A Pashmina Shawl is made through various processes in Pashmina Art. It starts with procuring the finest Cashmere from Ladakh. The finest Cashmere is procured and crafted manually in Kashmir Valley. Thus, defining the Pashmina Art as the crafting of the finest Cashmere for several accessories. The serene and intricate processes are worth the luxury. The several styles include Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves and Pashmina Shawls. In addition, the various designs cherish the presence of fine Cashmere. Therefore, diverse designs with a distinct array of colours supremely confer to the luxurious fashion.
The journey begins in the Changhthanghi
The procurement of fine Cashmere happens at the feet of Changthangi Mountain, Ladakh. A rare breed of Goats dwells there. The temperature in Changhthanghi goes to a minimum of -40°C. The harsh climate instigates the Changra goats to develop thick wool on their bodies. Thus, they succeed in combating the cold weather. Changra goats are medium-sized goats with two twisted horns. The wool they develop is the finest. It is called Cashmere wool. The diameter of the wool is 12 to 16 microns.
It is known that the Ladakhi Cashmere is the finest among all the Cashmere produced in the world. There are several breeds of Cashmere producing Goats. But, the Changra Goats produce the finest and supreme quality Cashmere wool. Although, the amount of production is only 1% of the total production.
The journeyof Pashmina Shawl moves forward in the Valley of Kashmir
When the finest Cashmere from Ladakh reaches the Valley of Kashmir, the Pashmina Art starts. The tufts of wool in small packets reach the cleaning section. The Cashmere wool is cleaned and soaked. Thus, getting all the grime and dust out. The next process is the drying process. All the cleaned wool is dried in the sunlight to preserve the high quality. The next step is the process of distributing the cleaned Cashmere wool to the households for Spinning. Spinning is the process of translating Cashmere wool to fine Cashmere yarn. The process is done on the wooden wheel called yinder. The whole process is mainly done by women. They whirl the Cashmere wool with the skill of their hands. This presents the finest Cashmere wool.
The Cashmere wool obtained is transferred to the next step of Weaving. Weaving is done on the wooden handloom made up of forest wood. The finest Cashmere yarn is translated into the supreme Cashmere fabric. The Cashmere base is worked upon to make several Pashmina Shawls. Weaving is mainly done by the men in local workshops or karkhanas. In the local workshops, there are several handlooms set up for the process of Weaving. The handlooms are worked upon by the artisans in a supreme manner. Thus, creating the base of fine Cashmere for the making of Pashmina Shawls.
The dimensions for Pashmina Shawl from fine Cashmere base
The styles in Pashmina Art differ in two aspects. One is the dimensions and either the designing process. There are mainly three styles in Pashmina Art. Therefore, fine Cashmere accessories have three styles. They are Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves and Pashmina Shawls. Thus, there is a vast difference in the dimensions of each style. Thus, presenting diverse options and ways to make life luxurious. Cashmere Scarves are mainly of two sizes viz; 80in x 14in/2m x 35cm and 80in x 28in/2m x 70cm. In addition, there are particularly three designs in the Cashmere Scarves style. They are, Solid or Plain Cashmere, Ombre Cashmere Scarves and Swarovski Crystals Cashmere Scarves. Next is the Cashmere Wraps style, which is mainly of one dimension that is; 80in x 28in/2m x 70cm. Thus, the designs in Cashmere Wraps are numerous. There are mainly nine types of designs in Cashmere Wraps.
The next fine accessory style is the Pashmina Shawls. Pashmina Shawls are mainly of three sizes viz; 80in x 40in/2m x 1m, 90in x 45in/2.2m x 1.1m and 110in x 55in/2.8m x 1.4m. The dimensions in the Cashmere base gives rise to such eloquent styles. In addition, the Pashmina Shawls have a diverse range of designs. The various designs are Solid, Ombre, Reversible, Patterned. The Pashminas are also emblished with contemporary Prints, French Chantilly Laces and original Swarovski Crystals. The most luxurious Pashminas are Hand Embroidered and Kani Pashminas. There is the utmost intricacy in each style and every design. Pashmina Shawls are designed in several ways. Therefore, all the steps in making a Pashmina Shawl are eloquently precise and intricate.
The designing of Pashmina Shawls
The designing of various styles occurs after the translation of Cashmere wool to Cashmere yarn. The faith of a Pashmina Shawl is determined as per the design. In Solid Pashmina Shawls, the next process after Spinning is the basic Weaving. In addition, the weaving is done marvellously. The unique and traditional chasm-e-bulbul or diamond weave is presented. It is the basic and traditional weave. Next is the Ombre design of Pashmina Shawls. Ombre Pashmina Shawls are the contemporary style Pashmina Shawls. In addition, there is a wide spectrum of colours with diverse shades dyed on the fine fabric. The opulent gradation presents a bold and serene look.
Moreover, the Reversible, Patterned and Kani designs in Pashmina Shawl are the result of magical weaving. The Weaving is done in different ways to present the Reversible Pashmina Shawl as it is also called Do-rukha. Further, the Patterned Pashmina Shawls are given several patterns by the intricate weave. In Kani Weave, there is the usage of small sticks called Kanis that are used in making a Kani weave Pashmina Shawl. Also, the Kani weave is the intricate and traditional weave of the Valley.
In Embroidered Pashmina design, there are distinct hand embroideries done by needle and thread. The artisans work eloquently on the surface of the finest Cashmere. Thus, presenting the world-class Hand Embroidered Pashmina Shawls. Similarly, the skill of hand is seen in the Laced Pashmina Shawls and Swarovski Crystals Pashmina Shawls. Therefore, the precise and diligent amalgamation of Lace and Swarovski Crystals enthral the Pashmina Shawls. These also add to the luxury of Pashmina Shawls. Furthermore, the Printed Pashmina Shawls are contemporary designed Shawls.
Also read: AN ESSENCE OF THE MAKING OF PASHMINA SHAWLS
The Exclusive Collection of Pashmina Shawls
We, at pashmina.com precisely showcase the traditional heritage of the Kashmir Valley. Also, the various designed Pashmina Shawls are picked directly from the karkhanas in Kashmir Valley. Therefore, the exquisite collection offers an opulent presence in the fashion world. In addition, the artisans work meticulously in Pashmina Art. It is to be noted that Pashmina Art is the crafting of the finest Cashmere from Ladakh. Having one of the masterpieces of the Pashmina Art collection will enhance your presence on every occasion.