I’m raising some silkworms again. As a reminder. Of why. And how. And who I am.
I’m raising them from seed (eggs) and purchased 3 types- white, green, and pink cocoons. Previously, I have only raised white and yellow cocoons.
I have been wanting to do another (smaller than last time-1000) batch and now have 200 or so of each of the above. It seemed the perfect time as I was recently asked to step in to do a “career day” in a South LA Elementary school that was lacking parents who could come and do presentations. SO, Trevor, Phil and I will all go and do our thing next Tuesday. I wonder if parents really want their kids to be musicians, dyers or sericulturists…
At least we will be entertaining and make them wonder.
Here is the beginning-
Shibori Girl 
Wow, certainly links your passion and life work to these fascinating creatures. Thank you for the video.
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it’s all connected.
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i think your family would have inspired ME as a child.
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the kids will wonder for sure. but parents want their kids to be more pragmatic, less idealistic. i get it. money, blah blah blah. but it is possible. you just have to see it. and believe it.
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When we were children almost every child in my primary school class was raising silkworms at home. In the 1950s people had bigger gardens and mulberry trees were common. Part of the day was climbing a neighbor’s tree for fresh food. We did the same for our children, but sourcing leaves was more difficult. I think all children should have this wonderful experience – 60 plus years later I’m still amazed by it.
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I learned about silkworms on a field trip in elementary school in Yokohama, Japan. In our city here, most of the elementary schools had a mulberry tree planted on school grounds just for the purpose of raising silkworms. The trees still exist on most sites but are not used for this purpose any longer. Loss of wonder…
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This is fascinating and wonderful. ..how excellent. …best of luck…a worth while endeavor. ..not necessarily monetary. …
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no, but full of value!
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Opening up a child’s mind may not have monetary benefits, which languish, but instilling a sense of wonder about our universe is a long lasting one that hopefully keeps them on that path so we can be partners in taking care and protecting the world in which we live. Thank you for doing that for these kids.
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maybe just one will someday say… “i remember when i saw my first silkworm and learned where silk came from” or, “i remember that day when i met that percussionist”. that’s enough.
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I envy those lucky children who will “bathe” in your knowledge.
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i’m giving each one a cocoon i raised to take home. to wonder more and remember.
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I have a 10 yeAr old boy… — trust me– they’ll love it!! I hope you can bring the worms and what they produce so they can see the whole process! It’ll give them a real sense of history, clothmaking, artists, in. A whole new way! So cool!!
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yup. have worms cocoons, silk, thread, mulberry leaves…and much more.
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this was great!
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