Naturally Dyed Spun Silk by Robin Russo Made in Vermont buy K

Approximately 15 yds in each skein
In Vermont natural dyeing is done throughout the spring, summer and fall. Each season brings to life a variety of berries, mushrooms, ferns, lichens, flowers, sawdust and vegetables that all have their special colors to offer. In addition, I purchase madder, cochineal and Indigo from places with warmer climates, in order to obtain a full range of colors. I dye cotton, wool, linen and many types of silk yarns for use in kumihimo, embroidery, appliqué, needlepoint and embellishing felt. Each type of fiber requires a specific mordant in order for the dye to adhere. The mordants I use are alum, tin, copper and tannic acid. Robin Russo

Moms naturally dyed threads were featured as an “Editors Pick” in the summer issue of Piecework Magazine! https://pieceworkmagazine.com/

Whether you prefer silk, cotton or wool, these small batches will make your project special!

Once the silk cocoon has been spun by the silk worm, there are 2 ways to prepare the silk fibers for fabric, yarn or thread.

Reeled Silk:

The textile industry unwinds the cocoon to obtain the 1 mile of thread. This is referred to as reeled silk. This thread can then be thrown (twisted) into heavier weights for weaving. This is the preparation of silk fibers which drives the silk industry.

Spun Silk:

Spun Silk is a term used to describe all silk fibers that are not reeled. Some cocoons must be allowed to complete the metamorphosis in order to have mating moths and therefore eggs. These cocoons are considered to be “waste” silk because of the hole created by the moth. If the waste cocoon is stretched over a frame, it is referred to as “mawata” (hanky). If the waste fibers are degummed and cut, they can then be treated like all other fibers and be carded, combed, blended and spun. This is the fiber commonly used by the yarn industry and by hand spinners. Some of these waste silk threads are spun into very fine yarns buy and used by the weaving industry, but these fabrics are generally not as lustrous or fine as the reeled fibers. The knitting industry also uses waste silk to blend with other fibers to create luxurious yarns.

Available in my shop are spun and reeled silk threads commonly used for kumihimo, stitching and surface embellishment.

The term Silk Cord refers to reeled silk yarn which is highly twisted. It is very lustrous, but generally not fine enough for embroidery. I use it for kumihimo.

The silk embroidery floss is 6 ply, and can easily be broken down into finer strands for embroidery, just like the cotton floss. It is spun silk.

The 2 ply spun silk comes in two weights. The finer weight is similar to the weight of embroidery floss. It can be used to embroider with, but can not be broken down into single strands . The heavier weight is similar to the cord.