WEAVER'S WORLD / SRINAGAR / TEXTILES -2

WEAVER'S WORLD / SRINAGAR / TEXTILES -2

The Pashmina saris from Kashmir, are a symbol of the spirit of a tradition known for fine weaves and breathtaking embroidery. When the fine wool of the Himalayan goat is blended with good quality fine spun cotton or quality silk from the valley, it yields a fine Pashmina cotton or silk saree.

The Pashmina goats on the high altitudes of the Himalayas, are gifted by nature an extremely fine inner coat of wool, which is several times finer than the human hair and extremely soft, in order to brave the harsh freezing weather. The size of each strand is so small that it can only be hand woven. This “Pashm’ or wool that is available if blended with silk or cotton, then can be spun by handlooms or machines. The Pashmina Saree is a blend of two fine materials which together produce a fabric that is sheer, light and exquisite. When the fine wool of the Himalayan goat is blended with pure silk from the valley, it yields one of the ‘finest’ pieces of apparel that could drape a woman so alluringly.

There are several varieties of the Pashmina sarees from fine to super fine based on how finely it is woven. There is also a difference in the fineness of the goat hair available from different heights of the Himalayas. The Nepal Pashmina fibre or hair is rated as the finest while the Ladakhi variety comes a close second.

The super fine Pashmina sari is an exclusive weave that is extremely soft and smooth. Sought for the quality of the weave and its fine texture, the Pashmina cotton Saree is known for its feel and the spreading warmth, and it takes a discerning ability to recognize a true Pashmina product, since the manufacture of synthetic fibres have now come into vogue. The Pashmina saree is beautifully adorned with Kashmiri embroidery or Kashida as it is known as, that employs bright and colourful designs, with motifs of floral borders, paisley and chinar leaves and other inspirational settings of nature. The patterns and the colours chosen for the Pashmina saree, so harmonizes with Nature, that the elegance and allure of the wearer of the saree, is heightened.