Description ~ Knitting with Silk Hankies (Mawata)

Silk is luxurious and was at one time only for the imperial class in China. Silk made its way to Japan around 300 AD. Learn about silkworms and the silk fibers they make. See Beth’s slides from when she raised silkworms as well as a video Beth filmed in China of a woman making Mawata. Learn how to draft the hankie into a knitable yarn, winding the yarns, dealing with thicker areas for a more consistent yarn, how to join a new yarn. Then, knit a cowl directly from Mawata based on Beth’s pattern, or make up your own!

Materials Needed ~ Knitting with Silk Hankies (Mawata)

• Kit of dyed or natural Mawata (one ounce) could be $20 to $30 each. Kit selection information will be provided closer to departure.
• Hand cream
• US size 8 (5.0mm)/ 16” (40cm) circular needle
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Homework ~ Knitting with Silk Hankies (Mawata)

None