I have to admit, I have an odd relationship with shawls; I love the idea of them and the look of them, and the beauty of some shawls is just breathtaking, so it's not surprising that I own quite a few shawls. However I hardly ever wear them.
I get impatient with shawls; they get in my way, they slide off me when I'm not looking, they need frequent adjustment, they dangle their ends in my coffee or champagne, or collect bits of food from other people's plates. And they never look as graceful or elegant on me as they do on other people, such as this lady above right, in an 1810 painting by Henri Francois Mulard.
Below is a lithograph plate showing a variety of ways of wearing shawls in early 19th-century France (ca. 1802-1814); redrawn from various early 19th-century sources by Durin for Albert Charles Auguste Racinet's Le Costume Historique (1888). Isn't it just gorgeous? I blame this for my shawl addiction. I have the book it's from.
So I keep buying shawls and drooling over pictures and displays of them because they're so beautiful. And whenever I'm tempted to buy I always wonder if whether this time, this shawl will be The One.
I suspect women have always worn shawls or some variety of wrap. Traditionally our garments have always been less practical than men's for warmth, and as well as that, we tend to er, fluctuate in temperature from time to time. :) On the right is one of the few portraits I found that show a shawl being used for warmth. It's by Elizabeth LeBrun, a female painter. Mostly shawls in paintings are a sexy accessory, also indicating wealth and exotic color and texture.
They're also a very useful accessory for flirtation — wrapping and rewrapping subtly draws attention to what is being wrapped, or perhaps revealed. It's the only possible excuse for some of the fine gauzy wraps and veils we see in history; decoration without warmth. Or perhaps a bit of color and movement to enliven a static portrait.
In Western fashion history, the great flowering of the shawl took place in the 18th—19th century. It started with the import of exquisite shawls from Kashmir. Kashmir lies between Pakistan, India and China, and the shawls made there were from the fine hair — fleece, really, of Himalayan goats. The finest, most expensive fleece was collected in spring from bushes where goats had rubbed off the soft winter hair that lay beneath their coarser outer coats. The majority of shawls, however were made from pashmina, the hair from the belly of domestic goats — though these days 'pashmina' has become a generic term for a shawl.The word 'shawl' comes from the Persian 'shal', meaning a 'type of woven fabric'. Kashmir shawls were originally made for oriental noblemen, and the first shawls imported to Europe were also used by men, but it wasn't long before women took control of these beautiful, warm and decorative items and men didn't really get a look-in again. The first Kashmir (or cashmere) shawls were wildly expensive as this portrait of the Empress Josephine indicates— the carelessly draped shawl symbolizes her possession of exotic and expensive riches of the orient. The art of the time is testament to the popularity of the shawl as an item of high fashion, wealth and style.
Of course, Europeans immediately tried to imitate these gorgeous shawls, and the French, English and Scottish weavers competed fiercely to produce similar items quicker and more cheaply from wool, cotton or silk — they couldn't produce anything as light and fine and rich as the Kashmiris made. The most expensive Kashmir shawls were so light and fine that a whole shawl (more than five feet square) could be pulled through a wedding ring. Shawls were hugely fashionable, the finer and more expensive the better.
Catherine Willmott, a young Irishwoman visiting Naples in 1802, wrote to her brother, "As to dress, 'tis pretty much like the French, every lady with a great shoulder sheet of a shawl, looking like Mobbled Queens in the morning, and then in the evenings, exalted, through the Milliner's Apotheosis into Dianas, Junos, Hebes and all the Classic figures of the heavenly spheres. Guess where the Milliners and hairdressers go to study fashions; into the Churches among the Statues and Paintings which adorn the Tombs!"
(Note: the last part, about the hairdressers actually has nothing to do with shawls, as you can see, but I included it because it's so entertaining. Hope you enjoyed it.)
Back in the UK, Norwich (pronounced Norritch) shawls of wool and silk were popular, but after the introduction of the French Jacquard loom, manufacturers in Paisley (Scotland) already well known for fine silks and muslins came to dominate the field. They copied the latest Kashmir shawls as soon as they arrived in port, sending their agents to London to examine each new shipment. In 1812, eight days after a shipment of Kashmir shawls arrived in London, Paisley imitations were being sold for £12. The original Kashmir shawl would have cost around £70-100. At this time, the annual wage for a maidservant was around £10, which gives you an idea of the expense —even a locally made Paisley shawl was not cheap.
So successful were the weavers of Paisley at "borrowing" and transforming various elements of eastern designs that the name of their town eventually became synonymous with the pattern they wove. Even today we all know what "paisley" means, and it isn't a town.
But as is the way with most things, once the shawls became mass produced and cheap to purchase, they were no longer such desirable fashion items, and fell out of favor. These days they're back, though in different incarnations. Me, I'd love one of those big gorgeous Kashmiri shawls from the Regency era. And as this blog draws to a close, let me share another of the gems of Catherine Willmott's letters; in Florence she discussed the role of the cicisbeo: "In numerous instances these cicisbeos may be call'd lovers, in many others, Guardians, and in others I have remark'd mere servants, to run about on messages, carry the lady's shawl on his arm and to conduct her from one house to another."
Clearly this is where I have been going wrong with shawls — I'm supposed to get a handsome Italian cicisbeo to carry the wretched thing.
*Patricia Rice just sent me this, as a solution to sliding shawls. Hmm, I don't know... cicisbeo or clip... cicisbeo or clip? What do you think?
What about you? Are you a wearer of shawls and wraps? Any favorites? Or are you like me and struggle with them? And which would you choose, the cicisbeo or the clip?
I ADORE shawls, which is why I know about the hair clip cheat for holding them in place (although much prettier ones can be found in any mall trinket store). I have shawls from Turkey and Mexico and the fabric is so fine that I could probably draw them through a ring if it occurred to me to try. And I like to actually wear the shawls to keep me warm, so unless the cicisbeo intends to do that, I’ll keep the shawl, thank you!
I ADORE shawls, which is why I know about the hair clip cheat for holding them in place (although much prettier ones can be found in any mall trinket store). I have shawls from Turkey and Mexico and the fabric is so fine that I could probably draw them through a ring if it occurred to me to try. And I like to actually wear the shawls to keep me warm, so unless the cicisbeo intends to do that, I’ll keep the shawl, thank you!
