After that, we went to a silk factory. They showed us how the moths lay eggs, become caterpillars & spin the silk cocoon - at which time they are harvested or whatever the word is, to make silk thread. When they get twin cocoons, they use it for batting, because it's impossible to get a single thread from those. The single cocoons are microwaved to kill the moth and thrown in water. Usually they use 7 cocoons for fabric thread. Or more (30-40) for thicker thread.
Cocoons being turned into thread. If you look carefully, you'll see the thread going up.
Holding the string.
Twin cocoons being stretched. Dead moths to the right (sad face)
Stretching the batting (for blankets) - its so very very soft!!
Batting as a hat. I was bored while everyone was shopping, so I was being ... me!
Sponge Bob in red!
Funniest thing I saw in there: a silk Sponge Bob nighty ... Or shirt ... But, umm, they got the color wrong!
Next stop: the bund & Nanjing Rd
First of all, totally cool that they get if from MOTHS; I will definitely be showing this to Mia. Who, by the way, is miffed because she didnt get an invite to read Jeannie's private China blog!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I am thrilled when Jeannie does Jeannie things and takes photos of it.
Thirdly, that sponge bob silk nightie is outrageous, not just because it's red, but who wants those eyes to be placed RIGHT THERE? Ha ha sooo weird!
Ha ha ha!!!!
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