Middle Earth Ranger Forum

SierraStrider wrote: Caedmon asserts, "we do have recovered silk in northern dark age & viking contexts, so since that's how it got there in historic times, trade routes and is a plausible explanation for elites"

Asserts?!??! Am I a minstrel that I Assert? Here's an article that details some VIking silk. https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2013/ ... ng-burial/

I know the ancient greeks sometimes made silk from wild silk worms, so i suppose it could fit. Tho, i still think it feels too "Oriental" to fit in the shire.

My understanding of viking-age silk is that it was used judiciously, mostly as decorative trim and the like rather than for full garments

However, there are fully silk lèine (which can be something from a chiton-like garment to a medieval shift) mentioned several times in some of the Irish literature, like the Tain Bo Cuailgne, such as the fairy woman in a green silk lèine with embroidery of gold thread and a purple brat (cloak), an outfit which must have been incredibly expensive in the minds of the audience at the time

In terms of LOTR applications, I've wondered how a merino wool/silk blend, perhaps with a bit of lanolin, might function as a (somewhat diminished) galadhrim cloak

In terms of LOTR applications, I've wondered how a merino wool/silk blend, perhaps with a bit of lanolin, might function as a (somewhat diminished) galadhrim cloak

ooooooh.... that sounds amazing.

Sorrel wrote: In terms of LOTR applications, I've wondered how a merino wool/silk blend, perhaps with a bit of lanolin, might function as a (somewhat diminished) galadhrim cloak

I actually have a raw-silk/linen blend scarf (yard square I use as a scarf anyway), and in terms warmth it actually seems to function better that the exact same thing made instead from wool of the same thickness

All the silk/wool blends I see are rather thin and aimed at couture, so I suspect it would need to be hand woven (more accurate to the books as well, I suppose). Better add a loom to the list...

it might be worth looking at upholstery suppliers if you're after something thicker? that's where I get most of mine

No such luck, unfortunately. It seems silk/wool blends are a rather niche luxury fabric and not much else