Exquisite Saga of Pashmina Shawls
The history dates back to the 15th century in the Kashmir Valley of India. The footprints of a saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani from the middle east came to Kashmir with 700 craftsmen to adorn the beauty of the valley and to spread the holy message. The saint landed its appearance in the Changthang Mountain in Ladakh. While perceiving nature, he locked his eyes on the Goat of marvelous wool. Awestruck with the softness and fineness of the wool, he made socks out of it and gifted them to the Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen of Kashmir Valley. By the beauty of Pashmina wool, suggested making an industry that cultivates the Pashmina wool in desirable styles. Even the name Pashmina, derived from the Persian word, pashm, meaning "the soft gold" is exquisite in being.
The realm of creativity cherishes every dimension of a Pashmina Shawl. Several procedures for the creation of serene Pashmina Shawls are explicit. Moving with the bygone days of Pashmina's history, the curation defines itself in the most unique ways. Moreover, the skill along with the culture of the valley profound the horizon of creativity.
Pashmina Shawls-From the lap of finest Cashmere
Cashmere from the undercoat of different types of exquisite Goat breeds is obtained. Cashmere, procured from the downy and wooly pelage of the different breeds of Goats from around the world especially from Mongolia, China, Iraq, Iran, Nepal is of premium quality. Pashmina Shawls, specially made from the fleece of the Changra breed of goats is the finest. The Cashmere from the feet of Changthangi mountain of the Ladakh region is the finest among all. These are the finest fleece from the rarest breed of Changra belonging to the tribe of Changpa who are the traditional herders of Changra Goats. Therefore, they start their journey in the commencement of the creation of Cashmere.
Changra goat being combed gently
The Cashmere wool grown on the Changra goats is to combat the harsh winter season. Moreover, to overcome the heat of nature, it naturally sheds off fleece during the molting season. The fleece is combed or plucked out manually as well. Thereby, cultivated from nature to cherish every part of fleece. The premium quality, preserved by plucking out the fleece manually is a divine process. Furthermore, the fleece grows toward the steps ahead for the curation of high-quality Pashmina Shawls.
Look upon the meticulous Weaving
The finest and vivid fleece, brought to the loom to make versatile pashms are wholly cleaned. Then, bringing the fleece of Cashmere to pour the quality of highness by cleaning the fibers. Afterward, the clean fibers are dried and soaked in the cast of sunlight. The Changthangi fleece, chosen on its quality is moved ahead. The diligent picking starts off. Cashmere wool, thereby translated into delicate yarn by the meticulous process called Spinning. Moreover, the artisans of the valley with the most skill in their beings work hard upon the ravishing yarn. The handloom, used for the process of weaving Cashmere wool and adorning the ravishing Pashmina Shawl is natural. Consequently, the Cashmere fibers, woven manually and gradually giving rise to a meticulous Pashmina. Moreover, the weaving and interweaving of the pashms are accompanied by the handwork of artisans. Thereby, curating them into Pashmina, bliss for the souls.
The faith of a Pashmina Shawl
After the drying of the pigmented Pashmina Shawl, creating the pattern in a way is the next stop for the elegant Pashmina Shawls. Different Pashmina Shawls bring distinct faiths to themselves. Artists of high skill procure the highly exquisite designs for each masterpiece of Pashmina Shawls. From Solid Pashmina Shawls to Kani Pashmina Shawls, the artists divinely define the beauty of designs and patterns.
Relishing styles of Pashmina Shawls
The Kashmir valley brings joy to several motifs and designs in the form of various styles of Pashmina. The enthralling appearance of Solid Cashmere defines the beauty of creativity. Also, the reversible and Patterned Pashmina forms the collage of exquisite and vivid craft. In addition, the Kani weave Pashmina exuberates the ability of the artisans in the most unique form. Moreover, the traditional and cultural designs of Printed Cashmere are explicitly exclusive. The embellished versions of Pashmina in several styles perform the role of confetti on the top of the cake. The Laced and Swarovski Crystals Pashmina explicitly defines royalty in the craft of heritage.
In addition, the intricacy in the Hand Embroidered Pashmina looks upon the cloud of opulent handwork. As per the requirement, the color of the yarn is selected. The designers dive into various color combinations in order to meet the design needed. Moreover, the choice of colors for the Pashmina shawls is the most divine and creative process as colors act as the soul for the eyes of the onlookers. The beatitude, was never forsaken on any basis, and the selection of colors thus thrust upon the creativity of the designer and artisan.
]]>Kashmir shawls are a symbol of luxury and elegance. Only a woman knows the feeling of wearing Kashmiri shawls. The most important quality of these shawls is their softness. Here are some interesting and surprising facts about Kashmiri shawls that you never knew!
