The explicitly divine Art of Pashmina has been in the old-age history of the valley of Kashmir. The looking of the clouds from above the roofs of houses in the valley, filled with the craft of Pashmina is explicit. Moreover, the journey of Cashmere from Ladakh to Kashmir Valley is explicit.

The journey of the Pashmina dates back to the 13th century in the Kashmir Valley of India. The footprints of a saint 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 on Changthangi Mountain in Ladakh. While perceiving nature, he locked his eyes on the Goat of marvellous wool. Enthralled with the softness and fineness of the wool, he made socks out of it and gifted them to the Sultan of Kashmir Valley. By the beauty of Cashmere wool, he suggested making an industry that cultivates Cashmere wool in desirable styles and designs.

Path of procurement of Cashmere for Pashmina Art

From the destination of the Cashmere wool in the moment of Pashmina Art, each process is explicit. In the valley of Kashmir on the handloom preoccupied with the artisans of great valour and perception, the journey starts. The journey is bestowed with the songs of harmony between Pashmina Art and the artisan. Looking below from the heaven of Art, Pashmina visibly portrays the description of every artisan and shines within their souls.

Procuring from the Changra Goats of the Changhthanghi region, Cashmere wool is defined. Pashmina Art gave away towards a place where it is celebrated with every one of its presence. The Cashmere wool develops on the Changthanghi Goats in Ladakh in the winter season to protect the Goats from the severe season. The cosy Cashmere wool takes a breath in this season over the body of Changhthangi Goats. Towards the spring, the Goats rub against the rocks to shed off the Cashmere wool to let the warmth take off their bodies. More often, the wool is combed out naturally by hand to preserve the virtue of nature. Afterwards, transfer to the Kashmir Valley.

Spinning in Pashmina Art

After the process of cleaning, the next step is the process of Spinning. It begins by giving the local women the Cashmere wool to spin fine Cashmere yarn. Also, the womenfolk of the valley mainly spin Cashmere wool. The process is done on the wooden wheel/ charkha is called yinder in the local language. Thus, the women artisans meticulously spin the Cashmere wool to the miraculously fine Cashmere yarn.

Weaving in Pashmina Art

Weaving is the next step in Pashmina Art. It is the process of crafting fine yarn into premium Cashmere fabric. The highly skilled artisans work on the handlooms set up in the local workshops/ karkhanas. Also, the handlooms are mostly made of forest wood. The artisans primarily men artisans work meticulously on the fine yarn. By creating magical warps and wefts using their hands and feet, the fabric comes into existence. Therefore, the supremely premium fabric, turned to the further steps of designing is explicit.

Pashmina Shawls - a devotion to luxury

After weaving a Pashmina Shawl, the journey of different fashions takes place on the unique path of Luxurious Pashmina. Diversified ways of creating these have made fashion visible over so many eras. The various types of Pashmina Shawls are on their way towards being Luxury. Also, the different processes they go through with the skilled hand of artisans from the valley illuminate the luxury over the face of Pashmina.

Solid Pashmina Shawls

The simple Pashmina shawls are woven from the handloom made of wood in the valley of Kashmir. The artisans create it with the love and handwork in their hearts and hands of diligent nature by solely weaving the pashminas in the form of warps and wefts to create a beautiful elegant Pashmina Shawl to make it to your worth of swirling onto the shoulders for the warmth and love.

Ombre Pashmina Shawls

The adjoining of various shades of colour procured on the Pashmina shawl itself with the skilled hand of rangur, the dyer. Moreover, ombre Pashmina is produced by the variation of colours. The Ombre Pashmina shawls are versatile and elegant in their gradations.

Reversible Pashmina Shawls

Diligently with valour woven with two different colours of threads on the handloom. Weaved with two different colours from either side of one single shawl provides the best of the most useful and elegant shawls in every season of offerings. It compliments all the attires of the fashion world as it's created with diligence and patience all along.

Patterned Pashmina Shawls

Procuring various basic and elegant patterns over the Pashmina shawl by weaving various patterns and designs in the form of warps and wefts. Moreover, there are diverse patterns like the classic strips, Textured, linear, and all the ways of geometric classic patterns.

Laced Pashmina Shawls

The precious French Chantilly lace embraced in the handcrafted Pashmina Shawls makes the look of these Pashmina shawls astonishing and fashionistas over the world subsume into these intricately designed beauties of laced Pashmina Shawls.

Swarovski Crystals Pashmina Shawls

The handcrafted Pashmina is ornamented by vivid and elegant Swarovski Crystals the hands of patience and intricacy. The ultimate look of the Pashmina Shawl brings about the best versions of the luxurious craft of Pashmina.

Printed Pashmina Shawls

The exquisite prints over the Pashmina shawls touch the distinct colours of nature by indulging in the process of uniqueness. The digital prints of various designs, traditional, contemporary, and religious, printed with the most efficiency to make the Pashmina Shawl as worthy as possible. The elegance and beauty belong to the creation of Pashmina in the cradle of the valley, thereby preparing for digital prints.

Hand-Embroidered Pashmina Shawls

The exquisite nature of hand-embroidered pashmina shawls has been an idea of love and luxury for the world. The various exquisite hand embroideries are, Sozni, Aari, Paper Mache, Katha, Tilla Dozi, etc. The handcrafted Pashmina Shawl with hand embroidery is the most aspired craft in the world of luxury. Also, the skill of artisans, the rareness of Pashmina itself, and the intricate hand embroidery done for years make this type of Pashmina Shawl luxurious in the world of Fashion.

Kani Pashmina Shawls

The Kanis have a colourful thread around to present their wefts in an already warped Shawl. Also, the weaving begins by galloping the colourful threads around the Kanis. Moreover, the artisans skillfully do the work with the hands of the heavens. A particular number of Kanis, is used for the weaving of one Kani shawl. Around 70 to 100 Kanis are used up for the design of a Kani shawl. Therefore, the explicit designs over the weave are the Jamawar, Chand dar, and Palla dar Kaji weave that exquisitely endeavours the rarest Pashmina’s luxury.

Shibori Pashmina Shawls

Shibori is a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique that produces scattered patterns on a Pashmina Shawl. Thus, the technique produces numerous different patterns on the Pashmina Shawl in diverse colours. The process of the Shibori designing technique has steps to create a beautiful array of patterns on the Pashmina Shawl. Firstly, the Pashmina Shawl is folded or tied with wooden blocks or clips in a pattern that the design prescribed. Depending on the resist-dyeing mastery chosen, there is the use of rubber bands, clips, clamps, or wooden blocks. Afterwards, the Pashmina Shawl is pinched and bound off in different ways to craft the exquisite prints of Shibori. Also, after the binding of the Pashmina Shawl, it is submerged in the dye bath. The dyes used are skin friendly as well as eco-friendly.

Cashmere Wraps - The exquisite accessory

The handcrafted Pashmina Wraps are the accessories that ravishingly explicit the beauty within the creation of a particular wrap. In the world of modernization, contemporary designs in the art of Pashmina is a must. Moreover, Pashmina in the form of wraps has reached heights unending as the hand-crafted wraps bestowed glamour in various directions of fashion and luxury. Thus, there are several designs and patterns in the creation of Cashmere Wraps viz., Solid Cashmere wraps, Ombre wraps, Laced Wraps, Swarovski Wraps, Printed Wraps, Embroidered Wraps, and Kani Pashmina Wraps.

