Help! Silk ribbon yarns!

Hi everyone, Someone gave me this gorgeous cache of silk ribbon yarn.  It's exquisite and since I have never knit with silk ribbon, I couldn't wait.  But I find that although it is soft to the touch, when knit, it is rough and scratchy and starchy.  So, my question is (ok, two questios),

1 What DOES one do with ribbon yarn?

2. Will it get soft again if I wash it after I knit it?

Thanks, thanks!

Caroline