In between Pilgrims Rest and God’s Window, Joan and I stopped for lunch in Graskop, right across the street from Africa Silks.
Joan asked to photograph inside the store for a post and we were given the grand tour. (Click here and here for Joan’s version.)
That’s one unbroken thread
Most people recognize fine silk that is associated with eastern countries. This is created from a single thread reeled off a cocoon which was boiled with the pupae inside to keep the thread unbroken, and up to .8 mile (1.3 km) long.
Mulberry and Mopani silkworms
In another method the cocoons are boiled after the moths’ exit to remove the gum like substance called serosin.
Enlarge to see the pinhead sized eggs
The moths can then lay eggs and start the process over again for sustainable cultivation of silk on a nearby farm between Graskop and Hazyview.
Dried and stretched silk to be spun
Africa Silks supports the Iterileng Project for unemployed women of South Africa by supplying the raw white silk,
which is then spun,
and bought back for weaving.
Because I traveled South Africa during the month of my birthday I bought myself a few gifts. After trying on several delightful silk items I was having trouble deciding between these two blouses. I finally chose the short sleeve one and Joan bought me the sleeveless as a birthday present. They sure look better being worn and I thank Joan every time I wear either one.
Africa Silks also processes the silk of the wild silkworm, Gonameta Postica from the Acacia Tree and Gonameta Rifobrinnae from the Mopani Tree. The processing of this silk is much more labor intensive as the wild silkworm does not feed in captivity therefore the cocoons are harvested from nature by another job creation project for unemployed women mostly in the Northwest Province of South Africa and Namibia. The wild silk is an earthy fawn color with a nubby texture.
I’m not a weaver but have knitted and crocheted for years so just couldn’t resist buying my favorite colors for some future project. Maybe a hat.
15 comments:
That yarn is gorgeous! I did not know they make silk yarn.
That is one unbroken thread, Gaelyn. I loved the sleeveless blouse; bless Joan for giving it you for your birthday. Those vibrant coloured yarns are beautiful. Look forward to seeing the knitted hat. (((Hugs))) Jo
One unbroken thread? Unbelievable, and simply amazing. As well I'm moved by the mission, helping unemployed women of South Africa. BTW, both shirts are great - what a nice pal Joan is on many levels! This post is fabulous, Gaelyn. Thanks for taking us along.
It's so neat that you could visit a place like this, and buy some of their beautiful yarn direct.
And they have a neat website!
This reminds me of when I was at school in Zimababwe and I had shoe boxes full of silk worms. We had a large mulberry tree in the garden so feeding them was easy. Not sure what I ever did with the silk now, I am sure I never made anything:-) Sounds like you had a good time there. Diane
Gaelyn: That is truely amazing to me.
I can hardly believe that the silk from one cocoon is that long! Very interesting post, Gaelyn.
The length of one thread is amazing!
I always associated silk with the Far East, but never thought of silk coming from Africa.
It's so interesting to hear how the silk is processed.
SILK!!! YES!!!
I had to call my boyfriend in to see that 1.3 km thread - that's amazing!
This is a wonderful post Gaelyn and that breakfast was SO good!! :) Thanks for the plugs again.
How fascinating to see how the silk thread goes from cocoon to fabric! Your blouses and colorful silk yarns look wonderful.
Once again I have enjoyed travelling my own country through your words and photos. Thanks.
That sounds like an incredible store. I really like how it works in conjuction with the South African women, providing work, as opposed to merely buying cheap goods from them (or African-looking goods from China/Korea/etc.!) and then selling them to Americans at a much inflated price.
I read Joan's post when she wrote about it and I never knew that you got mopani worm silk. I want some.
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