Different kinds of silk
Just to be clear: I am NOT a silk expert. I am a weaver who loves silk. This is just what I have learned about silk in a short period of time.
There are two main categories of silk: cultivated and wild. Cultivated silk is Mulberry Silk created by the bombyx mori moth. This moth has been completely domesticated and cannot live without human intervention. This is why it is called "cultivated."
Wild silk comes in three varieties: Tussah Silk, Eri Silk and Muga Silk. These are all made by moths that remain either completely or partially wild because they will not propagate in domestication. Tussah Silk is made by the Antheraea genus moth (different species of the same moth in different areas). Eri Silk is made by the samia ricini moth. Muga Silk is made by the Antheraea assamensis moth.
A note about Eri Silk: the samia ricini moth does not build a cocoon with a continuous strand of silk like the bombyx mori moth (Mulberry) does. Eri cocoons have a built-in open door. This open door does not mean that the pupa inside will live. That pupa is, from what I have been reading, a good source of nutrition for humans and animals. I watched a documentary in which an artisan silk producer mentioned eating them with a cold beer. Give that one a thought....
Mulberry Silk is very light in color, naturally. It has a high sheen to it. Practically glowing in the light. It is strong and takes dye beautifully.
Eri Silk is like the silk version of the softest wool you've ever worked with. It has a light sheen, usually comes carded (although combed Eri is also available) and slightly slubby. It makes beautiful laces that are dreamy soft on the skin.
Tussah silk is naturally a medium café latte in color. It is a little fuzzy and super soft. It is rich and elegant in anything you add it to. I love the natural color but it does take dye well. I've tried indigo and it came out so beautifully that it invoked tears of joy.
Our Story
I was introduced to weaving when my husband, a knitter, gave me a rigid heddle loom. I was somewhat intimidated by the concept of weaving but very interested. Within months, I was obsessed and had added a table loom and two floor looms to the house. I have been weaving daily since then.
I started off with cotton yarn and have loved it. I watched other weavers, with years of experience, use silk yarns and make exquisite fabric. The price of silk yarn was so much higher than cotton that I never felt "good enough" to use precious silk yarn. Then I discovered the amazing markets of India. I decided to bring these incredible finds to other weavers and knitters so that we can ALL experience the beauty of creating with silk.
Our Friends:
SilkIndian
SilkIndian is a family owned and operated business in Bengaluru, India. SilkIndian provides a variety of natural yarns, specializing in silks and silk blends. The yarns are treasures that would normally be restricted to fabric artists with generous benefactors. These yarns make my weaving look like I know what I'm doing!
Many of these yarns are special production yarns and once they are gone, they are gone.
Henry's Attic
Henry's Attic curates some of the most beautiful yarn I have ever had the pleasure to work with. The bouclés are incredible. The wool is to dye for! The silk is perfection. I cannot give enough praise to this company. Here are some of the options, that we currently have available, from Henry's Attic.
