Silk

I have just finished reading this beautiful novel “Silk” by Alessandro Baricco. It delivered on every promise made by the glowing reviews within its covers and I was truly touched by this literary gem. As the story centred on a young silk breeder in France in 1861 it made me realize that I had never really given a thought to the art of making silk. I think it’s a bit like stories I have heard of city kids who think milk comes from Tesco’s but don’t actually know it comes from cows grazing in the countryside! Well back in my brain somewhere I knew that silk didn’t come from Harrods but from little worms, but I sort of didn’t understand the complexities of its production and the fact it was first developed in ancient China, possibly as early as 6000 BC and definitely by 3000 BC. “Silk” focuses on the story of Hervé Joncour whose job was dealing in silkworms, oh and his most haunting love story of heartbreaking quality. I’m still none the wiser about the actual production method from this book but it has given me a healthy respect for this most glorious material, and I am simply blown away by the very invention of it and the fact that entire communities were and still are dependent on its production... all beginning with a by-product of the little silkworm!
Then as luck should have it I found this vintage black silk top hat in an antique market in Arundel just after I had put Alessandro Baricco’s book down. I don’t think I have ever seen a top hat for sale in such excellent condition as they are often dented or moth eaten. We think it dates back to the 30s, and the deal was sealed by its coming in a proper top hat box and a 1940s glass and silver cake stand being thrown in for free. (Pics of my cake stand later!) On the first try of the top hat it fitted so perfectly, I wanted to burst into song: “Come to the cabaret old chum” and start dancing the Charleston! I am a hat girl and I’m lucky enough that I can wear most hats without looking stupid, mind you I can’t guarantee what they might do for my behaviour! I am totally in love with my top hat and it will get good use in my various shows. The silk makes the hat shimmer and due to some recent research on the internet (so I don’t remain ignorant forever!) I now understand that silk fibres have a triangular cross section with rounded corners. This reflects light at many different angles, thus giving silk a natural shine!!!!!

What Wikipedia has to say on silk production:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silk