I ADORE shawls, which is why I know about the hair clip cheat for holding them in place (although much prettier ones can be found in any mall trinket store). I have shawls from Turkey and Mexico and the fabric is so fine that I could probably draw them through a ring if it occurred to me to try. And I like to actually wear the shawls to keep me warm, so unless the cicisbeo intends to do that, I’ll keep the shawl, thank you!
I ADORE shawls, which is why I know about the hair clip cheat for holding them in place (although much prettier ones can be found in any mall trinket store). I have shawls from Turkey and Mexico and the fabric is so fine that I could probably draw them through a ring if it occurred to me to try. And I like to actually wear the shawls to keep me warm, so unless the cicisbeo intends to do that, I’ll keep the shawl, thank you!
I ADORE shawls, which is why I know about the hair clip cheat for holding them in place (although much prettier ones can be found in any mall trinket store). I have shawls from Turkey and Mexico and the fabric is so fine that I could probably draw them through a ring if it occurred to me to try. And I like to actually wear the shawls to keep me warm, so unless the cicisbeo intends to do that, I’ll keep the shawl, thank you!
I have several shawls and heavier wraps of that ilk. Only one is held together with a clip– mine is a small chain with an alligator type clip on each end and meant to be seen as an ornament. Cicisbeos are too much trouble. I’ll stick to carrying my own shawls even when they dip into the coffee or drag through the tapioca.
There is a Shires Publication on Shawls that is good for basic information.
Somewhere I read an article on how the Indian Tree of Life became Paisley.
Lovely illustrations.
I have several shawls and heavier wraps of that ilk. Only one is held together with a clip– mine is a small chain with an alligator type clip on each end and meant to be seen as an ornament. Cicisbeos are too much trouble. I’ll stick to carrying my own shawls even when they dip into the coffee or drag through the tapioca.
There is a Shires Publication on Shawls that is good for basic information.
Somewhere I read an article on how the Indian Tree of Life became Paisley.
Lovely illustrations.
I have several shawls and heavier wraps of that ilk. Only one is held together with a clip– mine is a small chain with an alligator type clip on each end and meant to be seen as an ornament. Cicisbeos are too much trouble. I’ll stick to carrying my own shawls even when they dip into the coffee or drag through the tapioca.
There is a Shires Publication on Shawls that is good for basic information.
Somewhere I read an article on how the Indian Tree of Life became Paisley.
Lovely illustrations.
I have several shawls and heavier wraps of that ilk. Only one is held together with a clip– mine is a small chain with an alligator type clip on each end and meant to be seen as an ornament. Cicisbeos are too much trouble. I’ll stick to carrying my own shawls even when they dip into the coffee or drag through the tapioca.
There is a Shires Publication on Shawls that is good for basic information.
Somewhere I read an article on how the Indian Tree of Life became Paisley.
Lovely illustrations.
I have several shawls and heavier wraps of that ilk. Only one is held together with a clip– mine is a small chain with an alligator type clip on each end and meant to be seen as an ornament. Cicisbeos are too much trouble. I’ll stick to carrying my own shawls even when they dip into the coffee or drag through the tapioca.
There is a Shires Publication on Shawls that is good for basic information.
Somewhere I read an article on how the Indian Tree of Life became Paisley.
Lovely illustrations.
Lovely blog, Anne, I love shawls too. I bought my first shawl on holiday in Spain when I was a teenager, embroidered silk and fringed. Then in my hippy years I crocheted a couple, which I still have and use when my temperature is – er – fluctuating!
Then there are the variations, the pashmina and the poncho, but none are as beautiful as those early ones in your pictures.
Your blog makes me think I should buy a few more and get back in the fashion – any idea where I can get the cicisbeo to go with them?
Lovely blog, Anne, I love shawls too. I bought my first shawl on holiday in Spain when I was a teenager, embroidered silk and fringed. Then in my hippy years I crocheted a couple, which I still have and use when my temperature is – er – fluctuating!
Then there are the variations, the pashmina and the poncho, but none are as beautiful as those early ones in your pictures.
Your blog makes me think I should buy a few more and get back in the fashion – any idea where I can get the cicisbeo to go with them?
Lovely blog, Anne, I love shawls too. I bought my first shawl on holiday in Spain when I was a teenager, embroidered silk and fringed. Then in my hippy years I crocheted a couple, which I still have and use when my temperature is – er – fluctuating!
Then there are the variations, the pashmina and the poncho, but none are as beautiful as those early ones in your pictures.
Your blog makes me think I should buy a few more and get back in the fashion – any idea where I can get the cicisbeo to go with them?
Lovely blog, Anne, I love shawls too. I bought my first shawl on holiday in Spain when I was a teenager, embroidered silk and fringed. Then in my hippy years I crocheted a couple, which I still have and use when my temperature is – er – fluctuating!
Then there are the variations, the pashmina and the poncho, but none are as beautiful as those early ones in your pictures.
Your blog makes me think I should buy a few more and get back in the fashion – any idea where I can get the cicisbeo to go with them?
Lovely blog, Anne, I love shawls too. I bought my first shawl on holiday in Spain when I was a teenager, embroidered silk and fringed. Then in my hippy years I crocheted a couple, which I still have and use when my temperature is – er – fluctuating!
Then there are the variations, the pashmina and the poncho, but none are as beautiful as those early ones in your pictures.
Your blog makes me think I should buy a few more and get back in the fashion – any idea where I can get the cicisbeo to go with them?
Pat I have a shawl that was made from cactus something —extract? fiber? — and it’s amazingly fine, too. I think the thing about the Kashmir shawls you could pass through a ring was that they were also very warm — warmer than wool and silk shawls made in Britain. The other thing was their size — most of them were more than 5 foot square — that’s a lot to squish through a wedding ring.
And you know what? I think that cicisbeo might keep me warm. 😉
Pat I have a shawl that was made from cactus something —extract? fiber? — and it’s amazingly fine, too. I think the thing about the Kashmir shawls you could pass through a ring was that they were also very warm — warmer than wool and silk shawls made in Britain. The other thing was their size — most of them were more than 5 foot square — that’s a lot to squish through a wedding ring.
And you know what? I think that cicisbeo might keep me warm. 😉
Pat I have a shawl that was made from cactus something —extract? fiber? — and it’s amazingly fine, too. I think the thing about the Kashmir shawls you could pass through a ring was that they were also very warm — warmer than wool and silk shawls made in Britain. The other thing was their size — most of them were more than 5 foot square — that’s a lot to squish through a wedding ring.
