Another overlooked but commonly available fiber is the down from the milkweed plant. These plants grow as weeds all over the Americas and in somewhat different versions in most of the world. Like thistledown and some other alternative fibers, it is a very shiny, slippery fiber with poor clinging ability. It is hard to get it to hold together, but when combined with other fibers it can not only extend fiber content, but add the wonderful luster of the silky milkweed.
The positive qualities of the down as a fiber source is that it is very smooth with a high luster. It can add a glint to your cotton projects. It does not accept dye very well due to its high mineral content, but can add a nice shiny mottled effect to your hand-spun cotton yarns. It is also fire-resistant due to the high silica (a mineral) content of the fiber. It was used with the finers from the stems of the milkweed to make candle wicks which would char rather than burn up too quickly.
On the negative it is a hard fiber to spin when used alone and also has poor dye reception.
To prepare, pick the pods when still green and unopened. Split them with your finger and pull back the green husk. Inside is something that looks rather like a fish covered with scales. The light brown scales are the milkweed seed. If picked early enough the seed will rub of the slightly damp down still connected to the inner pod. Give it a quick rub,and remove the seeds, and then pluck off the down into a separate pile.
The down should be clean and lusterous. Since it is a bit damp and sticky at this point you may want to spin some up immeadiately. I usually mix it with a bit of cotton and give it a quick carding. Then spin away!
The resulting yarn will be as shiny as some silks with the nice bonus of fire resistance. Give this humble common weed a try as the newest addition to your fiber agenda. Happy spinning!
Lili
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