#332 Esther Peregrine—Silks From Around the World Half day Friday 1-4pm

#332  Esther Peregrine—Silks From Around the World   Half day Friday pm $50

Skill level:  Beginner, knowledge of spinning useful but not required.

Workshop Description:  Many moths make silk cocoons besides Bombyx mori (mulberry silk). Explore the world of silk moths and sample cocoons of Eri, Muga, and Tropical Tussah from India; Chinese Oak Tussah from China; Ceranchia and others from Madagascar; Cricula from Indonesia; and Cecropia and Polyphemus from North America. Learn about the species of moths that produce each of these silks. Cocoons will be degummed (softened) in class and there will be samples to spin. Some species are not usually degummed; learn how these can be incorporated into fiber art.

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

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  samples of each species of silk cocoons, fiber used in class.

Class Limit:  12