Pashmina: Cashmere Made in Nepal

Pashmina shawls at Kitty Inc.

Cashmere or Pashmina is a fibre that is extracted from a wool of a Himalayan goat “chyangra” or “Capra Hircus”. It is a breed of goat which is native to the Himalayan range of 10,000 ft above sea level. These species of goat can survice in very harsh cold condition and live off scarce vegetation to feed themselves on. Chyangras  are bestowed upon with thin and softest wool that is found in nature. The pashmina wool has exotic texture with soft feel and light weight. This makes it very comfortable to the human skin. No wonder Pashmina is literally translated to soft gold in Kashmiri.

Pashmina has been very popular amongst royalties. It is the finest and most luxurious wool in the entire world. Cashmere in Nepal is becoming very popular in USA, Europe and Japan. But, because the potentiality of the market has grown some businesses have engaged in making fake pashmina products mainly using sheep wool and even nylon. Acts like these might  affect the reputation of pashmina in the future.

The Pashmina Process

The process of making pashmina is a very painstaking process. Whole of the process is done by hand and is a very painstaking process.

1   Pashmina is obtained from the under belly fur of mountain goat.

2   The pashmina thread is warped in order to make a beam.

3   A draft is made from the beam for weaving purpose.

4   Then it goes for weaving process.

5   When the weaving process is completed, it goes for mending.

6   Then it goes for washing.

7   Sample Color Test is conducted in the laboratory.

8   After color is approved it goes for dying.

9   After the dying is completed, the pashmina are checked

10 If there is fault in the pashmina product it goes for mending

11 The making of the distinctive pashmina fringe and designs is conducted. Because the fringe and design making process is artistic and delicate process it takes hours to fringe.

12 Fringe cut is done after the fringes are made.

13 The pashmina products are then hand ironed.

14 Heavy ironing is done after hand iron.

15 Labelling is done on the final products.

16 Finally the products go for packaging.

Cashmere Pashmina Products

Shawl :
Pashmina shawls are the most exportable products of Nepal. It is loosely worn over the shoulders, upper body and arms. Generally it is used by female/ladies in parties and functions, outings in winter season where as western female use it any time as fashion. Cashmere shawls are available in different shapes, sizes, colors statement, types such as shaded, embroidery, jacquard, printed, plain etc. They are woven by either single ply or double ply yarn. The shawls are available in different sizes. The standard size is 36 x 80 inches.

Stole:
Pashmina stole is a smaller form of the shawl. Nepal is renowned all over the world for its finely woven cashmere stoles. Among pashmina products, stoles are the highest exportable items. Stoles are mostly used by younger generation without wrapping. It covers the shoulders and falls down in front of the body. Stoles are woven in different sizes like large size: 28″x100″, 28″x78″, 28″x72″ and 26″x72″ small size: 22″x72″, 20×72 and 28″x60″. It is available in single or double ply. The weight ranges from 125-300 grams depending on its size and ply. It has color variation.

Scarf:
A scarf is a piece of fabric worn around neck for warmth. Nepal is well known for its finely woven cashmere scarves. It is one of the most exportable products. Basically, females use it. The sizes are 12″x 60″, 12″x 78″, 16″x78″ 18″x72″and 18″x 80″, but the standard size 12×60 inches. It has single or double ply. The weight varies from 120-200 grams according its size and ply. It is available into different categories and colors.

Our Recommendation: Kitty Inc.

 

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