Silk carrier rod waste is produced during the reeling process. As the silk filament is reeled from the cocoons it is carried over a rod before is travels around a system of pulleys and into a skein. Silk builds up on this carrier rod and periodically the silk is slit and removed from the rod. The silk 'rods' are approx. 15 cm (6 inches) long, in the gum and sometimes incorporate whole or partially reeled cocoons. They can be separated into layers; can be sprayed with water and ironed flat; can be pulled into different shapes or degummed. The fibre length is the circumference of the rod, approx. 2.5 cm or 1 inch. The rods have such wonderful character and can be used in many imaginative ways.

completely fascinating

S s

S

---