Description

Our Love and Peace silk, called Eri silk or Assam silk or silk of the poor is processed without killing the silkworm.    Commonly silk cocoons are boiled with the worm inside to maintain one continuous filament, which results in a smooth and shiny fabric.  the The eri silkworm spins short segments of a filament and creates a cocoon that is open at one end – enabling the moth to emerge and fly out. This peace silk is, therefore, a very popular fibre among vegans and Buddhists.

The humid climate of Northeast India is very favourable for the eri culture. but we also find cultures in Nepal. For around 30 days the silkworm grows and munches on castor leaves until it reaches its final size. It then starts to spin its cocoon, which takes another 15 days. Once the moth leaves its cocoon, the silk is processed. In some areas, the silkworm is considered a delicacy and is also eaten. The empty cocoons are degummed by boiling in water, made into small cakes resembling cotton pads and then thrown against the mud houses for drying. Once the cakes are dry, they are used for spinning which is done similarly to spinning wool.

Have a look at the beautiful design Eri made with our Love and Peace Silk

Did you know Eri also knitted the Shizen in our Love and Peace Silk?