> I'm told this is the place to go with my questions, so here goes. > I recently acquired some Bombx silk cocoons to "play" with and was > wondering > if anyone had any experience on de-gumming. I got a little over 150 > cocoons. > Should I just boil them till they fall apart? Do I need to use soap, > if so, > what kind? Anything else I need to know? > Hi Kimberlee:
First, cut open the cocoon to remove the chrysalid. Left in place, it will cause the silk to be yellowish in color. Put the cocoons in a large pot with enough water to cover them to at least a depth twice that of the cocoons. Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup Ivory dish liquid. The addition of sodium carbonate (washing soda) is optional but be sure to keep the pH below 10 since the excess alkali will damage the silk. Simmer (don't boil) for an hour or so until the silk looks white and does not feel slimey. Rinse under cold running water. Carol To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
