#221 Esther Peregrine-- Wonderful Wild Silks (spinning) Half day Thursday am $50

221   Esther Peregrine-- Wonderful Wild Silks   Half day Thursday 9am-noon  Bldg 7 Center- East    $50

Skill level:  All levels welcome

Workshop Description: Many moths throughout the world produce silk besides Bombyx mori (mulberry silk). Explore the wonderful world of wild and semi-wild silks. Sample Cecropia, Polyphemus, Prometheus, Calleta, and more from North America; Ceranchia and others from Madagascar; Cricula from Indonesia; semi-wild Eri, Muga, and Tropical Tussah from India; and Chinese Oak Tussah from China. Learn about the species of moths that produce each of these silks and many other species that have been used historically on almost every continent. Some cocoons will be degummed (softened) in class and there will be samples to spin. Some species are not usually spun; learn how these can be incorporated into fiber art.

Students should bring:  Spinning wheel or drop spindle, hand carders, scissors.

Homework:  Students are welcome to bring their own cocoons (Cecropia, Polyphemus, Prometheus, Luna, etc.) that they may have found to experiment with. (Make sure they are empty – most native species overwinter as cocoons.)

Material Fee: $30  includes samples of various species of silk cocoons, handout of world silk species, and fiber used in class.

Class Limit:  12