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A silk hanky is produced from a silk cocoon
and is made up of one continuous gossamer thread. The
sericin (the glue that keeps the cocoon together) is first
removed from the cocoon by simmering it for 30 - 45 minutes in
a solution of water, soda ash and synthapol. When the
cocoon has softened it can be pulled out carefully and
stretched over a frame to dry. We sell this lightweight
fibre is quantities of 100g which is a wad
approximately
2cm deep.
The frilly and glistening edge of the silk
hanky can be used effectively in
silk paper making and
provides a clue to the fine yarn that can be spun from it.
Here is how to prepare the silk hankies ready for spinning.
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| 1. Peel away one layer...
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2. open out...
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3. push fibres apart in centre...
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| 4. begin to pull, the fibres will slip easily...
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5. keep pulling
to form a long roving...
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6. tug fibres apart to make
a break...
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7. twist the end and tie-up ready
for spinning!
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The Silk Hankies are available undyed
or in a range of hand-dyed colours, find out more from our
section on Silk Paper Making |
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