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Post by jufergu on Apr 27, 2012 2:56:07 GMT
This is going to really sound crazy, but an artist gave me a bag of silk thread that had been cut off some large spools from some kind of loom, I think. Anyway, she did not want to just throw the threads away so I took it. It had a peculiar smell. I put some of it in water to see what would happen and it shriveled up like it had been felted. The smell got worse. So I pulled it apart to some degree and dried it on a table. It has a very interesting look, but it smells very bad. What do you think? Why does it smell so bad. Will the smell ever go away? I would like to use the fibers.
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Post by zed on Apr 27, 2012 7:56:08 GMT
I have some silk scarves that smell kind of musty, even after felting they still smell weird. You could try soaking them in vinegar, or lemon juice is probably better.
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Post by lyn on Apr 27, 2012 9:16:02 GMT
I've often noticed a strange smell when I incorporate silk threads with my wool - sometimes it smells a bit like mothballs but it's certainly not very pleasant!
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Post by jufergu on Apr 27, 2012 11:37:57 GMT
If I handle it too much, it causes an allergic cough. But I have asthma and I don't think I am allergic. I have the same reaction from a lot of strong smells. I thought about soaking it in vinegar and may try a small piece to see if it works. This stuff has such an unusual texture, I would like to use it in something, but not sure.
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Post by zed on Apr 27, 2012 13:10:48 GMT
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Post by MTRuth on Apr 27, 2012 13:59:26 GMT
I would try the degumming.
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Post by jufergu on Apr 28, 2012 3:28:45 GMT
I looked at the degumming tutorial, and I think that my fibers have been degummed. They were on large spools that were probably going to be made into some kind of yarn or woven. I think that this is just the natural odor of the fibers. I think that I am just sensitive to this smell because of my asthma. However, I have some soda ash and soap and may just test it on a very small sample to make sure. I am afraid that boiling on the stove, may put the odor into the air and make my problem worse. I cannot use any room deodorizers or scented candles for this same reason. I have to stay away from the laundry aisle in the grocery stores because of the strong perfume smells. I was hoping that I could use this fiber, but I might have to wear a mask when I handle it.
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Post by jufergu on May 5, 2012 17:08:41 GMT
Just thought I would update you on the progress of the silk thread fibers. I hung them up in my sewing room to air out. As of today the strong odor is almost gone. It seems that the contact with water is what caused the smell to get strong. But I can tell you that I like the look and plan to use it somehow in my upcoming fiber art. I have 2 years to complete this, so I am slowly collecting elements. This will be fun.
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Post by zed on May 5, 2012 18:01:48 GMT
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Post by jufergu on May 6, 2012 2:48:31 GMT
I am attempting a fiber art wall hanging that will be as mixed media as I can possibly make it. I would like to gather unusual elements and enter this piece in the competition shows around our area in 2 years. I will have to spend about a year gathering the elements, and then make a plan for how to hang it, and then proceed. I have a theme that involves silk worm cocoons, butterflies and a garden or at least flowers. I want to make it in sections for ease of handling and then be able to assemble it onto a backing. I usually work in 30 day goals. And I have classes to teach and shows to exhibit besides this project. So now you can see why I allowed myself 2 years to plan.
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Post by zed on May 6, 2012 11:09:13 GMT
Well, if you need anything, Judy, I have a massive amount of fibres, Ingeo, soy fibre, viscose, etc. I always buy 100g of each so I have plenty to spare
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Post by MTRuth on May 7, 2012 0:55:40 GMT
Sounds like a wonderful project Judy. I'd love to see the project steps as you go along if you have time
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Post by karen on May 7, 2012 10:53:16 GMT
Oh me to Judy, if you have time. Sounds really interesting and i have lots of different fibres as well so if you let us know what you need maybe we can all have a hand in it, but you do the work of course lol
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Post by jufergu on May 7, 2012 23:04:54 GMT
I wish I could tell you just what it will be. It is all experimental, as is almost everything I do. It is one of those things where you look at a lot of stuff and all of a sudden you see something that sparks your interest. I have been working so hard at learning how to do beading properly, that I have a terrible case of eye strain, so I have been resting. A lot of the fibers you discuss on here, I have to "google" to find out what you are talking about. But, be assured, that if I see something interesting, I will ask about donations. Thanks.
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Post by Shepherdess on May 10, 2012 2:44:31 GMT
do you have some of the silk cocoons that a gold coloured and have lots of little holes. They would be interesting. I can't remember what they are called. Can someone help me?
With the silk it may be where it came from. The silk waste scarf and hat I got for Christmas really stank when I got it. My MIL ordered it through a gift catalogue. I hung it outside in the cold winter wind for a week before wearing it. Smelled like the yak they brought it down the mountain on.
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