Thread from milk? Who would have thought?

[QuilterLynn]

When German microbiologist and fashion designer Anke Domaske witnessed firsthand her stepfather’s struggles with skin irritation as he underwent cancer treatments, she was inspired. She experimented for two years, and finally came up with QMilch, a fiber made almost entirely from milk protein. For her invention Domaske was recently given the innovation award from Germany’s Textile Research Association.

Milk fibers have been around for almost a century, but what makes QMilch different is that it is made without any chemicals. Combine this lack of industrial additives with a fiber that’s soft and smooth as silk, and the resulting fabric is perfect for those with sensitive skin. QMilch starts out as certified organic milk that does not meet Germany’s strict standards for human consumption. The milk is then reduced to a powdered protein which is boiled and pressed into strands that are spun and woven.

from Weaving Today, Feb. 22, 2012

[loise98]

Well, I knew that both silk and wool are protein fibers, but now we have milk too. Have you used it, Lynn? Lois

[Reetzbobeetz]

I wonder would you have to avoid it if you had a dairy intolerance or milk allergy? Sounds interesting though doesn't it?

[QuilterLynn]

Have not used it.

Found this blurb in my Weaving newsletter. I feel it's my duty to report on unusual things! ha I didn't acquire the nickname "Huntly-Brinkly" accidentally in the 70's! ha

Now THAT does date me, doesn't it?

[QuilterLynn]

LOL! I was just going to say that you DO come up with some strange information. Thanks for sharing--always good to learn new things.

[lotti]

thanks for this info - i really want to get some of the QMilch fabric - sounds so intriguing - will have to look around

[lotti]

Lynn, you do seem to have a news source which brings the strange and unusual items but they are either beautiful, like crocheting with glass, or just plain interesting like this one! I hope you keep sharing! Thank you!

[lotti]

Have not used it.

Found this blurb in my Weaving newsletter. I feel it's my duty to report on unusual things! ha I didn't acquire the nickname "Huntly-Brinkly" accidentally in the 70's! ha

Now THAT does date me, doesn't it?

Love the snippets you bring us - but you will have to explain your nick-name to late sixties baby on the other side of the pond - please! cos for me anything that starts 'Huntly' makes me think of Huntley & Palmers who make biscuits over here!

[QuilterLynn]

Chet Huntley and David Brinkley were THE news team for Public Broadcasting Service for years and years. Highly revered, and respected. A good friend always called me that because I had a way of finding the MOST unusal tidbits and bringing them to our conversations. I guess my interest is just piqued by the rare and unusual. Maybe I deserve a spot on Ripleys! ha

Nope not biscuits but I could eat one.