And you know what? I think that cicisbeo might keep me warm. 😉
Pat I have a shawl that was made from cactus something —extract? fiber? — and it’s amazingly fine, too. I think the thing about the Kashmir shawls you could pass through a ring was that they were also very warm — warmer than wool and silk shawls made in Britain. The other thing was their size — most of them were more than 5 foot square — that’s a lot to squish through a wedding ring.
And you know what? I think that cicisbeo might keep me warm. 😉
Pat I have a shawl that was made from cactus something —extract? fiber? — and it’s amazingly fine, too. I think the thing about the Kashmir shawls you could pass through a ring was that they were also very warm — warmer than wool and silk shawls made in Britain. The other thing was their size — most of them were more than 5 foot square — that’s a lot to squish through a wedding ring.
And you know what? I think that cicisbeo might keep me warm. 😉
Thanks for that reference, nancy — yes there is a Shires publication on shawls. I just found it on the web.
I have a fine merino wool and silk shawl that I love to bits — it’s a stunning hand-dyed rich blue — but I’m not sure I’d want to use a clip on it. I’d be too worried about the clip marking it with those claws.
Thanks for that reference, nancy — yes there is a Shires publication on shawls. I just found it on the web.
I have a fine merino wool and silk shawl that I love to bits — it’s a stunning hand-dyed rich blue — but I’m not sure I’d want to use a clip on it. I’d be too worried about the clip marking it with those claws.
Thanks for that reference, nancy — yes there is a Shires publication on shawls. I just found it on the web.
I have a fine merino wool and silk shawl that I love to bits — it’s a stunning hand-dyed rich blue — but I’m not sure I’d want to use a clip on it. I’d be too worried about the clip marking it with those claws.
Thanks for that reference, nancy — yes there is a Shires publication on shawls. I just found it on the web.
I have a fine merino wool and silk shawl that I love to bits — it’s a stunning hand-dyed rich blue — but I’m not sure I’d want to use a clip on it. I’d be too worried about the clip marking it with those claws.
Thanks for that reference, nancy — yes there is a Shires publication on shawls. I just found it on the web.
I have a fine merino wool and silk shawl that I love to bits — it’s a stunning hand-dyed rich blue — but I’m not sure I’d want to use a clip on it. I’d be too worried about the clip marking it with those claws.
Anne, I have a drawer full of shawls but I’m like you. For me it’s probably the drama of them – worn well they attract attention and sometimes I’m just not up for that. Lovely blog. Thanks!
Anne, I have a drawer full of shawls but I’m like you. For me it’s probably the drama of them – worn well they attract attention and sometimes I’m just not up for that. Lovely blog. Thanks!
Anne, I have a drawer full of shawls but I’m like you. For me it’s probably the drama of them – worn well they attract attention and sometimes I’m just not up for that. Lovely blog. Thanks!
Anne, I have a drawer full of shawls but I’m like you. For me it’s probably the drama of them – worn well they attract attention and sometimes I’m just not up for that. Lovely blog. Thanks!
Anne, I have a drawer full of shawls but I’m like you. For me it’s probably the drama of them – worn well they attract attention and sometimes I’m just not up for that. Lovely blog. Thanks!
Sarah, those Spanish shawls are gorgeous, aren’t they? When I was about 19 I saw a magnificent silk shawl of the Spanish type — black silk with stunning embroidery and a silk fringe in an antique shop. It was quite expensive and I let myself get talked out of buying it, and you know, I’ve regretted it all my life. So I had my hero buy my heroine a Spanish silk shawl in Bride By Mistake. Not quite the same, though.
I had a series of shawls I crocheted, too, and one I knitted on giant knitting needles from hand-spun natural brown wool, but I don’t have them any more. Too clunky. These days I got for softer, more decorative ones. To keep in my drawer .;)
Sarah, those Spanish shawls are gorgeous, aren’t they? When I was about 19 I saw a magnificent silk shawl of the Spanish type — black silk with stunning embroidery and a silk fringe in an antique shop. It was quite expensive and I let myself get talked out of buying it, and you know, I’ve regretted it all my life. So I had my hero buy my heroine a Spanish silk shawl in Bride By Mistake. Not quite the same, though.
I had a series of shawls I crocheted, too, and one I knitted on giant knitting needles from hand-spun natural brown wool, but I don’t have them any more. Too clunky. These days I got for softer, more decorative ones. To keep in my drawer .;)
Sarah, those Spanish shawls are gorgeous, aren’t they? When I was about 19 I saw a magnificent silk shawl of the Spanish type — black silk with stunning embroidery and a silk fringe in an antique shop. It was quite expensive and I let myself get talked out of buying it, and you know, I’ve regretted it all my life. So I had my hero buy my heroine a Spanish silk shawl in Bride By Mistake. Not quite the same, though.
I had a series of shawls I crocheted, too, and one I knitted on giant knitting needles from hand-spun natural brown wool, but I don’t have them any more. Too clunky. These days I got for softer, more decorative ones. To keep in my drawer .;)
Sarah, those Spanish shawls are gorgeous, aren’t they? When I was about 19 I saw a magnificent silk shawl of the Spanish type — black silk with stunning embroidery and a silk fringe in an antique shop. It was quite expensive and I let myself get talked out of buying it, and you know, I’ve regretted it all my life. So I had my hero buy my heroine a Spanish silk shawl in Bride By Mistake. Not quite the same, though.
I had a series of shawls I crocheted, too, and one I knitted on giant knitting needles from hand-spun natural brown wool, but I don’t have them any more. Too clunky. These days I got for softer, more decorative ones. To keep in my drawer .;)
Sarah, those Spanish shawls are gorgeous, aren’t they? When I was about 19 I saw a magnificent silk shawl of the Spanish type — black silk with stunning embroidery and a silk fringe in an antique shop. It was quite expensive and I let myself get talked out of buying it, and you know, I’ve regretted it all my life. So I had my hero buy my heroine a Spanish silk shawl in Bride By Mistake. Not quite the same, though.
I had a series of shawls I crocheted, too, and one I knitted on giant knitting needles from hand-spun natural brown wool, but I don’t have them any more. Too clunky. These days I got for softer, more decorative ones. To keep in my drawer .;)
Louise, perhaps we both need to make a pact to wear some of our shawls at the next conference. But you’re right, it might be the drama of them and attracting attention that’s part of the problem. I’m a bit like that with hats, too — I adore hats, but I almost never wear them because I tend to think it’s a bit OTT unless it’s either really cold or really sunny and is for protection.
