Pashmina Production

In Nepal the business of Weaving is still an Arts and Crafts business involving many hand processes.The yarn is collected in the Himalayan Region by hand by the mountain herds people and washed and spun before it is brought to the Weavers for hand-crafting into these beautiful items. 

WEAVING: Is done by hand on looms specially made for this purpose.  The weavers are Napali-Tibetan men and women using skills handed down through the generations. Traditionally, men performed the weaving, but now women are acquiring these skills to, which is aiding economic enhancement in this poor country and creating equal opportunity for all.

FINISHING/CHECKING: The Pashmina pieces are then checked for manufacturing defects or for any other kind of mending that is required.  It is then washed thoroughly to remove all the dirt and marks and after drying they are given a thorough moulding to bring out the natural softness of the Pashmina (Cashmere) wool. 

DYEING: Is done by hand using metal pots, from one to 100 pieces at a time. The dyers have over 15 years experience and use a Swiss Company producing a new generation of eco-friendly dyes which are metal and azo-free.  It is dyed at a temperature just below boiling for 40 minutes, rinsed in hot water, then in cool water and finally washed using very mild detergents, then finally air dried.  

FRINGE (TASSEL) MAKING: This process is done by women and it takes one woman one day to twist and knot the ends of three shawls by hand. 

QUALITY CONTROL/FINAL FINISHING and PACKING: Labels are sewn on and the final products are checked individually before they are packed and despatched to the customer.  

LUMINERI believes in principles of Fair Trade for All.