Page 22 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (107)

21 SOUTHERN MESSENGERS

Dream chasers transforming cocoons

into silk

化茧成绸的追梦人

In 2009, Gita Shrestha and Mohini Ma- Nepal Silk, explained, “Our spun threads
harjan came together to establish Nepal come in a variety of types. Some are del-
Silk. They shared a vision to preserve tradi- icate and smooth, others are tough and
tional silk craftsmanship, create job oppor- strong, while some are soft and comforta-
tunities for women, promote Nepalese silk, ble.”
and revitalize this ancient art form. The raw silk shawls are soft and drape
Upon entering the workshop of Nepal beautifully, the printed shawls are vibrant
Silk, you’ll find workers engaged in various and eye-catching, and the silk saris are
stages of silk production, from picking silk- stunning and elegant. “Our silk products re-
worm cocoons to crafting yarn. Once the flect traditional Nepalese characteristics, are
silkworm cocoons are acquired from local entirely handmade, and are highly sought
sericulturists and brought to the workshop, after by international consumers, resulting
they undergo careful screening and classi- in strong market demand,” Gita Shrestha
fication. High-quality, flawless cocoons are said proudly.
selected for silk production. After selection, Nepal Silk not only produces silk prod-
the workers boil the cocoons in hot water, ucts but also creatively utilizes silk cocoons
allowing the sericin in the cocoon layer to to make innovative items such as bath tow-
swell and dissolve, which facilitates the els and earrings. Additionally, silk cocoon
extraction of strong silk filaments. These extracts are used to create soap, while tea
filaments are then combined to increase the is brewed from mulberry leaves, expanding
strength and thickness of the silk thread. the application of traditional Nepalese silk
Following this, a machine is employed to into various facets of daily life.
spin the yarn, which is evenly wound onto a Currently, Nepal Silk has established
cylinder to take shape. Finally, the moist yarn direct and indirect supply relationships with
is thoroughly dried in the sun, preparing it for approximately 100 farmers, creating job
storage, transportation, and weaving. opportunities for the local community and
Gita Shrestha, one of the co-founders of enhancing the livelihoods of the villagers.