Louise, perhaps we both need to make a pact to wear some of our shawls at the next conference. But you’re right, it might be the drama of them and attracting attention that’s part of the problem. I’m a bit like that with hats, too — I adore hats, but I almost never wear them because I tend to think it’s a bit OTT unless it’s either really cold or really sunny and is for protection.
Louise, perhaps we both need to make a pact to wear some of our shawls at the next conference. But you’re right, it might be the drama of them and attracting attention that’s part of the problem. I’m a bit like that with hats, too — I adore hats, but I almost never wear them because I tend to think it’s a bit OTT unless it’s either really cold or really sunny and is for protection.
Louise, perhaps we both need to make a pact to wear some of our shawls at the next conference. But you’re right, it might be the drama of them and attracting attention that’s part of the problem. I’m a bit like that with hats, too — I adore hats, but I almost never wear them because I tend to think it’s a bit OTT unless it’s either really cold or really sunny and is for protection.
Louise, perhaps we both need to make a pact to wear some of our shawls at the next conference. But you’re right, it might be the drama of them and attracting attention that’s part of the problem. I’m a bit like that with hats, too — I adore hats, but I almost never wear them because I tend to think it’s a bit OTT unless it’s either really cold or really sunny and is for protection.
Heh. Here I thought that Anne’d discovered a cool new (old) technique of keeping the darned things up, but no, I’m supposed to employ someone to keep it up. Why wear the shawl when I could just wear the employee?
Jokes aside, I love shawls, too, but do find them hard to manage. With our rainy weather, I don’t often get a chance to wear them, but I seize opportunities whenever I can.
Heh. Here I thought that Anne’d discovered a cool new (old) technique of keeping the darned things up, but no, I’m supposed to employ someone to keep it up. Why wear the shawl when I could just wear the employee?
Jokes aside, I love shawls, too, but do find them hard to manage. With our rainy weather, I don’t often get a chance to wear them, but I seize opportunities whenever I can.
Heh. Here I thought that Anne’d discovered a cool new (old) technique of keeping the darned things up, but no, I’m supposed to employ someone to keep it up. Why wear the shawl when I could just wear the employee?
Jokes aside, I love shawls, too, but do find them hard to manage. With our rainy weather, I don’t often get a chance to wear them, but I seize opportunities whenever I can.
Heh. Here I thought that Anne’d discovered a cool new (old) technique of keeping the darned things up, but no, I’m supposed to employ someone to keep it up. Why wear the shawl when I could just wear the employee?
Jokes aside, I love shawls, too, but do find them hard to manage. With our rainy weather, I don’t often get a chance to wear them, but I seize opportunities whenever I can.
Heh. Here I thought that Anne’d discovered a cool new (old) technique of keeping the darned things up, but no, I’m supposed to employ someone to keep it up. Why wear the shawl when I could just wear the employee?
Jokes aside, I love shawls, too, but do find them hard to manage. With our rainy weather, I don’t often get a chance to wear them, but I seize opportunities whenever I can.
I, too, adore shawls, but I never get around to actually wearing them. If I do, I end up just squishing them up and using them as a scarf.
As far as knitting shawls goes, a few months ago I got a lovely book of Victorian lace patterns that I attempt from time to time. (Victorian Lace Today, http://www.amazon.com/Victorian-Lace-Today-Jane-Sowerby/dp/1933064102/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1339603153&sr=8-1 ) However, I have a tendency to get distracted, so my attempt is currently only a foot long. I will keep trying, though!
I, too, adore shawls, but I never get around to actually wearing them. If I do, I end up just squishing them up and using them as a scarf.
As far as knitting shawls goes, a few months ago I got a lovely book of Victorian lace patterns that I attempt from time to time. (Victorian Lace Today, http://www.amazon.com/Victorian-Lace-Today-Jane-Sowerby/dp/1933064102/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1339603153&sr=8-1 ) However, I have a tendency to get distracted, so my attempt is currently only a foot long. I will keep trying, though!
I, too, adore shawls, but I never get around to actually wearing them. If I do, I end up just squishing them up and using them as a scarf.
As far as knitting shawls goes, a few months ago I got a lovely book of Victorian lace patterns that I attempt from time to time. (Victorian Lace Today, http://www.amazon.com/Victorian-Lace-Today-Jane-Sowerby/dp/1933064102/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1339603153&sr=8-1 ) However, I have a tendency to get distracted, so my attempt is currently only a foot long. I will keep trying, though!
I, too, adore shawls, but I never get around to actually wearing them. If I do, I end up just squishing them up and using them as a scarf.
As far as knitting shawls goes, a few months ago I got a lovely book of Victorian lace patterns that I attempt from time to time. (Victorian Lace Today, http://www.amazon.com/Victorian-Lace-Today-Jane-Sowerby/dp/1933064102/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1339603153&sr=8-1 ) However, I have a tendency to get distracted, so my attempt is currently only a foot long. I will keep trying, though!
I, too, adore shawls, but I never get around to actually wearing them. If I do, I end up just squishing them up and using them as a scarf.
As far as knitting shawls goes, a few months ago I got a lovely book of Victorian lace patterns that I attempt from time to time. (Victorian Lace Today, http://www.amazon.com/Victorian-Lace-Today-Jane-Sowerby/dp/1933064102/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1339603153&sr=8-1 ) However, I have a tendency to get distracted, so my attempt is currently only a foot long. I will keep trying, though!
There are also Shetland shawls, finely hand spun wool, knitted by the ladies in Shetland and contain many differnt stitch patterns. This is how I made my first shawl. I spun Romney X Merino fleece then knitted some of the old stitches. It measured 5ftX5ft and fitted through a wedding ring and weighed 50 grams. If I need to keep mine in place, I have a collection of old Victorian style brooches which pin in beautifully.
There are also Shetland shawls, finely hand spun wool, knitted by the ladies in Shetland and contain many differnt stitch patterns. This is how I made my first shawl. I spun Romney X Merino fleece then knitted some of the old stitches. It measured 5ftX5ft and fitted through a wedding ring and weighed 50 grams. If I need to keep mine in place, I have a collection of old Victorian style brooches which pin in beautifully.