The authenticity of the rarest and finest Cashmere, seen in the shadow of the Cashmere Wraps is exquisite. So, elegance with the creation of sustainable fashion is subsumed in the creation of radiant and ravishing wraps that go well with every attire of any kind. The Cashmere Wraps are among the Pure high-quality luxurious masterpieces that can be a revere to the presence of whosoever is wearing them. Therefore, the opulent Cashmere Wraps along with the creativity and hard work of artisans are the exquisite and extraordinary styles of Pashmina in the field of serene craft.

Also read: MUST HAVE CASHMERE GIFTS FOR THEM

Cashmere Scarves - The contemporary accessory

The Pashmina Scarves are the most stylish and elegant forms of Pashmina accessory. Moreover, belonging to the class of modernization in its Art, these are most cherished and admired for their unique utility and style for everyday life. Moreover, there are diverse styles in the creation of Pashmina Scarves. Each describes beauty without limits. Also, the luxurious Pashmina Scarves, worn to beautify the beautiful distinct patterns are fine. Thus, the Ombre Scarves look upon among the souls with the gratification of being the most opulent significance. In addition, the Swarovski crystals Cashmere Scarves relish the entire modernization and contemporary crafts.

Also read: ARE CASHMERE WRAPS A STYLE OF PASHMINA?

Pashmina.com, a pioneer of genuine Pashmina

The craft of pashmina is a lifelong craft that has defined the traditions and culture of the valley of Kashmir. Among the merriness of the creation, the recognition and hard work of artisans dwell on the hope of someday, they will be cherished by the souls for their zeal and faith. Pashmina as a craft has unravelled its journey with the artisans' hearts and hands of skill. Thus, Pashmina belongs to them and they belong to the Pashmina. Moreover, the journey of pashmina from eras has admitted itself to the valour of artisans. In addition, the dedication and creativity among their souls have been defining the luxury of Pashmina for ages.

In addition, modernization has affected the survival of pashmina as a high-quality craft as has indulged the machines and power looms to the craft. Moreover, it has affected the lives of artisans who work their days and nights for the revival of their livelihood and replenishing of the long craft of pashmina.

Also read: TURNING THE WAYS FOR THE PLEDGE OF FINEST CASHMERE

Have you ever thought of presenting admiration in the form of luxury? Embroidered Pashmina glancing up to the sky with the eyes of luxury is breathtaking in its being. Presenting the people of the world with the eminent Hand Embroidered Pashmina in the styles of distinct nature. Hand embroidered Cashmere Scarves, Hand embroidered Cashmere Wraps, and Hand-embroidered Pashmina Shawls are its branches with small explicit twigs of hand works like Sozni, Aari, Tilla Dozi, Papier Mache, etc.

Pashmina is the finest of crafts that have been worked upon by the most skilled Artisans. Moreover, by these exquisitely skilled hands of artisans of the valley of Kashmir, the intricacy in the handworks is attained. Embroidered Pashmina is the eldest Craft of the valley of Kashmir. Moreover, the craft has its heritage in the air and at every corner of the valley. Kashmir has been the sole region where the craft of embroidered Pashmina is excelled to its height from the 16th century. Moreover, Pashmina Craft has been cherished in the valley for ages. With the growing eras, the craft gleamed in many forms and diverse styles.

Embroidered Pashmina - A Dawn of graceful Craft

Every year the winter from the above world gallops the land near the mountains of Changthangh, India's northernmost mountain range. Moreover, the place is quite cold in winter. The creatures of nature, the goats termed Changra goats herded by the nomadic herders of the Changpa tribe. The Goat with the wool of excellence thereby herded by the people of the region is of a high-quality breed. The herd people love the hardest life as with harsh winters, the care of the Goats is all up to them. Moreover, in the coming spring, they comb out the wool and let it go through another process heading towards the creation of Cashmere. To this day, it's the Ladakhi Changpa breed that supplies the finest Cashmere wool to the valley of Kashmir.

Cashmere wool is the precursor of the finest Pashmina Art. Cashmere obtained from the downy undercoat of the Goats of the Himalayan region is the finest. The Changthanghi Goats from the region of Ladakh in India are rare. Harvested during the season of spring is favourable for these goats for shedding their undercoats. Moreover, combed during the moulting season by the skilled workers shows perseverance for the high quality.

On reaching the valley of Kashmir, it is cleaned and transformed into the gossamer fineness of Cashmere wool. The miraculously fine and delicate Cashmere wool manually spun over a wheel of wood called the yinder. With the work of diligent artisans, the Cashmere wool thus translated into Yarn of magic from where pashms, a Persian word for the king of fibres. Moreover, the weaving begins manually by the artisans of skilled diligence on a handloom. Therefore, Pashmina Art comes into the world through these many steps of divinity.

The distinguished way of Hand-Embroidered Pashmina

After the commencement of the creation of Pashmina and Cashmere, The weavers took the finest craft to the world of Artisans. The magical and meticulous designs over the Pashmina thereby touched by the dawn of intricate Hand Embroideries are breathtakingly explicit.

Elegant types of embroidery infuse with the skill of artisans who work hard for the revival of their resources. There are several Hand embroideries that believe in the magic of the hands of artisans viz; Sozni, Tilla Dozi, Aari, Papier Mache. Moreover, some specific motifs and designs culminate in the traditions of the valley reviving heritage in every masterpiece of Pashmina. The designs like; Buta/ Buti, Dor dar/ Neem dar, Hashi, Jalli, Jamawar, and Palla. Also, there are many motifs of flowers, nature, stories of heritage, and the most traditional Paisley.

Diversified Elegant Hand Embroideries

Sozni

Sozni, the hand Embroidery catered by the people of Kashmir is vividly finest. The men and women bestowed with the gift of Sozni are mostly farmers. Moreover, Sozni is the most sophisticated style of needlework. It is the most tremendous and delicate artistic needlework on the design given by the Naqash or designer. Thus embroidery is created by using a needle swaying in the hands of the artisan swirling it in the way nature has complimented the flowers and leaves around.

Moreover, patterns are crafted by many stitches viz; darning, double darning, herringbone, knots. Thus giving it a profound intricate look. The process itself is complex that needs the great skill of artisans who work diligently on every masterpiece. The jiggling of thread and needle gives an astonishing pattern that reaches up to the mark of genuineness. Also, the most popular motifs are abstract geometric designs, paisleys, flowers, and many other traditional motifs of uniqueness. Both sides of the shawl have a detailed workaround. The Sozni work has incorporated tradition in its creation for ages of the Embroidered Pashmina.

Tilla Dozi

Tilla Dozi is a very old form of hand embroidery that made its way during the saintly visit of a Muslim sage, Shah-e-Hamdan. He came to the valley with his 700 craftsmen. On his journey to the valley, he encountered the divine craft of Pashmina. Afterwards, he acquainted the kingdom of that era with exquisite handwork. The Craft was rose by the Mughal ruler, using the explicit pieces of Tilla in their courts. Originally the Tilla Dozi was done using real gold or silver by malleating them into fine sheets like threads. Eventually, these were only used by the royals and upper class. With growing time, Tilla Dozi witnessed further changes.

Moreover, this ravishing jewel-like embroidery compliments the royalty of a Pashmina. The entwining of the golden threads with the normal threads gives a gentle look to the design. Moreover, the look over the Pashmina with hand-embroidered Tilla gives a fascination in itself. With the skill of artisans that belong to the valley and who work over the artwork heartedly.

