The journey begins at 14,000 feet of elevation in the high Himalayan mountain ranges of Kashmir. These elusive goats are brushed, the fiber is cleaned until all excess debris is removed. A master artisan of fiber handspins to transform the fiber into a thread. Kashmir Stoles can be dyed in over 500 colors, but the natural colors of the Kashmir goats make the best stoles. Once a color has been choosen the thread is hand-woven into a stole. Then the stole must be cleaned and washed before it can be delivered to your door. 

 

The process of a plain Kashmir Stole can take upto several months. The fine needle emboridery of Kashmir Stoles can take over two years to complete.

Kashmiri embroidery has evolved over centuries with influence from many cultures. Designs have developed over time from the Moors, Persians, Turks and beyond. The color palettes compliment the four seasons, while the designs are inspired by science and art in nature. Kashmiri embroidery is essentially a harmonious blend of charming flowers, fruits, and birds.

 

One type of embroidery Kashmir Rose focuses on is called “Aari.” Aari embroidery is a specialty of Kashmiri artisans who create it in fine, concentric rings of chain stitch using a special hooked needle known as ‘Aar’ which is similar to a crochet needle. Aari embroidery was introduced to Mughal rulers in the 12th century by the Persians. 

 

There are two main types of embroidery categories. Poskar which refers to embroidery with more than three colors of thread and full-bloomed flower designs. And Raskar refers to embroidery with less than 3 colors of thread and flower bud designs.

 

Poshkar and Raskar vary in the amount of time it takes to complete a shawl. Factors that effect completion time are colors of thread, size of shawl and design, hours worked per day, number of people working on one piece, and pattern. The three shawl patterns used are called pal, jal, jama. In addition to these patterns some designs are contoured with a gold or silver thread referred to as zari.