There are also Shetland shawls, finely hand spun wool, knitted by the ladies in Shetland and contain many differnt stitch patterns. This is how I made my first shawl. I spun Romney X Merino fleece then knitted some of the old stitches. It measured 5ftX5ft and fitted through a wedding ring and weighed 50 grams. If I need to keep mine in place, I have a collection of old Victorian style brooches which pin in beautifully.
There are also Shetland shawls, finely hand spun wool, knitted by the ladies in Shetland and contain many differnt stitch patterns. This is how I made my first shawl. I spun Romney X Merino fleece then knitted some of the old stitches. It measured 5ftX5ft and fitted through a wedding ring and weighed 50 grams. If I need to keep mine in place, I have a collection of old Victorian style brooches which pin in beautifully.
There are also Shetland shawls, finely hand spun wool, knitted by the ladies in Shetland and contain many differnt stitch patterns. This is how I made my first shawl. I spun Romney X Merino fleece then knitted some of the old stitches. It measured 5ftX5ft and fitted through a wedding ring and weighed 50 grams. If I need to keep mine in place, I have a collection of old Victorian style brooches which pin in beautifully.
I love knitting shawls and wearing them. The key to keeping them on is the method of construction: you need a curved edge at the top so that the shawl naturally falls over your shoulders. A shawl pin (or any pin) is useful for helping to keep the shawl in place, or you can loop the ends. Here’s a link to a shawl I made last fall, showing the curved edge: http://aknittingprofessor.blogspot.com/2011/11/molly-nosegay-shawl.html
I’m knitting several delicate lace shawls now, and look forward to wearing them when they are finished.
I love knitting shawls and wearing them. The key to keeping them on is the method of construction: you need a curved edge at the top so that the shawl naturally falls over your shoulders. A shawl pin (or any pin) is useful for helping to keep the shawl in place, or you can loop the ends. Here’s a link to a shawl I made last fall, showing the curved edge: http://aknittingprofessor.blogspot.com/2011/11/molly-nosegay-shawl.html
I’m knitting several delicate lace shawls now, and look forward to wearing them when they are finished.
I love knitting shawls and wearing them. The key to keeping them on is the method of construction: you need a curved edge at the top so that the shawl naturally falls over your shoulders. A shawl pin (or any pin) is useful for helping to keep the shawl in place, or you can loop the ends. Here’s a link to a shawl I made last fall, showing the curved edge: http://aknittingprofessor.blogspot.com/2011/11/molly-nosegay-shawl.html
I’m knitting several delicate lace shawls now, and look forward to wearing them when they are finished.
I love knitting shawls and wearing them. The key to keeping them on is the method of construction: you need a curved edge at the top so that the shawl naturally falls over your shoulders. A shawl pin (or any pin) is useful for helping to keep the shawl in place, or you can loop the ends. Here’s a link to a shawl I made last fall, showing the curved edge: http://aknittingprofessor.blogspot.com/2011/11/molly-nosegay-shawl.html
I’m knitting several delicate lace shawls now, and look forward to wearing them when they are finished.
I love knitting shawls and wearing them. The key to keeping them on is the method of construction: you need a curved edge at the top so that the shawl naturally falls over your shoulders. A shawl pin (or any pin) is useful for helping to keep the shawl in place, or you can loop the ends. Here’s a link to a shawl I made last fall, showing the curved edge: http://aknittingprofessor.blogspot.com/2011/11/molly-nosegay-shawl.html
I’m knitting several delicate lace shawls now, and look forward to wearing them when they are finished.
Shawls AND cicisbeos for me, please, especially if I can have the fella in the picture, Anne. Then I would set off on my social round with an armful of shawls [carried by him] and change as the mood took me.
my favourite pashmina is an indian one, silk and cashmere and huge but so light and fine [and warm] I also have a crocheted mohair shawl made by my husband’s cousin [she’s Turkish] – it’s lacy, white and never slips off.
Shawls AND cicisbeos for me, please, especially if I can have the fella in the picture, Anne. Then I would set off on my social round with an armful of shawls [carried by him] and change as the mood took me.
my favourite pashmina is an indian one, silk and cashmere and huge but so light and fine [and warm] I also have a crocheted mohair shawl made by my husband’s cousin [she’s Turkish] – it’s lacy, white and never slips off.
Shawls AND cicisbeos for me, please, especially if I can have the fella in the picture, Anne. Then I would set off on my social round with an armful of shawls [carried by him] and change as the mood took me.
my favourite pashmina is an indian one, silk and cashmere and huge but so light and fine [and warm] I also have a crocheted mohair shawl made by my husband’s cousin [she’s Turkish] – it’s lacy, white and never slips off.
Shawls AND cicisbeos for me, please, especially if I can have the fella in the picture, Anne. Then I would set off on my social round with an armful of shawls [carried by him] and change as the mood took me.
my favourite pashmina is an indian one, silk and cashmere and huge but so light and fine [and warm] I also have a crocheted mohair shawl made by my husband’s cousin [she’s Turkish] – it’s lacy, white and never slips off.
Shawls AND cicisbeos for me, please, especially if I can have the fella in the picture, Anne. Then I would set off on my social round with an armful of shawls [carried by him] and change as the mood took me.
my favourite pashmina is an indian one, silk and cashmere and huge but so light and fine [and warm] I also have a crocheted mohair shawl made by my husband’s cousin [she’s Turkish] – it’s lacy, white and never slips off.
Keira, a cicisbeo isn’t an employee — he attends you out of pure devotion! And thus the shawl is somewhat of an excuse to have him near. See Beth’s comment below — she and I — great minds thinking alike. LOL.
Keira, a cicisbeo isn’t an employee — he attends you out of pure devotion! And thus the shawl is somewhat of an excuse to have him near. See Beth’s comment below — she and I — great minds thinking alike. LOL.
Keira, a cicisbeo isn’t an employee — he attends you out of pure devotion! And thus the shawl is somewhat of an excuse to have him near. See Beth’s comment below — she and I — great minds thinking alike. LOL.
Keira, a cicisbeo isn’t an employee — he attends you out of pure devotion! And thus the shawl is somewhat of an excuse to have him near. See Beth’s comment below — she and I — great minds thinking alike. LOL.
Keira, a cicisbeo isn’t an employee — he attends you out of pure devotion! And thus the shawl is somewhat of an excuse to have him near. See Beth’s comment below — she and I — great minds thinking alike. LOL.
Margot, I’m so impressed. I’ve never been much of a knitter, though I do crochet, and when I was a teenager my grandmother taught me to crochet fine edgings for handkerchiefs. Haven’t done that for a long time now. A fine knitted shawl would be a wonderful achievement. Keep going.
