The Catalogue. Handwoven large fine slub linen shawl in multi coloured and multi gradient grids.
This was woven with a spun linen from Bengal India using the raw beauty of Belgian flax in 14 colours. The linen was naturally dyed in India using a multitude of natural historic dyes including madder root, cutch, myrobalan, nirgundy leaf, 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.
The warp was wound using all 14 colours and then combining those to create gradients from one colour shift to the next – a total of 24 different shades. This is roughly inspired by the Wall of Wool journal that I use (you can buy one!). The result is a colour spectrum in a wide assortment of natural colours. The cloth was woven as wound for two passes, mirroring each other. Then simple stripes of the 14 base colours end off the shawl. The shawl is bordered by a combination of white and natural. All of these different elements give the cloth movement and versatility.
Each colour shift is separated by a thin narrow band of ultra fine silk in a dark green in both warp and weft. This is a time intensive weave from design conception through the preparation of the loom and the actual weaving. Colour changes occur frequently and multiple shuttles were used simultaneously.
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 and all ends trimmed.
Materials: Indian spun 40/2 linen, 30/2 Bombyx silk. All yarns hand dyed. 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 296. 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″ – 66cm // length w/o fringe 66″ – 168cm // fringe 1 1/4″ – 3.5cm.
