Silk

[bonsaihiker]

So, you never made the softbox, or you had some left over? I'd be curious how you made the softbox if you did, as that is something I'd like to do myself. To keep this thread on topic, feel free to PM me...

Re: the hammock, I'd wonder about the abrasion resistance of silk vs nylon/polyester, which would affect the weight bearing capabilities down the road. Standing up to use on the trail would be an important consideration, IMO.

[KerMegan]

if memory serves- nylon was invented/promulgated during ww2, as all the silk was diverted for the war effort- parachutes and etc, so silk stockings and clothing started being made of nylon- which mimicked several of silk's charateristics, but was more sturdy and washable..
just a thought- KM

[canoeski]

Because I don't know what quality the silk I have is, I'm hesitant to make a weight bearing hammock out of it. Especially since my intent was to have a warmer and lighter hammock. I don't think the silk was terribly expensive; something around $70 for enough to make a human-sized softbox. Check out that price tag and you'll understand why I was going to build one. Silk is also more heat resistant than nylon close to a photographer's light, which would probably benefit the hammocker as well.

Now I'm thinking a double layer hammock, using 1.1 Nylon Taffetta as the outer layer and the silk for the interior. Or, I wonder if the someone would be interested in making a custom top quilt for me...

I would be concerned about the difference in stretch between silk and nylon. Might create some unintended stress.

I'm not clear what the light box has to do with hammocks, unless you're doing phototherapy.

I have a silk bag liner that is comfy (for summer use). This may be a good use of the material you have. Or, perhaps the INNER lining of a quilt. I would still use a nylon with DWR for the outer shell.

[headchange4u]

Info on my silk hammock:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=109

[Trooper]

I'm not clear what the light box has to do with hammocks, unless you're doing phototherapy.

The softbox was the original plan for the silk. I never got around to buying a sewing machine, so I adapted, modified, and became satisfied.

[ConnieD]

Wisenber,

I saw the same pages and have wondered about the Thai 10mm Habotai silk.

How is the silk hammock?

[NCPatrick]

Is silk downproof? I mean, how well will it hold down in? Talk about your natural elements: silk and down.

Never mind. I found the answer here.