Esther Peregrine began raising silkworms in 2006 and fell in love with the whole progression of watching the silkworms grow and make their cocoons, processing the cocoons into yarn or thread and ultimately weaving or knitting a finished silk scarf or shirt. She had the opportunity to participate in a Silk Study Tour to Japan in 2023 to learn about the history of silk in Japan and visit a silkworm farm, see modern and traditional silk reeling, weaving, and dyeing. In addition to domesticated silkworms, Esther raises native Cecropia and Polyphemus wild silk moths and spins silk yarn from their cocoons. She also works with semi-wild silks such as Eri, Tussah, and Muga. Esther and her silk have come to schools, museums, and fiber festivals.
Besides silk, if it is a fiber that can be spun she has probably tried it! To follow her fiber journey, check out facebook.com/essiespinner.