Margot, I’m so impressed. I’ve never been much of a knitter, though I do crochet, and when I was a teenager my grandmother taught me to crochet fine edgings for handkerchiefs. Haven’t done that for a long time now. A fine knitted shawl would be a wonderful achievement. Keep going.
Margot, I’m so impressed. I’ve never been much of a knitter, though I do crochet, and when I was a teenager my grandmother taught me to crochet fine edgings for handkerchiefs. Haven’t done that for a long time now. A fine knitted shawl would be a wonderful achievement. Keep going.
Margot, I’m so impressed. I’ve never been much of a knitter, though I do crochet, and when I was a teenager my grandmother taught me to crochet fine edgings for handkerchiefs. Haven’t done that for a long time now. A fine knitted shawl would be a wonderful achievement. Keep going.
Margot, I’m so impressed. I’ve never been much of a knitter, though I do crochet, and when I was a teenager my grandmother taught me to crochet fine edgings for handkerchiefs. Haven’t done that for a long time now. A fine knitted shawl would be a wonderful achievement. Keep going.
Susannah, I clicked on your link to your blog and that shawl you made is beeeyoutiful! You clever thing!
And thank you for that advice on the curved construction needed for a shawl to sit easily — that explains why the shawl I wear most often is my blue merino/silk one. It works like that — I can even hang it on a coat hanger. All this shawl talk has made me dig it out and I might even wear it out this weekend. I have a large celtic harp brooch that might work to stop the wind blowing it off me.
Susannah, I clicked on your link to your blog and that shawl you made is beeeyoutiful! You clever thing!
And thank you for that advice on the curved construction needed for a shawl to sit easily — that explains why the shawl I wear most often is my blue merino/silk one. It works like that — I can even hang it on a coat hanger. All this shawl talk has made me dig it out and I might even wear it out this weekend. I have a large celtic harp brooch that might work to stop the wind blowing it off me.
Susannah, I clicked on your link to your blog and that shawl you made is beeeyoutiful! You clever thing!
And thank you for that advice on the curved construction needed for a shawl to sit easily — that explains why the shawl I wear most often is my blue merino/silk one. It works like that — I can even hang it on a coat hanger. All this shawl talk has made me dig it out and I might even wear it out this weekend. I have a large celtic harp brooch that might work to stop the wind blowing it off me.
Susannah, I clicked on your link to your blog and that shawl you made is beeeyoutiful! You clever thing!
And thank you for that advice on the curved construction needed for a shawl to sit easily — that explains why the shawl I wear most often is my blue merino/silk one. It works like that — I can even hang it on a coat hanger. All this shawl talk has made me dig it out and I might even wear it out this weekend. I have a large celtic harp brooch that might work to stop the wind blowing it off me.
Susannah, I clicked on your link to your blog and that shawl you made is beeeyoutiful! You clever thing!
And thank you for that advice on the curved construction needed for a shawl to sit easily — that explains why the shawl I wear most often is my blue merino/silk one. It works like that — I can even hang it on a coat hanger. All this shawl talk has made me dig it out and I might even wear it out this weekend. I have a large celtic harp brooch that might work to stop the wind blowing it off me.
Beth the guy in the picture is Raoul Bova, a gorgeous Italian movie star. And if you like, we can share him. Certainly you and I are on the same wavelength as far as having the fella and the shawl.
Your pashmina sounds gorgeous — silk and cashmere sounds very sumptuous and I love that it’s huge — I really want one of those giant 5ft 6 square Victorian era ones.
And my guess is the mohair shawl made by your husband’s cousin is conforming to the clever shape Suannah mentioned above — a clever knitterly thing.
Beth the guy in the picture is Raoul Bova, a gorgeous Italian movie star. And if you like, we can share him. Certainly you and I are on the same wavelength as far as having the fella and the shawl.
Your pashmina sounds gorgeous — silk and cashmere sounds very sumptuous and I love that it’s huge — I really want one of those giant 5ft 6 square Victorian era ones.
And my guess is the mohair shawl made by your husband’s cousin is conforming to the clever shape Suannah mentioned above — a clever knitterly thing.
Beth the guy in the picture is Raoul Bova, a gorgeous Italian movie star. And if you like, we can share him. Certainly you and I are on the same wavelength as far as having the fella and the shawl.
Your pashmina sounds gorgeous — silk and cashmere sounds very sumptuous and I love that it’s huge — I really want one of those giant 5ft 6 square Victorian era ones.
And my guess is the mohair shawl made by your husband’s cousin is conforming to the clever shape Suannah mentioned above — a clever knitterly thing.
Beth the guy in the picture is Raoul Bova, a gorgeous Italian movie star. And if you like, we can share him. Certainly you and I are on the same wavelength as far as having the fella and the shawl.
Your pashmina sounds gorgeous — silk and cashmere sounds very sumptuous and I love that it’s huge — I really want one of those giant 5ft 6 square Victorian era ones.
And my guess is the mohair shawl made by your husband’s cousin is conforming to the clever shape Suannah mentioned above — a clever knitterly thing.
Beth the guy in the picture is Raoul Bova, a gorgeous Italian movie star. And if you like, we can share him. Certainly you and I are on the same wavelength as far as having the fella and the shawl.
Your pashmina sounds gorgeous — silk and cashmere sounds very sumptuous and I love that it’s huge — I really want one of those giant 5ft 6 square Victorian era ones.
And my guess is the mohair shawl made by your husband’s cousin is conforming to the clever shape Suannah mentioned above — a clever knitterly thing.