The Exquisite Hand embroidery, Tilla Dozi is explicitly the most ravishing and luxurious. It enhances the presence of Pashmina as a craft. Moreover, the craft of this embroidery is witnessing a decline due to machine work. Tilla artisans called the Tilla karigars are getting a drastic decline in their number. However, the people who are admirers of genuineness and the legacy of the Crafts of the valley are looking towards it with the same vigour. Embroidered Pashmina along the path Tilla Dozi creates the best Crafts in the world.

Papier Mache

The hand embroidery Papier Mache is luxurious in its being. In a literal way, it means the chewed paper derived from the French Word, Papier-mache. the embroidery is the essence of french influence over the Kashmir Pashmina. The Work is extensive taking several hours to complete one masterpiece. A series of flat stitches, the satin stitch, used to fill the background fabric for the design like flowers, and leaves are precisely done. It requires fine-quality silk threads that enhance the luxurious look. The design works in vivid and bright colours outlined in black colour. Thus, giving a unique embossed look over the Pashmina. Overlapping of the thread to give a flat design. The whole design proposes splendour in its way and thus preserving the Crafts of the valley. the hand embroidery that lets luxury drape over the shoulders in every season of the world.

Aari

Aari Hand Embroidery is one of the popular Embroidery in the valley of Kashmir and outside the valley. It's the art form, defined by the endless beauty preserved in every thread. Thus, considered one of the tedious forms of needlework. Thereby, extensively worked upon by the artisans of the valley to confer the exquisite craft over the hand-crafted Pashmina. It is a unique way of creating aesthetic embroidery with the pointed crochet needle, specifically tangling with pure silk thread. Hence, well defined as well as rich in the colour scheme prescribed by the designers. The artisan, the heart is filled with love for his crochet needle and making loops and using the thread extensively for the adornment of fashion. The different types of Aari embroideries cater to different spheres, especially the fashion world.

Hand-Embroidered Pashmina Shawls

The handcrafted Pashmina shawl was created with the softness of pashmina with the indulgence of skill of the artisans. They have reserved the integrity of the Handicrafts for ages in the Kashmir Valley. The heritage of Pashmina has made its way towards luxurious fashion. Hand Embroidery is the creation of intricate designs with the supplication of skilled artisans. The exquisite nature of hand-embroidered pashmina shawls has been an idea of luxury and beauty for the world. Moreover, there are given some contemporary ways to the nature of hand-embroidered Pashmina shawls to enhance the living world inside the designs. With time, the embroiderers have made their way to the place of saints in a craft that is unreached because of the explicit intricacy.

Also read: GUIDE TO CASHMERE | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CASHMERE

Hand Embroidered Cashmere Scarves

Hand Embroidered Cashmere Scarves are an example of a Sanctified craft. These are the most versatile in nature due to their several styles incorporated. The distinct and ravishing Handworks are Sozni, Papier mache, Tilla Dozi, and Aari. With needles and colourful threads twirling in the hands of skilled artisans, the artwork comes to life. These handcrafted Cashmere scarves cater to all the people out there, be they, men or women. These Opulent Cashmere Scarves make the best versions of Craft of Pashmina. Hand Embroideries are the life of the heritage of Kashmir Valley. Artisans from the valley have been sustaining all the natural ways of embroidering to preserve the essence of originality.

Hand-Embroidered Cashmere Wraps

Hand Embroidered Cashmere Wraps begin their journey in Changthang Mountain from where Cashmere wool is obtained from the Changra Goats. The Cashmere wool is meticulously woven to make the explicit Cashmere wrap. Afterwards, the Exquisitely Handwoven Cashmere is given to the skilled Embroiderers of the valley. Thereby, the meticulous and intricate hand embroidery is scribed over the Cashmere to make the craft touch the sky of genuineness and luxury. The Cashmere Wraps with most of the miraculous Hand Embroideries are bonafide for the fashion of contemporary style.

Also read: WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT CASHMERE?

Revival of Hand-Embroidered Pashmina

Pashmina.com is an online space that revives hand embroideries with their most original makings. It is the platform where the Pashmina is handcrafted proving high quality to be the main objective. Moreover, working day and night to preserve nature, is the precursor of the Pashmina by welcoming and encouraging sustainable fashion. Artisans in the sphere of Pashmina.com have managed to look upon the heritage more efficiently. thus, preserving the artisans as well as reviving the Pashmina Craft. In addition, the exquisite pashmina brings luxury over to you with the sky of fashion draped near the presence.

Also read: HOW TO WEAR A PASHMINA? | PASHMINA STYLING

Pashmina is the craft and the wool procured for it is the finest Cashmere. Cashmere is the finest wool produced on a rare goat's belly, neck, and ears region. They are called the Pashmina Goats. It is the Capra Hircus species of cashmere-producing Goats. The beauty of Pashmina is in the process of crafting the finest wool. The definition of fineness is reflected in the journey from Ladakh to Kashmir. The essence of Pashmina finds a way toward the genuineness and authenticity of the finest Cashmere.

Various breeds of Goats all over the world produce Cashmere wool. The numerous breeds are; Tibetan, Luliang, Hexi, Zhonghwei, Changhthanghi, etc. The rarest breed of goats is the Changhthanghi Goat which produces the finest Cashmere. The goats are called Changra goats or Pashmina goats. In addition, the Goats produce fine Cashmere wool once every year. Therefore, only around 80 to 170 gms of Ladakhi Cashmere are produced during a year. Therefore, considered the rarest. Also, other breeds of it produce several times more as there is almost 400 million Cashmere eliciting Goats all over the world.

How is the finest wool procured?

The Pashmina Goats live at the feet of Changhthanghi Mountain in Ladakh. The temperature goes to a minimum of 50 C. The goats are curled up in the pelage of wool around their body to protect them from the harsh climate. Eventually, in the summer season, the Goats shed off the excess wool against rocks and trees to get the fresh air of nature. Also, the herders of the Changpa tribe manually comb out the wool. Therefore, the wool is called Cashmere Wool. The thick pelage of wool was then packed to transfer to the valley of Kashmir for a glimpse of Pashmina Art.

The Pashmina Craft of the finest Cashmere

The Art of Pashmina begins as soon as the premium packets of fine Cashmere wool go through their cleaning process. The fine Cashmere wool is cleaned, dried, soaked, and moved ahead. The next step in the Art of Pashmina is the process of Spinning. Mainly, the process is done by womenfolk of the valley. The highly skilled women spin the fine Cashmere wool to the finest cashmere yarn. The meticulous spinning requires a wooden wheel, charkha also called yinder in the local language. The women spin the Cashmere Wool to the Cashmere yarn by spinning the wheel and at the same time elongating the wool to the yarn. Afterward, the Cashmere yarn is supremely whirled on the spindles with the thanchor, a wooden stick. Also, the process is called pranch. These are the basic steps in the curation of Cashmere yarn from the fine Ladakhi Cashmere wool.

Further, in the Art of Pashmina is the process of weaving. The weaving process is mainly done by the menfolk of the valley. The highly skilled artisans set up the handlooms in the local workshops/ Karkhanas. Afterward, the Cashmere yarn is brought up to the looms and the artisans work precisely with diligence. Thus, creating fine Cashmere fabric from meticulous Cashmere yarn. Thus, the Cashmere fabric further goes on to the designing step of Pashmina Art which is mainly done by men and women.

