Did you know that silk is probably the most ecological natural fabric for clothing? It requires very little in energy. It supplies work to many poor farmers in countries in China and the rest of the Far East. All the raw material it requires are the silkworms, which are really caterpillars, and mulberry leaves.

The moths, the blind flightless moth called Bombyx mori, lay hundreds of eggs. When the eggs hatch they begin eating mulberry leaves until they are about three inches long, look like stretched white marshmallows, and are ready to spin cocoons. After a few days the cocoons are finished and allowed to dry. Next the cocoons are dipped in hot water to loosen the filament that can stretch to a kilometer in length.

Silk is also the strongest thread which is why it was used to cover the wings of early airplanes–strength without weight. Fragments have been unearthed and dated to 1100 BC. It was so prized in China where it was first made that anyone trying to sneak it out of the country was subject to a death sentence.

I think to slide between silk sheets must feel totally luxurious. What feels luxurious to you?