tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26055463.post114743395715533811..comments2024-03-29T08:22:33.053-05:00Comments on Leigh's Fiber Journal: Homemade Silk CapsLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26055463.post-1147739321493895782006-05-15T19:28:00.000-05:002006-05-15T19:28:00.000-05:00Hi Mary, Thank you for your kind comments! The co...Hi Mary, <BR/>Thank you for your kind comments! The cocoons came as part of a silk goody pack which I ordered through the Online Guild for a silk spinning workshop. <BR/><BR/>I have to admit that I never considered raising silk worms since the process seemed pretty intimidating. But after actually working with the cocoons and looking at Michael's photos and information on www.wormspit.com, I can now say that I've put it on my list of things to do someday.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26055463.post-1147731557195933962006-05-15T17:19:00.000-05:002006-05-15T17:19:00.000-05:00Hey Leigh,I'm so impressed with your blog! Where d...Hey Leigh,<BR/>I'm so impressed with your blog! Where did you get the cocoons? Did you raise the silk worms from eggs?<BR/>MaryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26055463.post-1147696874069467292006-05-15T07:41:00.000-05:002006-05-15T07:41:00.000-05:00Michael, thanks so much for your comments and exce...Michael, thanks so much for your comments and excellent advice. <BR/><BR/>No! I didn't re-acidify my degummed silk, though I did rinse it thoroughly. I'm very glad to know I need to do that.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26055463.post-1147677515581493382006-05-15T02:18:00.000-05:002006-05-15T02:18:00.000-05:00Howdy! I noticed I was getting hits from your blo...Howdy! I noticed I was getting hits from your blog page, and popped over to see what was going on. Great stuff you've got there!<BR/><BR/>A couple of thoughts: <BR/><BR/>The traditional form for making silk caps is a bamboo hoop. I don't have one of these (yet) but I'm aiming for that direction. I had very mixed luck using the bottom of a vase. I think the curved hoop form would be easier. I'm wondering if a wire form or a bent tube might work, in place of bamboo. <BR/>You can see the traditional version here:<BR/>http://www.treenwaysilks.com/inout_spinning.html <BR/><BR/>If you're working with quite a lot of silk, the weight of goods method is appropriate. If you're working with a fairly small amount, you may find a standard strength solution better suited; otherwise, the amount of water needed to float everything nicely can dilute your solution's pH. I use 1/4 cup each of Orvus paste and washing soda, per gallon of hot water. This is based on a recipe given to me by a silkmoth researcher, Dr. Richard Peigler. <BR/><BR/>For cocoons that don't want to stretch: if you hold them with your fingertips, below the level of the soapy water, and gently "pat-a-cake" the cocoon, turning it gently as if you were flattening out a delicate biscuit, it helps it bloom out. It should hang in the water like an egg yolk - definitely there, but not solid anywhere. Then lift underneath it, upward and outward with the fingertips, as if you're lifting and stretching a tiny pizza dough. Dunno if that helps any, but that's the best I can explain the motion I use. The soapiness of the water helps it stretch. <BR/><BR/>Did you make sure to rinse out all the degumming juice, and re-acidify the silk? The alkaline in the degumming solution can rot the silk very quickly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26055463.post-1147528948212488092006-05-13T09:02:00.000-05:002006-05-13T09:02:00.000-05:00wow,this all looks fabulous.I just didn't have tim...wow,<BR/>this all looks fabulous.<BR/>I just didn't have time for a workshop this month, but what your producing looks wonderful.<BR/>Al xGood Kharma Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12567460970018654202noreply@blogger.com