Don’t Think Twice about Gift Ideas—How about a Stunning Shawl?
Monday, August 23rd, 2010When looking for a suitable gift idea for a female relative or friend, a shawl would be perfect. You don’t have to worry about size and shawls come in a good variety of materials and patterns. Below is a little bit of fascinating history on shawls.
Ladies Gift Ideas – What Is a Shawl?
A shawl is an oblong or rectangular piece of cloth that is worn draped over the neck, shoulders and sometimes the head. The term shawl is derived from the Persian word “shal” that is descriptive of a form of attire which drapes across the body in a loose fitting fashion. Although generally worn for warmth, shawls also are fashion accessories. In various religions, shawls are ceremonial garments. With a boundless array of patterns, styles and forms, there is sure to be some type of shawl for even the fussiest person.
Ladies Gift Ideas – Concerning Pashmina Shawls
Pashmina shawls are created from a really slight and soft wool named “pashm.” This is in reference to the velvety soft undercoat found on a Himalayan mountain goat, Capra hircus. Even though various types of wool are sold in the countries of the western world as “cashmere,” in Kashmir, foundation of the fibre, it is named pashm. Pashm is actually the Persian word meaning “wool.” Capra hircus is may times referred to as the “pashmina goat.” A pashmina shawl is actually just pashm in its woven style. Pashmina shawls are widely produced in India and Nepal. These shawls are airy and light, but they are exceptionally warm. Woven in an astonishing diversity of graceful and complicated patterns, pashminas valued for their beauty, silkiness and warmth. In India, the sheerness of the material is representative of the eminence of the wearer. The Punjab sector of India is a chief shawl weaving section. Here, pashm wool can be mixed with angora and merino wools and hand spun and hand woven to create beautiful shawls.
Ladies Gift Ideas – Hand Formed Shawls
A number of countries have an abundant tradition of hand loomed fabrics with elegant and unique patterns. Hand loomed shawls may be created using a diversity of fabrics, this entails wool/silk mixtures and wool/cotton combinations. Another widely accepted mixture is pashmina wool and silk. In warmer weather conditions, light weight and middle weight cotton shawls are admired. In cool locations, cashmere and merino blends are preferred. Hand loomed shawls are fashioned by experienced artisans using traditional methods and patterns that have been unchanged for centuries. By implementation of natural dyes, the shawls are provided with colour and vivacity.
Present Day Shawls
Today’s shawls may be manufactured from many types of fabrics, according to the occasion for which they are deliberated. Untailored shawls can be plain knit fabrics finished with borders. For formal occasions, a shawl produced with organza, satin or silk is proper. ceremonial shawls could be adorned using beading, Swarovski crystals, pearls or glitter. Even another aspect to notice in a dressy shawl is a satin lining. To obtain the utmost in an ultra-modern style, choose a hand painted or hand embellished shawl with scattered sparkling crystals or lustrous pearls.
A shawl makes a fantastic gift for females of every age. You won’t have to know what size she is to give her a gorgeous garment.