Unique
in design and technique, wool shawls are popular worldwide because of
its exquisite embroidery. The Indians wear it as a shoulder mantle with
its fineness of material indicating status. Famous for their traditional
patterns and quality, the fineness of the workmanship and the amount of
embroidery determines the value of the shawl. Punjab has developed as a
major shawl weaving centre and excellent quality wool is brought here
from all across India.
Fibers
Crafted out of natural and artificial wool, the woolen shawls are
essentially suitable for the winter season. Different varieties of wool
are used to offer varied degrees of warmth and comfort to wearer.
Generally, the yarn used are merino wool, angora wool, pashmina wool,
local sheep wool or a combination of any of these. Wool woven in Kashmir
is raffel and is 100% pure. Shawls are also made by hand spun and hand
woven wool of different weaves and textures, and dyed in different
shades which were transformed into beautiful, multi-coloured shawls.
Design & Motifs
Generally done in a panel along the sides, many kinds of embroidery are
worked on wool shawls. Motifs, usually abstract designs or stylized
paisleys and flowers are worked in one or two, occasionally three
colors, all subdued. Embroidery is done either in broad panels or either
side of the breadth or covering the entire surface of a shawl. Phulkari,
which means flower work and Bandhini shawls having vibrant colors are
extremely popular among buyers. Often wool shawls are decorated with
embroidery, mainly chain stitch and with mirror work for a richer and
prettier look.
