Borocera Silk

Wild Borocera Silk is hand spun in the central highlands of Madagascar. This gorgeous "thick and thin" yarn is imported into Rwanda as a single ply. Then the women of Handspun Hope ply and hand-dye it organically with mostly native Rwandan plants.

Each skein is at least 109 yards and 50g, but because they are handspun, the weight of each skein will vary. When choosing a project, look for something that drapes and highlights the spectacular texture of the yarn.

Pattern Suggestions:
Ranunculus - pullover on big needles
Sophie Shawl 

Age of Brass and Steam
Close to You
May I Borrow This Please?
Hipster Cowl

Colors may vary slightly from what you see on your screen.

Impact

Conservation initiatives focusing on Borocera silk empower local communities and the women of Voajanahary by providing them with an alternative source of income. Rather than resorting to logging or other ecologically damaging activities, women are taught sustainable sericulture techniques to cultivate and harvest silk cocoons, which they legally collect from Isalo National Park. This newfound economic opportunity has led to a shift in mindset, where local Malagasy people become guardians of the Tapia rainforests, protecting the very source of their livelihoods.

Wild Borocera silk is a shining example of how conservation and sustainability can go hand in hand. By harnessing the allure of this exquisite material, Malagasy women and men alike are preserving the Tapia rainforests and their inhabitants, enriching the lives of local communities, and promoting ethical practices on a global scale.