Inspired by Madras. Handwoven large fine slub linen shawl in the rich colours of Madras.
This was woven using a hand spun linen from Bengal India using the raw beauty of Belgian flax. The linen was naturally dyed in India using madder root, kasheem, indigo and lac. The cloth has a wonderful buttery hand and exceptional weight and drape. The thread is fine (= sewing thread) and the end result is a beautiful lightweight and subtly sheer scarf wrap.
At each end of the shawl a length of sparkling sequin yarn, handcrafted by the talented weaving families of West Bengal, has been inserted. Each petite sequin is carefully threaded onto a single cotton end, then knotted with two other strands, truly epitomizing the art of slow yarn.
The natural dyes created the colours of jewels: purple, rust, blue and olive green. The same colours were overlaid on the base in different stripes and solids. All of these different elements give the cloth movement and versatility.
The shawl drapes well, and is soft and supple. This will look lovely wrapped a couple times around your neck, and as an accent piece. This can also be worn as a beach cover-up, like a sarong.
The shawl has been hand washed and line dried, then hot pressed.
Materials: Hand spun 40/2 linen. Eyelash fringe. Hand wash only. Roll in a towel to remove excess water and hang to dry. Hot iron.
Note: To protect the natural dyes and to preserve the vibrancy you absolutely must use a pH neutral liquid detergent.
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This one-off piece is Work 275. I rarely weave the same cloth or item twice. Every piece is unique and numbered, every creation has a story to tell.
One of the finest yarns available, 40/2 linen is the best choice for handwovens that need the drape and suppleness that ultra-fine threads provide. 40/2 linen has strength and smoothness and will soften even more with use. Linen is derived from the flax crop, a plant that is extremely versatile in use. As a fabric, linen is chosen for its durability and its ability to keep us cool or warm, depending on which we need, though it is a little more expensive because the flax plant requires a lot of tending to. Also, although it creases easily and is not stretchy, it will last its buyer a very long time. It’s also completely biodegradable, which makes it one of the most eco-friendly materials we have at our disposal.
Dimensions: width 26 3/4″ – 68cm // length w/o fringe 63 1/2″ – 162cm // fringe 1 3/4″ – 4cm.
