Cochineal Pink

Description

Handwoven on an 8-harness loom.

The vertical threads (warp) is peace silk. The moths are allowed to emerge from their cocoons without being boiled, which is the practice in 'normal' silk production.

The weft is handspun peace silk (collected from the wild in India). The silk is dyed in Oaxacan cochineal. The female cochineal insect leaves her body on the prickly pear cactus fruit after having her eggs and dying. Her body is dried and has been used as a dye for hundreds of years in the warmer climate countries.

The white stripes are organic wool from a local farm, the wool is handspun.

This piece took 3 months to complete (spinning, weaving, and dying) included.

The piece makes a beautiful hanging, or could be worn as wearable art, your choice!

The piece is 51" long and 81/2", this does not include the 4" of fringe on each end.
With fringe, this piece is 59" long.

Added on Aug 31, 2009