Various designing procedures are done on the Cashmere Fabric to get premium quality accessories. The luxurious quality Cashmere Scarves for Men are one of a kind. In addition, the Pashmina Shawls for men are highly luxurious. Also, the explicit designing of Men's Cashmere Scarves requires highly skilled artisans who have been serving the Pashmina Art with their high skill for generations.

How did Pashmina come into being?

It all started when a Persian saint was traveling across the globe. Mir Syed Ali Hamdani was a sage from the Middle East. 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. He rested his feet in the region of Changhthanghi Ladakh. Thus, the saint landed its appearance in the Changhthangi 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. Perceiving the beauty of Cashmere wool, suggested making an industry that cultivates the Pashmina in desirable styles. Even the name Pashmina, derived from the Persian word, pashm, meaning "the soft gold" is exquisite in being.

Also read: TYPES OF WOOL | KNOW WHAT YOU ARE WEARING

Pashmina.com embraces the Craft

We, at pashmina.com, embrace the beauty of handicrafts of Pashmina Craft. There is ethical procurement and glorious crafting. The beauty of Pashmina Art is the commemoration of highly skilled artisans. Artisans have inherited the craft through generations and there is an essence of intricacy and luxury in each masterpiece at pashmina.com.

Also read: HANDMADE PASHMINA VS MACHINE MADE PASHMINA - THE DIFFERENCE

There is a saying that "what you wear is beauty, how you wear is elegance". Wearing a luxury is a task for many people. There is beauty in draping a luxury like Shibori Pashmina Shawls. It not only makes you feel elegant but also shines over your presence with luxury. Shibori Pashmina Shawls are premium accessories of Pashmina Art. From the finest Cashmere to the exquisite Shibori style, elegance speaks of luxury in each colour and weave. After the procurement of the finest Cashmere from Ladakh, the crafting begins in Kashmir Valley. Therefore the crafting is called Pashmina. In the craft of Pashmina, Cashmere is destined to have several styles. One of several exclusive styles is the Japanese resistant dye technique called Shibori. Reaching the design of Shibori, there are a few steps of crafting.

Procuring the finest Cashmere for Shibori Pashmina Shawl

The creation begins in the horizons of the Ladakh region. The Changhthanghi mountain of the Ladakh region has the coldest temperature in winter. A rare breed of Goats dwells in its feet. The goats are of the Changra breed. Also called Cashmere Goats. These are medium-sized goats with two twisted horns. The Changra goats develop soft thick wool on their bodies to combat the low temperature. The wool is descriptively soft in appearance and thick in volume. Moreover, the wool is shed off during the summertime by the goats themselves against rocks and trees. Manually, the wool is also combed out by the herders of the Changpa tribe. The wool is called the finest Cashmere wool.

Afterwards, the tufts of wool are packed to transfer to the valley of Kashmir. There begins the Pashmina Art of crafting the finest Cashmere wool for diverse accessories.

Also read: THE TRAIL OF INDIA’S CASHMERE GOAT MEN

The Spinning and the Weaving

After the Cashmere wool reaches the valley of Kashmir, it undergoes the process of cleaning. The Cashmere wool is thoroughly cleaned to get the dirt, dust, and grime out. After the meticulous cleaning, the Cashmere wool goes into the journey of Spinning. The process of transforming the Cashmere wool into fine Cashmere yarn is Spinning. recisely done by the womenfolk of the valley on a wooden wheel called yinder. They move the wheel in a circular motion with one hand and with another hand they elongate the wool into yarn. Thus, creating fine Cashmere yarn from the Cashmere wool.

Afterwards, the Cashmere yarn is transferred to the local workshops/karkhanas for the process of weaving. Weaving is the process of precisely looming warps and wefts to create a thin and soft fabric of Cashmere. Done on the handloom made of forest wood. The handloom is worked upon by highly skilled artisans. The artisans work on the handloom by simultaneously using their feet and hands to create the woven Cashmere fabric. Mainly done by the menfolk of the valley.

Designing in Shibori Pashmina Style

Some diverse styles and designs lift the luxury of every piece in the most meticulous way. The diverse styles are Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves, and Pashmina Shawls. In these styles, several designs belong to the definition of luxury.

The bounty of designing the Shibori is mesmerizing in itself. The pigmentation of these takes place in the sphere of the local dyer called Rangur. The exquisite colours, dodged with authenticity in the Pashmina Shawls to scatter an aura of opulence in every direction. Shibori's technique of designing came into play after perfecting the Pashmina Shawl on a handloom.

Shibori is a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique that produces scattered patterns on a Pashmina Shawl. The technique produces numerous different patterns on the Pashmina Shawl in diverse colours. The process of the Shibori designing technique has steps to create a beautiful array of patterns on the Pashmina Shawl. Firstly, the Pashmina Shawl is folded or tied with wooden blocks or clips in a pattern that the design prescribed. Depending on the resist-dyeing mastery chosen, there is the use of rubber bands, clips, clamps, or wooden blocks. Afterwards, the Pashmina Shawl is pinched and bound off in different ways to craft the exquisite prints of Shibori. After the binding of the Pashmina Shawl, submerged in the dye bath. The dyes used are skin friendly as well as eco-friendly.

Also read: WHICH COUNTRY HAS THE BEST CASHMERE?

Wearing Shibori Pashmina Shawls

We have gathered 4 ways to wear your luxurious Shibori Pashmina Shawl.

1. Drape your shoulders

All you have to do is take your Shibori Pashmina Shawl wide open and drape it around your shoulders. It will provide warmth as well as elegance by having the finest Cashmere on your shoulders.

2. Alongside the Shoulder

Take your Shibori Pashmina Shawl and fold it lengthwise. Then put it on one of your shoulders and leave it there to reflect high-end fashion with a luxurious impression. You can use a brooch to secure it in the front.

3. The Drape of Union

Take your Shibori Pashmina Shawl and gold it lengthwise. All you have to do is drape it around your neck in a way that both the ends of Shibori Pashmina are at the same level at your front. You can use a belt around your waist to secure as well embellish the style manifold.

4. Resting on Arms

Take your Shibori Pashmina Shawl and fold it lengthwise. Now take both the ends around your arms and make them rest on your wrists. They should be on the same level in front of your body. This look goes great with dresses. The look enhances each section of tie and dye beautifully. Thus, alluring elegance with the grace of presence.

Also read: HOW DO INDIANS WEAR PASHMINA?

Pashmina shawls are considered a treasure and are honored and cherished all over the world. Owing to the acquisition of its raw material, its processing, designing, and patterning, a Pashmina shawl is something that women wait for. That is because it is handmade, and thus takes a few months to years to complete. Pashmina was once popular only among the affluent or royalty. It was and still is considered a luxury to have. The knowledge of handcrafting these opulent shawls needs expert skill and craftsmanship, and hence its original makers have passed down the techniques to their heirs. 

Having such great prominence, Pashmina shawls need proper care and management. The shawls are made out of Cashmere wool, which is immensely thin, fine, smooth, and soft. Hence, minutely harsh treatment is much more severe for it. The yarn of a Pashmina shawl is just 12 to 16 microns thick. This makes it one-fourth of human hair, whose thickness, on average, is 50 microns! Hence, washing, drying, ironing, storage, and general handling need special care. Here are some instructions which help with the proper maintenance of a Pashmina shawl, and thus extend its life to over 20 years. Let's start:

Washing Pashmina

Washing a Pashmina shawl can be a challenge. Customers often complain that after a single wash, their luxury wrap got damaged. This is because either they are wearing a fake Pashmina  (machine made, Cashmere yarn mixed with nylon/silk), or they employ a vigorous method to wash their shawls. This in turn makes their shawl lose its delicate fibre, and hence the shawl withers gradually. 

