all that is featured in this special Sea Island x Grey Hall Design silk scarf and pocket square collaboration: 

  • The Cloister
  • Black Banks Terrace, The Cloister
  • The Lodge, Sea Island Golf Club
  • Sea Island Explorer
  • The Beach Club at Sea Island
  • The Chapel at Sea Island

 art prints and notecards in addition to the silk scarf and pocket square are also available at the Shop at Sea Island ~ (912) 643-3296 

Cheers to Blue & White forever!

💙🤍

Sea Island Silk scarf by Grey Hall Design Blue and White scarf   Sea Island Pocket Square by Grey Hall Design at The Cloister

Xx

Grey Hall Design bgreyhall scarf designer

 

 

How to Wear a Silk Scarf ~ made simple!

How to Wear a Silk Scarf ~ made simple!

"How to wear a silk scarf!?" is the question we hear time and again! 

Put all pre-conceived ideas out of your head because no rules apply here! Silk scarves actually give lots of freedom to elevate the most simplistic outfits and instantly transform them into a polished, chic look. 

The Parisians have mastered this art.  And why must they!? With closets the size of a high school locker, necessity is the mother of all invention.  Silk Scarves require almost no space at all in your wardrobe and they make a big impact when worn.  Thus, when in Paris walking down the Champs-Elysees, it is nearly a sea of all black, yet each passerby strolls with effortless sophistication and style.  It's hard not to wonder how this is possible in one of the fashion capitals of the world when all black clothing dominates the landscape?  Upon taking a closer look, it is resoundingly clear... the silk scarf accessory.  Tied in dozens of unique ways, a pop of color in a rainbow of hues, and endless design themes, each similar version of black ensemble becomes distinctive and individual to her personal aesthetic.

We want to remove the mystique, the complication and the intimidation of tying a silk scarf, because we promise --it's really not so hard!!  Discover simple and easy ways to wear a silk scarf in our "How To" videos.  You will appreciate how the same exact outfit takes on a whole new style as Page demonstrates how to tie a silk scarf a different way in each video.

Tie around your head as a headband, neck as a necklace or waist as a belt and with a few select pieces of jewelry, you too can be ready for the avenues of Paris. 

A true - MUST HAVE - in your wardrobe is a silk scarf.  Choosing to invest in a classic and timeless fashion accessory will not only elevate your most simple clothing pieces, but actually make it easier and faster to solve any wardrobe dilemmas and run out the door.  Toss a scarf on & go!

 Xx

Grey Hall Design Silk scarf custom watercolor scarves 

Grey Hall Design - Ivory Paris Silk Scarf - how to wear a silk scarf as a necklace  Grey Hall Design How to wear a silk scarf as a halter top  Grey Hall Design - how to wear a silk scarf as a necklace
How to Choose a Silk Scarf - A Must-Have for your Wardrobe

How to Choose a Silk Scarf - A Must-Have for your Wardrobe

To what color are you drawn?  Pick a silk scarf based on color first! If you LOVE the color, it will be magnetic in your wardrobe.   You will reach for it time and again if it's a color that makes you feel beautiful.

Secondly, choose a silk scarf based on theme that inspires you.  The subject matter of the design should spark an emotive connection, uplift, intrigue or represent a favorite personal motif.

Thirdly, look for artisan quality that will last as an heirloom you can hand-down to generations.  As you investigate, look for:

  • color saturation on both sides of the scarf
  • drapability and hand of the silk twill
  • hand-rolled edge ~ this is the mark of a luxury silk scarf!  That gorgeous dimensional edge is the most special detail 

We boast a lovely 38"x38" silk square that is actually a couple inches larger than the traditional 36" designer silk scarves on the market.  Hands-down, we have received unsolicited compliments that ladies LOVE the slightly larger size as they can do more with it.  For example, it's possible to tie your scarf as a belt and not just knot the ends, but have enough length to tie a bow!  We just love the feminine touch this brings. 

**PLUS, our silk scarves dry clean beautifully!!  Be sure to tell your premium cleaner to NOT press the rolled-edge of the scarf and voila!  You will be thrilled with the end result.

Enjoy the hunt for the perfect silk scarf for your wardrobe!

Xx

Grey Hall Design Silk scarf Designer how to choose a silk scarf

The Southern C Summit ~ We see in our crystal ball a return visit!

The Southern C Summit ~ We see in our crystal ball a return visit!

The most dreamy experience in every way!  The Southern Coterie has created an incredibly dynamic conference  ~ The Southern C Summit.  This 3-day event brings together bright, hardworking entrepreneurs, designers, publishers, influencers and all sorts of creative Doers.  With Sea Island as the backdrop, there is no shortage of magic interwoven into every aspect.  

