Silk Shawl Collection for Fall Winter ~ Preview

Dear Shawl Lovers,

We have finally found just the perfect silk shawls for evening and special occasion wear!  They have just arrived, some in glorious jeweltones and others in sophisticated neutrals, and will be online soon.  All of these glorious Silks have rich textured weaves and dance with gorgeous blends of colour, light, and shadow! 

Will make an announcement in the near future when this new category is online, but in the meantime, enjoy this sneak preview of a richly coloured, luxurious Silk evening stole!

      

With Warm Thoughts until next time,

Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover, Hamsa Shawls

Sitars and Shawls

For the sublime, wrap yourself in a favorite fine shawl and listen to one of India's premier Sitar Maestros, Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan.  A supreme artist with both subtle and powerful ranges of musical expression, he is currently on tour in the U.S.  

His schedule of appearances may be viewed at his website Shahid Parvez Khan.  If you happen to be near one of the cities where he will perform, by all means go there and enjoy a magical evening of music.  If not, the classical Indian music lovers at Hamsa Shawls highy recommend that you attend concerts by other artists from this great heritage who may offer performances closer to home!

Following is a YouTube link to a brief excerpt from his reflective performance of Bhairavi Alap in 2007 where a fine quality Gents, or Mens Shawl covering his feet is clearly visible.  This is a tradition amongst classical musicians from India where it is also a gesture of respect and gratitude to present a gift of shawl to the artist.  While there are many cultural explanations for the use and gifting of shawls, it has been a social custom for centuries to present fine textiles in many categories created with rare fibers, superior weaves, or hand embellishment as these are always cherished for their inherent value and artistry.

Ustad Shahid Parvez - Bhairavi Alap

Warm Thoughts until Next Time!

Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover, Hamsa Shawls

The Art of the Shawl begins with Quality Fibers

Have you ever wondered about the fiber content of the many beautiful shawls and wraps featured in the Hamsa Shawls collection?  Before the weaving, design, and embellishment of a shawl, the Art of the Shawl actually begins with the fiber itself.  Quality fibers are the basis for quality shawls.

We have recently expanded our discussion of the rare, authentic Pure Pashmina, Pashmina Silk, and Lambswool Pashm fibers which are delicately woven to create our beautiful shawls.  Visit our growing Shawl Art and Design learning centre for information about the variety of lovely yarns used to fashion our distinctively elegant shawls, stoles, and wraps. 

Especially notable is the distinction that authentic Pashmina from the Tibetan Plateau is used for hand weaving of our Pashmina Shawl collection.  Our handmade Pure Pashmina Shawls from the looms of Kashmir are not adulterated with any other fiber such as Silk, Acrylic, Viscose, or Wool.  As previously mentioned on many occasions, when you see the term "Pashmina" today it is carelessly used to describe shawls and wraps which more often than not don't include any actual Pashmina fiber at all, or it refers to a shawl produced with blended fibers and yarns.

As well, explore the differences between a Shawl, Stole, Scarf, and Wrap.  These terms are popularly and commercially used as if they are one and the same, but in the Shawl trade they are quite unique! 

Warm Thoughts and Smiles,

Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover, Hamsa Shawls