Washing a Pashmina should be gently done. The best way to clean it is by hand washing. Washing Pashmina with hands using a gentle Pashmina shampoo is the best method, according to fabric experts. Dry cleaning is the next best option, followed by washing Pashmina shawls in a washing machine (albeit in a different way)

Can Pashmina get wet?

If by chance a small portion of your Pashmina shawl gets wet, let it air dry, naturally. Do not use iron, or direct sunlight to make it dry.

Washing your shawl in a Washing machine

Pashmina shawls can be washed in washing machines too, provided you follow the following steps.

• Using cold water to wash the shawl
• Switch to the "hand wash" setting of the washing machine.
• Put the spin on low.
• Place the shawl in mesh bags first to avoid it getting tangled anywhere around.
• Use only Pashmina shampoo (also called cashmere shampoo) to wash it.
• Remove it from the washer as soon as its wash cycle ends, to prevent any wrinkle formation.
• Washing Pashmina in a washing machine should be the last alternative and should be done when nothing else is available.

Drying your shawl

Post-washing comes with the drying of a Pashmina shawl, which is as care worthy as washing it. Fabric experts strictly prohibit customers from drying a Pashmina shawl out in the sun, lest it loses colour. In addition to this, one can't even hang a Pashmina shawl when it is wet, or it loses its shape. The best way to dry a Pashmina is to roll it in a dry, clean towel and let it lay flat on the floor to air dry. It should be air dried and never ever should it be tumble dried. That is the biggest NO-NO. Let it lay flat on the floor for days together, but do not use shortcuts. 

Ironing a Pashmina

If at all you feel the need to iron a Pashmina shawl, use a steam iron. Prevent direct heat to come in contact with your luxury shawl. 

If for some reason, you do not have a steam iron, you can use normal iron too, but not directly. Keep a cotton sheet between the shawl and the iron, and then begin ironing it. A direct hot iron might deform the delicate threads of this delicate beauty.

Storing a Pashmina shawl

When storing a Pashmina shawl, one needs to be really careful. The storage of this year will reflect in the condition of your shawl the next year. If not properly stored, your shawl might not be the same next season. It might have lost its graceful appearance, softness, and warmth. Hence the storage of a Pashmina is vital for its long life. 

Pashmina shawls should be stored in a clean and dry place, away from direct sunlight. The place should be moisture free, or else it will become infested with fabric damaging moths, who will eat away your precious shawl gradually. After washing and drying the shawl after use for the season, it should be properly stored in a muslin cloth or an absorbent paper (like tissue paper). This way, moisture doesn't get trapped in it, and it is saved from damage. 

Also read: HOW DO YOU MAKE A CASHMERE SCARF SOFT AGAIN?

Can Pashmina get wet during storage?

Never store Pashmina in plastic. Women often make the mistake of keeping their shawls “safe” in plastic bags. This attracts moisture and a Pashmina shawl feels slightly wet. Other than that, it attracts moths, which damages it badly. The place where your shawl is stored should be absolutely dry. If possible, some moth balls should be placed away from the shawl on the same shelf, to prevent any formation of these. 

We love this heirloom piece

Pashmina is the epitome of luxury and affluence. It is a status symbol, a coveted accessory, and a treasure to keepsake. Likewise, it is expensive, with a large number of women just dreaming of owning one. Hence, if you are the lucky owner of one fine piece, do not let it get impaired. Instead, take care of it like a baby. 

It was this precious Pashmina shawl that Emperor Napoleon gifted his wife when he came back from a campaign. His wife, Empress Josephine was so impressed with the shawl that she later ordered hundreds of the same. It is believed that she ordered 400 shawls, and most of them were the world-famous Kashmiri Kani Pashmina shawls. This is how much this grand accessory was valued in the past. You can carry this heritage forward with your resplendent piece, which hasn't lost a bit in its grace since the time when it was first discovered centuries ago. 

Also read: KASHMIRI SHAWLS DURING THE DOGRA PERIOD

Pashmina is the crafting of the finest Cashmere procured from Changra Goats in Changhthanghi Ladakh. Pashmina bestows the world with exquisite Cashmere accessories including Wraps, Scarves, and Shawls. The luxurious reflection of these premium accessories is definite in the unique designs. It's known that the finest and premium quality is procured in Ladakh, India. Thereafter, it is crafted under the paradigm of Pashmina Art. Therefore, the Indians have premium ways to adorn themselves in the traditional Pashmina. Pashmina is considered the part of rich culture and heritage of the Valley of Kashmir.

Procuring the finest Cashmere from Ladakh

The Changhthanghi mountains of the Ladakh region are at high altitudes. Therefore, the winter in the region goes more than -20°C. The habitat is harsh in winter. A rare breed of goats dwells at the feet of Changhthanghi Mountain. The breed is called the Changra or Changhthanghi breed. The goats are known as the Changra Goats or Cashmere goats. These goats are raised by the local tribe called the Changpa tribe. The herders herd the goats mainly for the collection of thick wool. The thick wool they develop on their bodies in cold winters to combat the chill of the season. Eventually, in summer they shed the wool off against rocks, and trees to feel the air of summer. Also, the wool is combed out by the herders by hand. This wool is called Cashmere wool. It is the finest Cashmere in all the world around.

There are diverse breeds that produce Cashmere in the world. But the Ladakhi goats produce the finest Cashmere. In addition, Mongolia, China, and Tibet are the largest producers of Cashmere wool. Yet, Ladakhi Cashmere has the finest grade but its production is quite low due to the rare goats of Changra.

The Craft of Pashmina

The finest Cashmere wool is transferred to the Valley of Kashmir in small packets. The tufts of Cashmere wool are hand-cleaned and hand-sorted. Thereafter, the Cashmere wool is spun across a wheel called yinder. Then, the magical yarn of Cashmere is whirled upon the wooden stick called thonchur by the process called pranch. Afterward, the yarn is taken to the local workshops where a handloom moves ahead with the process. The handlooms are made of forest wood. The highly skilled artisans work upon the handloom with their hands and feet to curate the finest Cashmere fabric. This is called Weaving. Thus, after the process of Weaving, there is the proper designing process that decides the faith of the finest Cashmere.

Distinct Style with versatile designs

There are three main styles in Pashmina Art viz; Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves, and Pashmina Shawls. In these elegant styles, there are innumerable designs in the creation of Pashmina Art. In addition, there are two styles in Men's Pashmina viz; Cashmere Scarves and Pashmina Shawls. There are diverse designs in the Art of Pashmina. Thus, the faith of each style of Pashmina Art is decided in the design. The designs can be in patterns, embroideries, weaves, embellishments, digital paints, or dyes.

Indians adorn Pashmina Shawls in 5 different ways

Indians have their core traditional affections. As the country has about 500 languages, so is its rich culture. Moreover, there is coherence and harmony among all the traditions of the country. Therefore, the attires from around the country are uniquely distinct yet harmonious. Therefore, we have gathered 5 ways by which Indian wear Pashmina Shawls.