Kashmiri embroidery Shawls are also known as pashmina shawls because they are made from the hair of pashmina goats which are found on the high plains of Tibet and Nepal. These shawls are considered to be the symbol of royalty. These pashmina goats are rarely found and the fleece they produce is also limited.
The making of these shawls has given employment to a lot of people. The pashmina fibers are manually sorted and cleaned before the weaving process. The undercoat of these goats are first cleaned and then the fibers are sent for weaving.
The quality of all types of Kashmiri shawls is amazing and the wool used is very soft and fine. Most of the international brands use these Indian shawls for sale as they are made using one of the finest and superior quality wool in the international market.
The price of these shawls is very high as it is very fine wool made by highly skilled weavers and has unique embroidery. While some shawls are made on handlooms, there are others which are still handmade and can take six months to one year to make one shawl.
Earlier pashmina wool was not dyed so these shawls were mostly brown, white, grey and black in colour. Later, they were dyed with colours of blue, red, yellow according to the changing fashion. The Kashmiri shawls were famous among the rulers of that time also.
We can identify these shawls by the softness of pure pashmina or by the skill of the work. In the 17th century the floral patterns were famous on the Kashmir shawls as Mughal emperors favored flower designs in their textiles, architecture and works of art.
Traditionally, both women and men Kashmiri shawls have been famous with an exception to wearing style. The way of wearing these shawls also depends on the pattern or designing of these shawls.
If the shawls have all over work than it would be draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the body. If only borders of the shawls are woven than it would be better to wear them around neck like a scarf or we can also tie the shawl around the waist.
The Kashmiri shawls are considered to be antique and a sign of royalty even today. It is a fact that Kashmiri fabrics in India are eight times warmer than normal sheep wool. Most pashmina shawls are of natural cream colour. These shawls have a high demand in the international fabric industry especially in the US and European markets.
Woolen Kashmiri shawls have become a status symbol over past few years. The people who wore Kashmir shawls are considered of high class. We cannot ignore the fact that a lot of people are earning their livelihood by engaging themselves in different stages of production of these shawls. It takes a lot of time to weave one pashmina shawl.
Pashmina designer shawls online that are available across many ecommerce platforms are hand woven by skilled and expert artisans of Kashmir. These shawls are not a cup of tea for any other craftsmen. They require expertise and adept skills to perform such a magnificent piece of work. This art of weaving finest Kashmiri embroidery is passed on from one generation to other and has become a tradition in Kashmir.
Whether you buy Kashmiri shawls online or approach a local wholesaler or retailer, Kashmiri shawls and hand embroidery designs need special care and storage precautions. Keeping them unused for a longer time can damage their fibers.
Do not wash them at home, always dry clean them for a long life.
Buy pure and classy Kashmir shawls from Sufna. The trendy and vibrant designs at Sufna are just like a wine that intoxicates us with its texture and its softness. Buy pashmina shawls online today or in person at our home-based store in Ajax and delve into the world of sophistication and elegance.
]]>If you are looking for a Kashmiri shawl, Kani is indeed one of the best pashmina you can ever buy. Kani Shawl is spun by using traditional wooden needles on a handloom. The Mughal pattern crafted over them strikes a bewitching spell on every woman.
Kani Shawls have been registered under GI i.e. Geographical Indication Act given by The Craft Development Institute. These shawls are made as per predefined designs. The specialty of these shawls is that they have knots and only trained craftsmen have knowledge to do it the right way.
Kani shawls are like an ethereal treat for craft lovers and have a unique and timeless demeanor. The beautiful patterns, soothing colors and elegance make them a perfect pick for not only the art lovers but also the fashionistas across the globe.
How is Kani woven? – The Technique
Kani Shawls are just an exclusive and extraordinary expression of art. The shawl is woven using wooden needles or wooden sticks known as Tujis or Kanis. The intricacies of weft weaving can easily be seen in the making. These Kashmiri shawls score pretty high in the eyes of craft patrons.
Most of the Kani shawls are made using 80% cashmere and the rest 20% is shared by silk and other wool to give strength to the fabric. But, these shawls impart a more classy and ethereal look when they are made in 100% pure cashmere wool.
The most surprising fact is that every Kani artisan is able to weave only one inch every day. Their patience level is unbelievable. Sometimes it depends on the labyrinth patterns as well as the complexity of the designs.
It may take up to 3 to 36 months to complete a Kani shawl completely depending on the complexity of the design.
Sufna brings to you a wide range of beautiful and eclectic Pashmina Shawls.
Buy Pashmina shawl online and be the next-gen style icon of your group!
]]>With Sufna, our goal is to bring you best traditional jewelry from local artisans in India. With this blog, you will know of ways to take care of your jewelry so it lasts long.