Wonderful post, Anne, I love the insouciant elegance of the women in your pictures and the way they wear their shawls with such style. Like you, I always find mine slipping and sliding, and I’m constantly fiddling to keep ends from slithering hither and yon. Love the rich patterns too. But alas, unless we can share your Italian shawl-boy (please, pretty please!) I am probably going to go uncovered most of the time
Wonderful post, Anne, I love the insouciant elegance of the women in your pictures and the way they wear their shawls with such style. Like you, I always find mine slipping and sliding, and I’m constantly fiddling to keep ends from slithering hither and yon. Love the rich patterns too. But alas, unless we can share your Italian shawl-boy (please, pretty please!) I am probably going to go uncovered most of the time
Wonderful post, Anne, I love the insouciant elegance of the women in your pictures and the way they wear their shawls with such style. Like you, I always find mine slipping and sliding, and I’m constantly fiddling to keep ends from slithering hither and yon. Love the rich patterns too. But alas, unless we can share your Italian shawl-boy (please, pretty please!) I am probably going to go uncovered most of the time
Wonderful post, Anne, I love the insouciant elegance of the women in your pictures and the way they wear their shawls with such style. Like you, I always find mine slipping and sliding, and I’m constantly fiddling to keep ends from slithering hither and yon. Love the rich patterns too. But alas, unless we can share your Italian shawl-boy (please, pretty please!) I am probably going to go uncovered most of the time
Wonderful post, Anne, I love the insouciant elegance of the women in your pictures and the way they wear their shawls with such style. Like you, I always find mine slipping and sliding, and I’m constantly fiddling to keep ends from slithering hither and yon. Love the rich patterns too. But alas, unless we can share your Italian shawl-boy (please, pretty please!) I am probably going to go uncovered most of the time
What a luscious blog! The only kind of shawl that I’m not friends with is the poncho. They’re usually too thick and too precisely shaped to be draped artistically. All those other paisleys and silks and fringed things, gorgeous! Have been in trouble with them, though, because they do require an extra pair of hands. Yes, please, to the cicisbeo!
What a luscious blog! The only kind of shawl that I’m not friends with is the poncho. They’re usually too thick and too precisely shaped to be draped artistically. All those other paisleys and silks and fringed things, gorgeous! Have been in trouble with them, though, because they do require an extra pair of hands. Yes, please, to the cicisbeo!
What a luscious blog! The only kind of shawl that I’m not friends with is the poncho. They’re usually too thick and too precisely shaped to be draped artistically. All those other paisleys and silks and fringed things, gorgeous! Have been in trouble with them, though, because they do require an extra pair of hands. Yes, please, to the cicisbeo!
What a luscious blog! The only kind of shawl that I’m not friends with is the poncho. They’re usually too thick and too precisely shaped to be draped artistically. All those other paisleys and silks and fringed things, gorgeous! Have been in trouble with them, though, because they do require an extra pair of hands. Yes, please, to the cicisbeo!
What a luscious blog! The only kind of shawl that I’m not friends with is the poncho. They’re usually too thick and too precisely shaped to be draped artistically. All those other paisleys and silks and fringed things, gorgeous! Have been in trouble with them, though, because they do require an extra pair of hands. Yes, please, to the cicisbeo!
Lilian, I agree that the poncho isn’t the most graceful of items as far as draping and elegance is concerned, but it is very practical. You don’t need to hold onto a poncho — you can carry a baby or small child beneath it, you could knit under it, and do all sorts of things. I think that’s why it was a classic peasant item of clothing — it’s practical. And warm.
And some ponchos are beautiful with their vibrant colours. I’d love to see one in soft flowing fabric.
Lilian, I agree that the poncho isn’t the most graceful of items as far as draping and elegance is concerned, but it is very practical. You don’t need to hold onto a poncho — you can carry a baby or small child beneath it, you could knit under it, and do all sorts of things. I think that’s why it was a classic peasant item of clothing — it’s practical. And warm.
And some ponchos are beautiful with their vibrant colours. I’d love to see one in soft flowing fabric.
Lilian, I agree that the poncho isn’t the most graceful of items as far as draping and elegance is concerned, but it is very practical. You don’t need to hold onto a poncho — you can carry a baby or small child beneath it, you could knit under it, and do all sorts of things. I think that’s why it was a classic peasant item of clothing — it’s practical. And warm.
And some ponchos are beautiful with their vibrant colours. I’d love to see one in soft flowing fabric.
Lilian, I agree that the poncho isn’t the most graceful of items as far as draping and elegance is concerned, but it is very practical. You don’t need to hold onto a poncho — you can carry a baby or small child beneath it, you could knit under it, and do all sorts of things. I think that’s why it was a classic peasant item of clothing — it’s practical. And warm.
And some ponchos are beautiful with their vibrant colours. I’d love to see one in soft flowing fabric.
Lilian, I agree that the poncho isn’t the most graceful of items as far as draping and elegance is concerned, but it is very practical. You don’t need to hold onto a poncho — you can carry a baby or small child beneath it, you could knit under it, and do all sorts of things. I think that’s why it was a classic peasant item of clothing — it’s practical. And warm.
And some ponchos are beautiful with their vibrant colours. I’d love to see one in soft flowing fabric.
I lose shawls. Now I see where I was going wrong. Shall seek a cicisbeo immediately.
I lose shawls. Now I see where I was going wrong. Shall seek a cicisbeo immediately.
I lose shawls. Now I see where I was going wrong. Shall seek a cicisbeo immediately.
I lose shawls. Now I see where I was going wrong. Shall seek a cicisbeo immediately.
I lose shawls. Now I see where I was going wrong. Shall seek a cicisbeo immediately.
Jenny, exactly. Why did we not realize that sooner? Thanks goodness for Catherine Wilmott and her letters! Cicisbei, anyone?
Jenny, exactly. Why did we not realize that sooner? Thanks goodness for Catherine Wilmott and her letters! Cicisbei, anyone?
Jenny, exactly. Why did we not realize that sooner? Thanks goodness for Catherine Wilmott and her letters! Cicisbei, anyone?
Jenny, exactly. Why did we not realize that sooner? Thanks goodness for Catherine Wilmott and her letters! Cicisbei, anyone?
Jenny, exactly. Why did we not realize that sooner? Thanks goodness for Catherine Wilmott and her letters! Cicisbei, anyone?
I love this! Love the pictures of the Empire era ladies with their shawls – makes me want to run out and buy a few gorgeous shawsl. And a few brooches to hold them in place, unless I can find a cicisbeo!
I love this! Love the pictures of the Empire era ladies with their shawls – makes me want to run out and buy a few gorgeous shawsl. And a few brooches to hold them in place, unless I can find a cicisbeo!
I love this! Love the pictures of the Empire era ladies with their shawls – makes me want to run out and buy a few gorgeous shawsl. And a few brooches to hold them in place, unless I can find a cicisbeo!
I love this! Love the pictures of the Empire era ladies with their shawls – makes me want to run out and buy a few gorgeous shawsl. And a few brooches to hold them in place, unless I can find a cicisbeo!
I love this! Love the pictures of the Empire era ladies with their shawls – makes me want to run out and buy a few gorgeous shawsl. And a few brooches to hold them in place, unless I can find a cicisbeo!