1. The Toss of Pashmina

A simple way to wear a Pashmina with Indian attire is to toss the Pashmina Shawl on the body. All you need to do is take the Pashmina Shawl and drape it in front of your upper body. Thus, making a V-shape in front of the body. This drape goes miraculous with Kurtas and Shalwar-Kameez. This drape keeps a person full of warmth.

2. The Infinite Whirl

It is the most affirmed drape in Indian attires. All you have to do is take the Pashmina Shawl and drape it around your body. This drape goes well with every attire in Indian culture. Men and women both adore this drape on their outfits. In addition, the endless warmth caresses the body with the utmost premium luxury.

3. The Saree drape

The magnificent drape in all seasons is premium. This drape takes a simple toss. All you have to do is take the Pashmina Shawl and toss it on one of the shoulders. This enhances the overall look of the Saree (an Indian attire). Also, it gives a premium and classy look to the outfit. Therefore, this can be worn at festivals, weddings, and casual days. In addition, the drape defines the warmth around the whole presence.

4. On the side of Kurta

The drape is quite similar to the Saree drape. All you have to do is take the Pashmina Shawl and toss it on one shoulder. This look enhances the presentation of a kurta on a person. Thus, the drape signifies the class and luxury of the outfit. Men and women both can wear the drape on any occasion. The craft of Pashmina is evident in every drape in all the Indian attires.

5. The Turban

This is the traditional drape in India. All you have to do is take the Pashmina Shawl in a horizontal folded way. And whirl it around the head back and forth and tie the end of the shawl in one of the layers of the whirl. This drape signifies the dignity and class of the wearer. Thus, reflecting the culture manifold.

Also read: HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A PASHMINA IS PURE?

Diverse Collection of Pashmina

We, at pashmina.com, belong to the rich definition of Pashmina art. Beginning the journey in the Changhthanghi Ladakh, the path goes on in the Valley of Kashmir. The lullaby of artisans is significantly a song of homage to heritage and skill. Also, the craft of Pashmina defines several styles and designs. We, profoundly present the world with premium and finest quality Pashmina accessories. Thus, having one of the masterpieces eloquently reflects the luxurious glory in every sphere of fashion.

Also read: WHAT IS THE SIZE OF A PASHMINA SHAWL?

Pashmina Shawl is the bounty of Pashmina Craft in Kashmir. Belonging to the realm of Kashmir, the craft has witnessed a tremendous design of culture with the intricate skill of artisans. Pashmina Shawls are crafted in three different sizes; 80in x 40in/2m x 1m, 90in x 45in/2.2m x 1.1m, and 110in x 55in/2.8m x 1.4m. Crafted with diligence and ethical concept, Pashmina Shawls define the realm of heritage. Pashmina.com is a platform for an exclusive collection of Pashmina Shawls for luxury as well as glamour.

Finest Cashmere from Changhthanghi

Cashmere is obtained from numerous breeds of Goats from around the world. Cashmere confers mostly to the countries like Mongolia, Iran, Tibet, Nepal, etc. It is the fine wool taken from the undercoat of Goats of distinct breeds. Cashmere, from the undercoat of the Changra breed of Goats in the Ladakh region of India, is the finest. The goats of the rare fine wool are quite brilliant in shedding their wool in the times of summer. These Changra goats are found in the feet of Changthanghi mountain of Ladakh. The area is highly cold in winter due to which the goats cover up their bodies with fine pelage. Therefore, Cashmere wool helps them to sustain lives in harsh winters. When seasons move ahead, the harshness turns into the sunshine of summer. The goats shed off the wool with the help of coarse rocks and trees. The wool is called Cashmere.

Although, the herders of the Changra breed from the Changpa breed manually pluck out or comb the Cashmere wool diligently. Thus, the wool obtained is pure. Furthermore, the wool grows toward the steps ahead for the curation of high-quality Pashmina.

Crafting of a Pashmina Shawl

In order to curate the fine accessories from the fine Cashmere wool, the tufts of wool are taken to the Kashmir Valley. After the tufts of wool reach the valley of Kashmir, the supremely premium Art of Pashmina is commenced. Therefore, it is a stepwise procedure of curating fine Cashmere accessories.

The foremost step is cleaning the Cashmere wool. There is a thorough cleaning of the wool to get all sorts of dirt out. After the process of cleaning, the next step is the process of Spinning. It begins by giving the local women the Cashmere wool to spin fine Cashmere yarn. Thus, the womenfolk of the valley mainly spin Cashmere wool. The process is done on the wooden wheel/ charkha called yinder in the local language. Thus, the women artisans meticulously spin the Cashmere wool to the miraculously fine Cashmere yarn

Weaving and Designing

Afterward, the spun Cashmere yarn is taken to the local workshops/karkhanas to move ahead in the Pashmina Art. The next process is the weaving process. The weaving is the transformation of Cashmere yarn to fine Cashmere fabric. The intricate warps and wefts create the beautiful woven Cashmere fabric. Therefore, the most common pattern in weave is chashm_e_bulbul or the diamond weave. The weave is exclusively the masterpiece in itself. The eloquently woven Cashmere fabric goes on to further design.

The diverse designs, patterns, weaves, and embroideries are further done on the Cashmere. The premium Pashmina Art steps ahead with the most explicit and intricate designs. It is to be noted that all the steps in the Art of Pashmina are manually done by the artisans of Kashmir. Thus, the distinct designs cater to a diversity of people and the fashion world.

Pashmina Shawls of Glorious Luxury

The Pashmina Shawls bring in the opulence of elegance. The masterpieces of the Pashmina Shawls create an aura of fashion for all genders of the world. The premium and high-quality Pashmina Shawls belong to the world of fashion in numerous ways. Thus, the Pashmina Shawls are made from intricate weaves, patterns, dyes, and embroideries. In addition, the warps and wefts are woven in such a manner that they create diverse patterns on the Cashmere base.

Also read: KASHMIRI SHAWLS IN MID-VICTORIAN NOVELS

How did Pashmina Shawls come into existence?

A saint from the Middle East was traveling the world with his 700 craftsmen to spread religion and culture. On his journey towards Kashmir Valley, he landed in the region of Ladakh, called Changhthanghi. He was amazed to see a rare breed of goats. They were Changra Goats. He combed out the thick wool off the goats and made a pair of socks out of it. The socks were very soft and fine. He gifted them to the ruler of Kashmir, Zain-ul-Abideen. In addition, he suggested the Valley introduce an industry that will procure and craft the Changra goat's wool. The wool is today called Cashmere wool. The 700 craftsmen taught the people of Kashmir the techniques of crafting Cashmere wool. Therefore, to this date, the Craft is in our heritage and culture.

Also read: HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A PASHMINA IS PURE?

Cashmere is fine and soft wool naturally. When you have Cashmere Scarf, you are regardless of what preserving a treasure. But with time, due to some wear and tear, the Cashmere Scarf loses its sheen. The finest Cashmere is susceptible to wear and tear due to its natural fibers of Cashmere wool. Therefore, the beauty of Cashmere is adorned with precise care. What is Cashmere wool? This question arises often all around the world. Therefore, pashmina.com has gathered the path to define it and ways to take proper care of your Cashmere Scarf.

What is Cashmere?

Cashmere is the wool procured from goats all around the world. There are diverse breeds of Cashmere producing goats. Each breed has a specific percentage of production in the total production. The several breeds viz;  Australian Cashmere Goat, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Hexi, Zhonghwei, Tibetan Plateau, Luliang breeds, Changthanghi, etc. Therefore, all the breeds produce Cashmere wool that produces warmth. The exclusive breed of goats called Changra Goats is rare species of goats that produce the finest Cashmere of all that goes further in the process of crafting in Kashmir. The crafting of the finest Cashmere from Ladakh is Pashmina Art. In addition, the finest Cashmere is 12 to 16 microns in diameter.

