Oh you might just once imagine that,
From bugs and earth came that Ikat
And silken tops you now adorn
Looking stylish, away from worm.

Around the world, we celebrate you,
Tussah, Muga, Ahimsa silk, too,
For without you, wild pupae, where would we be?
(Probably writing odes about setting you free).

The Buddhist Jains can’t rival this path,
This love for you (and Sylvia Plath),
This tender affection I feel when I wear
An airy silk blouse or new underwear.

It’s a wild immersion, a fashionable tool,
and all from you and your internal spool.
The weavers are spinning your thread into hanks
And I am alone here giving thanks.

Oh, wild moths, spread your wings in flight
And flutter into the mystical Indian night!
Off to that secret place where winged goes free
And you become more than just entomology.

Image: fra.ps

The post Ode to the Wild Pupae appeared first on EcoSalon.

The UK is in the grip of the coldest winter in years and in recent weeks heavy snowfalls have blanketed much of the country. Even London had about a foot of the white stuff last week – the heaviest snowfall in two decades – and there’s no sign of it warming up any time soon. Meanwhile, in North America, you’re set for another six weeks of winter – at least according to Punxsutawney Phil.

Why not rug up with one of these beautiful artisanal woolen scarves? The wool is sourced from Britain, the yarns are spun in a specialist wool mill in Cornwall and then woven by artisan weavers in Wales. The company, Blacker Designs, started in 1991 and uses traditional methods on a commercial scale.

From the website:

Wool and other natural fibres are sustainable, high performance raw materials providing warmth, insulation and comfort. We believe it is wrong to use oil-based or high energy alternatives, particularly when such a wonderful resource is finding it difficult to pay its way.

When good design is used, these fibres can be turned into classic, elegant and hard-wearing products that reward those who value and care for them. We believe in creating things to last.

The company recycles most of the waste it produces and tries to keep the remainder to a minimum. By buying British wool, they are supporting local farmers and thus helping to protect the UK countryside from encroaching urbanization.

The scarves come in three main yarns – alpaca, Shetland and Jacob wool with mohair – and some of the special edition scarves also contain Tussah silk (which means the silkworms are not killed). The company claims that all the scarves are soft to the skin and you can either go for natural greys and browns, or bright candy-colours instead. They also have a lovely range of throws and blankets – and knitting yarns for the craft enthusiast.

Stepney Green Park, London

The post Rug Up with a Natural, Woolen Scarf appeared first on EcoSalon.