First day of "Silk: Moth to Cloth"
Today is the first day of our summer program “Silk: Moth to Cloth.”
Silk is often called the most beautiful of all textile fibers. It is so beautiful in fact, that it is hard to believe that all silk comes from a cocoon that is part of the life cycle of a moth! Thought to be delicate, silk is actually one of the strongest fibers known. A single strand of silk can support many time its own weight and once it is reeled from a cocoon, silk can be spun and be woven into cloth. Silk can be dyed and painted, and its elegant sheen has always suggested sophistication and affluence. In 18th century Deerfield, imported Chinese silk clothing was worn by wealthy men and women, and young girls chose silken thread to embroider their finest samplers.
· Daily through August 14th (noon to 4:30 p.m.), visit the education room in the History Workshop to learn more about silk.
· We are raising live silkworms. Visitors can see the silk worms and learn about the process of making cloth from cocoons.
· Make a painted silk bookmark to take home.
· Take a copy of the “Silk Road” to guide you to see silk-related sites in Deerfield.
Today’s visitors have included Fiona with her family from Silver Spring, Maryland. See her painted silk bookmark. 
Richard and Janette drove up from Wolcott, Connecticut. Janette painted the bookmark with the tulip design. 