Also, the Changra Goats produce fine Cashmere wool once every year. Therefore, only around 80 to 170 gms of Ladakhi Cashmere are produced during a year. Therefore, considered the rarest. Also, other breeds of it produce several times more as there is almost 400 million Cashmere eliciting Goats all over the world. Consequently, the production caters to the manufacture of different styles like Pashmina Shawls, Cashmere Scarves, and Cashmere Wraps.

How is Ladakhi Cashmere procured?

From the destination of the Cashmere wool in the moment of Pashmina Art, each process is explicit. In the valley of Kashmir on the handloom preoccupied with the artisans of great valour and perception, the journey starts. The journey is bestowed with the songs of harmony between Pashmina Art and the artisan. Looking below from the heaven of Art, Pashmina visibly portrays the description of every artisan and shines within their souls.

Procuring from the Changra Goats of the Changhthanghi region, Cashmere wool is defined. Pashmina Art gave away to a place where it is celebrated with every one of its presence. The Cashmere wool develops on the Changthanghi Goats in Ladakh in the winter season to protect the Goats from the severe season. The cozy Cashmere wool takes a breath in this season over the body of Changhthangi Goats. Towards the spring, the Goats rub against the rocks to shed off the Cashmere wool to let the warmth take off their bodies. More often, the wool is combed out naturally by hand to preserve the virtue of nature. Afterward, transfer to the Kashmir Valley.

The Pashmina Art

Art of Pashmina begins as soon as the packets of Cashmere wool reach the valley of Kashmir. The tufts of Cashmere wool are cleaned, soaked, and dried to further get the premium Cashmere wool. The Cashmere wool is further moved ahead to the process of Spinning. Spinning is the meticulous process of transforming Cashmere wool into the finest cashmere yarn. Mostly, womenfolk of the Kashmir Valley perform the meticulous process of Spinning. After the Spinning process, the fine Cashmere yarn is moved to the next process called Weaving.

The process of Weaving is intricately turning the Cashmere yarn into the finest Cashmere fabric. The warps and wefts are sophistically woven with each other to present the meticulous Cashmere Fabric to the further process of designing. The weaving is mostly done by menfolk of the valley on the handlooms made of forest wood. The artisans weave by using their feet in coordination with their hands. The meticulous harmony of aura and artisan creates the fine Cashmere Fabric.

Further, the Cashmere fabric goes on to the designing process. The design starts as soon as the Cashmere fabric reaches the hands of artisans. Diverse styles are given to the Cashmere Fabric. Thus, creating a wide array of masterpieces. Henceforth, the Art of Pashmina is the creation of diverse accessories from the finest Cashmere. The versatile designs confer to the world of luxury in several ways. The distinct styles cater to all genders. The styles and designs perform the ways of luxurious fashion in the most elegant looks.

The Crafting of a Cashmere Scarf

The Pashmina Art bestows a glamorous accessory of Cashmere Scarves. The explicit and intricate creation of Cashmere Scarves from the finest Cashmere is tremendous. The different styles and designs confer a unique amalgamation of luxury and Purity. The Cashmere Scarves perform in the realms of Pashmina Art with the most sophisticated of designs. A scarf is a square piece of clothing draped around the neck or shoulders. The explicit styles with these finest Cashmere. The premium quality Cashmere scarves bring out the aura of colorful and elegant luxury. The versatile styles of unique designs of Cashmere Scarves are examples of high-class fashion. They cater to all genders with exquisite collections. The artisans work on each masterpiece with precision. Thus, providing serene exclusiveness.

Also read: DO VEGANS WEAR CASHMERE SCARF?

How to get back the softness of your Cashmere Scarf?

To get the softness of the Cashmere Scarf back, you need to follow certain instructions admiring the serenity of each moment of the Cashmere scarf. Firstly, invest in a good Cashmere shampoo. It is because we use shampoo for our hair and Cashmere is also a natural hair. Therefore, using shampoo will help to get back the sheen of your Cashmere Scarf. You can also use a baby shampoo or an organic shampoo of good quality. Now, the question arises how to wash the Cashmere Scarf? It is simple! All you have to do is soak your Cashmere Scarf in lukewarm water that is already prepared by adding Cashmere Shampoo to it. Let it soak for 30 minutes. Afterward, take it out and rinse it thoroughly in clean water. Do not wring it! Simply press it in between your hands till you get all the dirty water out.

Secondly, keep your Cashmere Scarf away from direct sunlight. Also, you should open your Cashmere Scarf. You should do this every once in 2 months. This will make sure that your luxury is feeling the fresh air of nature from where it is procured. Thirdly, never put your Cashmere scarf in your cupboard or space like other clothes. It needs to be looked after. All you have to do is keep it in a separate box or enclose it in acid-free tissue paper and then put it into your cupboard.

Lastly, you should wash your Cashmere Scarf once every 3 months to make it glow the way it is supposed to. In addition, always wash your Cashmere Scarf by hand. Nature has cherished the fine Cashmere with its intricacy and serenity. Therefore, it's your responsibility to treasure your luxury in the most loving way.

Also read: ARE CASHMERE SCARVES EXPENSIVE?

Pashmina is the crafting of the finest Cashmere by ethically procuring it and then diligently curating it. The beauty of Pashmina lies in the authenticity it preserves. The endless journey of heritage is evident in each masterpiece of Pashmina Art. Henceforth, the uniqueness of the luxurious Art defines the glory of fine and ethical Cashmere. The genuineness of Pashmina suffuses several ways to know about it. The defining property of Pashmina Art is the fact that Cashmere procured is the finest. In addition, it is obtained from the Changra Goats from Changhthanghi.

The procuring the finest Cashmere

The Changhthanghi plateau is a high-altitude region. The minimum temperature goes more than minus 20°C in winter. The rarest breed of goats called the Changra goats dwells at the feet of the mountain Changhthanghi. In the harsh winters, the Changra goats meticulously develop a thick layer of wool on their bodies. Thus, to overcome the cold. With the changing of seasons, the Changra goats shed off the thick wool by rubbing against rocks and trees to comfort the heat of summer. Also, it's manually done by the Changpa tribe who are the herders of the Changra goats. They manually comb the thick wool out. The wool is called Cashmere wool.

The Art

The finest Cashmere wool is transferred to the Valley of Kashmir in small packets. The tufts of Cashmere wool are hand-cleaned and sorted. Thereafter, the Cashmere wool is spun across a wheel called yinder. Then, the magical yarn of Cashmere is whirled upon the wooden stick called thonchur by the process called pranch. Afterward, the yarn is taken to the local workshops where a handloom moves ahead with the process. The handlooms are made of forest wood. The highly skilled artisans work upon the handloom with their hands and feet to curate the finest Cashmere fabric.

After the making of a fine Cashmere base, the crafting begins with the first step of dyeing. The dyeing of Cashmere is done by a skilled dyer called Rangur in the local language. There is an array of colors with each shade and tone. The pigmentation is done according to the requirement.  In the whole dyeing process, all the steps are done manually by the skilled people of the valley.

