MEET CASHMERE

FROM:

Goats – cashmere goats, pashmina goats or other

IS IT SUSTAINABLE?

Can be.

It’s important to carefully consider the environmental and ethical impacts of cashmere production before purchasing cashmere products. Look for products that use sustainable and ethical production methods, and consider investing in high-quality cashmere pieces that are built to last.

IS IT DURABLE?

Yes, this delicate material, can be durable and long-lasting with proper care.

IS IT BREATHABLE?

Yes.

IS IT WARM?

Yes.

HISTORY:

The Cashmere goat was domesticated thousands of years ago in the Himalayan areas of Asia. The goats have a thick, smooth undercoat of delicate hairs to help protect them from the cold.

The cashmere trade began in the early 15th century, with Kashmiri weavers using the soft fibers to create shawls and other textile products. The popularity of the fiber kept growing when European traders and merchants started importing pricey material from Asia during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, cashmere is still produced primarily in regions of Central and East Asia, including Mongolia, China, and Iran.

Although the fiber was once a rare and expensive luxury, recent production progress has made it easier to find. However, high-quality cashmere is still a prized and coveted material, prized for its warmth, softness, and beauty.

PRODUCTION PROCESS:

The production process of cashmere typically involves the following steps:

It is obtained from the soft undercoat of goats, which typically shed their winter coats in the spring. The fibers are collected by combing or shearing the goats, and then sorted to remove any coarse or unwanted fibers.
The collected fibers are cleaned and washed to remove any dirt. This process may involve soaking the fibers in a mild detergent or other cleaning solution, and then rinsing them to remove any residue.
The fibers are carded and spun into yarn. Carding is the process of brushing the fibers to align them in the same direction and remove any tangles or knots. Spinning involves twisting the fibers together to create a strong and durable yarn.

The yarn may be dyed at this stage to add color or pattern. After dyeing, the yarn is typically finished by steaming or pressing to set the dye and improve the texture and appearance of the fibers.
The finished yarn is then used to create a wide range of products such as sweaters, scarves, hats, and more. This may involve knitting, weaving, or other textile production techniques.