I am in the process of a silk scarf project, using 20/2 silk for both warp and weft. This seems to be a project doomed from the start. I have never woven with silk before. Getting it onto the warping board went smoothly. Looked great. Felt like I was on top of it!
Started my warping front to back (my first mistake I believe)....threaded reed. Went well. Threaded heddles. No problem. 30 epi in 15 dent reed (2 per dent). Got all set up to wind the warp onto back beam and as I began the first few rotations I began to see the fibers fusing and creating bunches of ugly clumps that I slowly began separating. Painful! I did make my way through getting the warp on the back beam, however about 5 or 6 threads broke and will need to be replaced. Planning to set those in with weights.
I am very worried about how this will proceed with the weaving. Is there anything else I can do to strengthen the warp threads and minimize the fusing. I am guessing I am going to struggle with this. Ideas are welcome. Also read about spraying with spray starch - is it too late to do this??
Thanks friends!
Nancy