Moreover, further steps like patterning, printing, embroidering, weaving, and ornamentation are done according to the designer's design. Henceforth all the processes from cleaning to the designing of Cashmere fibre are the Art of Pashmina. The Pashmina Art is exclusive in the Valley of Kashmir. That's why there is always an aura of Kashmir valley in each and every masterpiece of Pashmina. In addition, the crafting of Cashmere into several styles of Cashmere Scarves, Cashmere Wraps, and Pashmina Shawls is the Art of Pashmina. Thus, it is rich in explicitness and luxury of the valley.

Ways to ensure the Purity of Pashmina accessories

There are several ways to make sure that your Pashmina accessory is real or Pure. For a long time, there have been fraudulent identities that have merged their business with Pashmina Crafting. Therefore, it is a responsibility to ensure that the accessory is Pure and not fake. Therefore, Pashmina.com has cherished the glory by defining it and gathering the ways to ensure the purity of a Pashmina accessory.

1. The diameter in microns

Mainly, there are diverse breeds of cashmere-producing goats. Each breed has a specific percentage of production in the total production. The several breeds viz;  Australian Cashmere Goat, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Hexi, Zhonghwei, Tibetan Plateau, Luliang breeds, Changthanghi, etc. Therefore, all the breeds produce Cashmere wool that produces warmth. The exclusive breed of goats called Changra Goats is rare species of goats that produce the finest Cashmere of all that goes further in the process of crafting in Kashmir. The crafting of the finest Cashmere from Ladakh is Pashmina Art. In addition, the finest Cashmere is 12 to 16 microns in diameter. Therefore, anything more than that is a fake Pashmina accessory. When it comes to a high-quality Pashmina, the thing goes like this; the lower the micron count softer will be the Pashmina accessory.

2. The Irregular Weave

All you have to do is take the Pashmina accessory and check its weave against the light. There will be seen an irregular weave called the chashm-e-bulbul in the local language. It is an irregular diamond weave. Pure Pashmina accessories are woven on a handloom in Kashmir, Therefore, the handmade always signifies uniqueness and imperfections. Therefore, the irregularities are the token of authenticity in accessories.

3. The Flame Test

We cannot burn an accessory to test it out. Therefore, you just need a single yarn from the side of the accessory. You can simply pull a yarn or two out from the border of the Cashmere accessory. Then you take it near the flame of a candle. Make sure you are vigilant during the process as it needs one of the senses. Smell the aroma of the burnt Pashmina and check the ashes diligently with your fingertips. If you sense a burnt hair smell like that of any natural hair that is burnt, then it's likely to be a Pure Pashmina accessory.

In addition, precisely look out for the ashes, if it turns out to be like a matte substance, it is likely to be Pure. It is a fact that these accessories are crafted from the finest Cashmere hair procured from a goat. Therefore, hair burning should be similar to the burning of all-natural hair.

Also read: WHAT DO YOU WEAR WITH A PASHMINA SHAWL?

4. Pure Pashmina does not have any shine

Pure Pashmina does not have any shine of its own. Therefore, if you notice any shine on the Cashmere accessory, it is fake. Real Pashmina is crafted from natural wool and it has no shine. Make sure, that you look for the Pure Pashmina based on the property of the natural-looking fabric.

Also read: MUST HAVE CASHMERE GIFTS FOR THEM

The skill of the artisans and the journey in the mountains and lakes of Kashmir Valley make the Handicraft of pashmina a craft that sustains nature and heritage. From the Changthanghi of Ladakh to the heritage of the valley of Kashmir, the craft has excelled in its opulence. Hand Crafted Cashmere relished with the hues of threads using the sway of hands of artisans with a needle of heavens.

The Hand Embroideries confers to the explicit skill that has been in the skies of the valley for ages. Being the most versatile craft, it has been a revere to the heritage of the valley. It takes all the artistic greatness of skill of Kashmir's weavers, artisans, embroidered, dyers called Rangur, spinners, and designers to make the artwork of Pashmina imbibe all the intricacy and beauty. Moreover, the divinity and outrageous nature of the patterns and embroidery on Pashmina has been like a heavenly process.

How is Cashmere procured?

The creation begins in the horizons of the Ladakh region. The Changhthanghi mountain of the Ladakh region has the coldest temperature in winter. A rare breed of Goats dwells in its feet. The goats are of the Changra breed. Also called the Kashmir Goats. Also, medium-sized goats with two twisted horns. The Changra goats develop a soft thick wool on their bodies to combat the low temperature. The wool is descriptively soft in appearance and thick in volume. Moreover, the wool is shed off during the summertime by the goats themselves against rocks and trees. Manually, the wool is also combed out by the herders of the Changpa tribe. The wool is called the finest Cashmere wool.

The craft of Pashmina

After the Cashmere wool reaches the valley of Kashmir, it undergoes the process of cleaning. The Cashmere wool, thoroughly cleaned to get the dirt, dust, and grime out. After the meticulous cleaning, the Cashmere wool goes into the journey of Spinning. The process of transforming the Cashmere wool to fine Cashmere yarn is Spinning. The process is precisely done by the womenfolk of the valley on a wooden wheel called yinder. They move the wheel in a circular motion with one hand and with another hand they elongate the wool into yarn. Thus, creating fine Cashmere yarn from the Cashmere wool.

Afterward, the Cashmere yarn is transferred to the local workshops/karkhanas for the process of weaving. Weaving is the process of precisely looming warps and wefts to create a thin and soft fabric of Cashmere. The weaving is done on the handloom made of forest wood. The handloom is worked upon by highly skilled artisans. The artisans work on the handloom by simultaneously using their feet and hands to create the woven Cashmere fabric. The weaving is mainly done by the menfolk of the valley. Thus, giving the required dimensions to craft it into a Pashmina Shawl.

Different styles in Men's Pashmina

There are mainly two styles in Men's Pashmina viz, Men's Pashmina Shawls and Men's Cashmere Scarves.

Men's Pashmina Shawls

The Craft of the hand Embroidered Pashmina shawl is opulent enough to make its way into the clan of authenticity. The various exquisite hand embroideries are, Sozni, Aari, Paper Mache, Tilla Dozi, etc. with explicit motifs scribed over the Pashmina. The handcrafted Pashmina Shawl with hand embroidery, precisely described as an intricate form of Craft is explicit. Thus, the skill of artisans, the rareness of Pashmina itself, and the intricate hand embroidery done for years make this type of Pashmina Shawl luxurious in the world of Fashion.

Men's Cashmere Scarves

The various exquisite hand embroideries are, Sozni, Aari, Paper Mache, Tilla Dozi, etc. Handcrafted Cashmere with hand embroidery is the most opulent craft in the world of fashion. The skill of artisans and the intricacy of hand embroidery done for years make this type of Cashmere Scarves luxurious enough to emboss the heritage in all the masterpieces of the craft. Therefore, in the modern world of luxurious Fashion, Cashmere Scarves acquire a place of beatitude and serenity in the sphere of creation. Also, the traditional together with the contemporary style is the most unique outlook of the craft of Pashmina.

Also read: WHAT IS THE BEST GRADE OF CASHMERE?

A pioneer of Men's Pashmina

We, at Pashmina.com, significantly craft the bliss of Men's Pashmina in two main styles. Thus, with ethical crafting and sustainable procuring, endless styles, crafted with the beauty of designing. Therefore, several styles befit the luxury and prestigious collection.

Also read: ARE CASHMERE WRAPS A STYLE OF PASHMINA?