Yarn Made of Carrier Silk Rods

The very last thing that Judith MacKenzie exposed us to at the espinner retreat was what is called carrier rods made of silk.


The carrier rods are considered waste in the machinery of making silk and at first glance they resemble flower petals and we all thought it was a bag of potpourri.


Here is a close up of some sample pieces that Judith had dyed.

This stuff feels just like dried paper.  Judith demonstrated spinning this silk by pulling it apart and just drafting onto the leader.  I didn't get a picture of the finished 2-ply, but it felt like paper mache rope.  She stated that after it is washed, it is the loveliest fiber and super strong.


She stated that you can buy this stuff called carrier rods from Treenway Silks.