Grey Hall Design - The Southern C Summit - Sea Island the Cloister

Our biggest takeaways from the 2022 Summit: a network of mentors, introductions to publishers, relationships with influencers, entrepreneur peers and all of whom we now cherish as friends!  

Even beyond our wildest imagination, we gained exceptional clarity for brand growth and opportunities for business exploration.  We are truly grateful for all the doors opened!!

Get excited for a number of surprises coming your way that we can't wait to reveal very soon.

Xx

Grey Hall Design Watercolor Illustrator Silk Scarf Designer

Grey Hall Design The Scout Guide Cincinnati Vol. 3

The Scout Guide ~ Cincinnati "Ones to Watch"

We love The Scout Guide and its pulse on trends.  Very exciting to watch the wave of launches across the country as new volumes drop in over 75 beautiful cities like a domino of colorful confetti.  The range in hues makes you want to collect one from each city and display them across your desk for the sheer purpose of sparking delight through their ombre sequence.

The classic variety of businesses and the essence of lifestyle evoked behind each brand is what keeps us coming back each year to seek-out tastemakers from coast to coast.

Discovering gems in all corners of America is the perfect travel guide too... Most shopping excursions are inspired from the Scout Guide Editors, and we are thrilled to cheer for @McKennaBrooks as Cincinnati's latest volume has now arrived! 

F L A S H   <>   B A C K!

What an honor it was to be selected among the "Ones to Watch" from The Scout Guide Cincinnati ~ Vol. 3.

Grey Hall Design The Scout Guide Volume 3 Cincinnati Grey Hall Design The scout guide cincinnati vol. 3 The scout guide cincinnati Volume 3 Grey Hall Design Ones to Watch The Scout Guide Cincinnati Vol. 3 Grey Hall Design

The Scout Guide Cincinnati Grey Hall Design Ones to Watch Volume 3

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Grey Hall Design The Scout Guide Cincinnati TSG

Banniere Co.  x Grey Hall Design

Banniere Co. x Grey Hall Design

Never missing an opportunity to paints unique scenes inspired by travels that reflect beauty from around the globe, my watercolor travel set goes with me everywhere.  And a visit down-south to see Page is no exception!

Drawn to our family ties to Georgia and the South, we struck up a conversation with the lovely Olivia Meyer, founder of Banniere Co. ~ Silk Scarves, with the idea to design a Georgia inspired silk scarf.  The allure of the romantic, drooping Spanish moss and fanciful dogwood petals have always captivated me on roadtrips down Interstate-75 from Cincinnati to Atlanta time and again.   

 watercolor sketch Georgia Silk Scarf by Grey Hall Design for Banniere

It is with great pleasure we had the opportunity to collaborate with this trend-setting and oh-so-elegant boutique to transform sketches into wearable art celebrating Atlanta and the beautiful state of Georgia.  The luscious color palette with hints of navy and slight shades of blue is so striking.

Bringing style and storytelling into the design, we beautifully incorporated the Georgia state bird ~ Brown Thrasher, The Cherokee Rose state flower,  and iconic peach fruit into one elegant and timeless composition.   

Discover all of it's beauty!

Xx

grey hall design silk scarf designer

How to Tie a Silk Scarf - with Designed by Dixon

How to Tie a Silk Scarf - with Designed by Dixon

Silk Scarves are the perfect transition piece from day to night, yoga to cocktails. 

Designed by Dixon's Anna Louise appreciates this secret weapon more than anyone and invited us to see just how she does it!

Anna Louise (AL) of Designed by Dixon is our go-to for down to earth style, sophistication and great everyday ideas.  She styled our Chinoiserie in the Jungle silk scarf demonstrating how easy our Luxury 38"x38" designer silk squares are to add a pop of color and unique touch to any outfit. Discover AL's favorite ways to wear and get inspired! 

Toss around a ponytail if you're not sure what kind of a hair day you're having, or if you're looking to add a touch of spunk to a traditional outfit, wrap around your wrist. 

Designed by Dixon Silk Scarf ponytail by Grey Hall Design

Helloooo to the voluminous bow is the signature look AL fell in love with to accessorize her seagrass purse when adding our silk scarf.  It is that simple & easy!

Silk scarves are a must-have staple in your wardrobe and can be tied in a multitude of ways.

We hope you are as inspired as Anna Louise to try wearing a silk scarf in a new way today!

Xx

Grey Hall Design Silk scarf custom watercolor scarves