Love, love, love shawls, now have to get a clip. The things you learn when Anne Gracie blogs. Lovely stuff, thank you. Xx Fi
Love, love, love shawls, now have to get a clip. The things you learn when Anne Gracie blogs. Lovely stuff, thank you. Xx Fi
Love, love, love shawls, now have to get a clip. The things you learn when Anne Gracie blogs. Lovely stuff, thank you. Xx Fi
Love, love, love shawls, now have to get a clip. The things you learn when Anne Gracie blogs. Lovely stuff, thank you. Xx Fi
Love, love, love shawls, now have to get a clip. The things you learn when Anne Gracie blogs. Lovely stuff, thank you. Xx Fi
Thank you for sharing Raoul Bova, Anne – Italian AND a cicisbeo – he’ll do the job to perfection. I shall add him to my FB Friday Night Specials at once.
Thank you for sharing Raoul Bova, Anne – Italian AND a cicisbeo – he’ll do the job to perfection. I shall add him to my FB Friday Night Specials at once.
Thank you for sharing Raoul Bova, Anne – Italian AND a cicisbeo – he’ll do the job to perfection. I shall add him to my FB Friday Night Specials at once.
Thank you for sharing Raoul Bova, Anne – Italian AND a cicisbeo – he’ll do the job to perfection. I shall add him to my FB Friday Night Specials at once.
Thank you for sharing Raoul Bova, Anne – Italian AND a cicisbeo – he’ll do the job to perfection. I shall add him to my FB Friday Night Specials at once.
Fiona, glad you enjoyed it. What’s not to like about beautiful pics of shawls.? 😉
Beth, I’m not sure that Raoul *knows* he’s up for the position of cicisbeo… let alone that we’re sharing him. 🙂 He’s a huge star in Italy, and no wonder.
Fiona, glad you enjoyed it. What’s not to like about beautiful pics of shawls.? 😉
Beth, I’m not sure that Raoul *knows* he’s up for the position of cicisbeo… let alone that we’re sharing him. 🙂 He’s a huge star in Italy, and no wonder.
Fiona, glad you enjoyed it. What’s not to like about beautiful pics of shawls.? 😉
Beth, I’m not sure that Raoul *knows* he’s up for the position of cicisbeo… let alone that we’re sharing him. 🙂 He’s a huge star in Italy, and no wonder.
Fiona, glad you enjoyed it. What’s not to like about beautiful pics of shawls.? 😉
Beth, I’m not sure that Raoul *knows* he’s up for the position of cicisbeo… let alone that we’re sharing him. 🙂 He’s a huge star in Italy, and no wonder.
Fiona, glad you enjoyed it. What’s not to like about beautiful pics of shawls.? 😉
Beth, I’m not sure that Raoul *knows* he’s up for the position of cicisbeo… let alone that we’re sharing him. 🙂 He’s a huge star in Italy, and no wonder.
Did you notice that during the Diamond Jubilee on the flotilla barge, the Queen was wearing a shawl at the end… after the rain really started pouring down…
Did you notice that during the Diamond Jubilee on the flotilla barge, the Queen was wearing a shawl at the end… after the rain really started pouring down…
Did you notice that during the Diamond Jubilee on the flotilla barge, the Queen was wearing a shawl at the end… after the rain really started pouring down…
Did you notice that during the Diamond Jubilee on the flotilla barge, the Queen was wearing a shawl at the end… after the rain really started pouring down…
Did you notice that during the Diamond Jubilee on the flotilla barge, the Queen was wearing a shawl at the end… after the rain really started pouring down…
I didn’t see it, Cate. I’m afraid I didn’t watch much of the Jubilee. I’m in a place where Deadline Rules.
I didn’t see it, Cate. I’m afraid I didn’t watch much of the Jubilee. I’m in a place where Deadline Rules.
I didn’t see it, Cate. I’m afraid I didn’t watch much of the Jubilee. I’m in a place where Deadline Rules.
I didn’t see it, Cate. I’m afraid I didn’t watch much of the Jubilee. I’m in a place where Deadline Rules.
I didn’t see it, Cate. I’m afraid I didn’t watch much of the Jubilee. I’m in a place where Deadline Rules.
I love shawls Anne and have two of them that I wear regularly. Pop one on in the summer when it gets a bit cool, and in the winter over everything else I am wearing. But they Do get in the way some times, and slide off. And they are a menace with elecgrical gadgets etc. But I do like them.
I love shawls Anne and have two of them that I wear regularly. Pop one on in the summer when it gets a bit cool, and in the winter over everything else I am wearing. But they Do get in the way some times, and slide off. And they are a menace with elecgrical gadgets etc. But I do like them.
I love shawls Anne and have two of them that I wear regularly. Pop one on in the summer when it gets a bit cool, and in the winter over everything else I am wearing. But they Do get in the way some times, and slide off. And they are a menace with elecgrical gadgets etc. But I do like them.
I love shawls Anne and have two of them that I wear regularly. Pop one on in the summer when it gets a bit cool, and in the winter over everything else I am wearing. But they Do get in the way some times, and slide off. And they are a menace with elecgrical gadgets etc. But I do like them.
I love shawls Anne and have two of them that I wear regularly. Pop one on in the summer when it gets a bit cool, and in the winter over everything else I am wearing. But they Do get in the way some times, and slide off. And they are a menace with elecgrical gadgets etc. But I do like them.
Jenny I have a favorite shawl for summer, too — it’s very light and is perfect for those nights where it turns a wee bit chilly, but not enough to put on a cardie or a coat.
it’s a very fine black cotton/muslin, embroidered all over in a running stitch (like tacking) in vivid colors and indian designs. It means the embroidery is beautiful but very light.
Speaking of being a menace with electrical gadgets, I think I read somewhere that Isadora Duncan, who was a great wearer of long dramatic scarves, died when one of her scarves was caught in a motor bike wheel and strangled her on the spot!
Jenny I have a favorite shawl for summer, too — it’s very light and is perfect for those nights where it turns a wee bit chilly, but not enough to put on a cardie or a coat.
it’s a very fine black cotton/muslin, embroidered all over in a running stitch (like tacking) in vivid colors and indian designs. It means the embroidery is beautiful but very light.
Speaking of being a menace with electrical gadgets, I think I read somewhere that Isadora Duncan, who was a great wearer of long dramatic scarves, died when one of her scarves was caught in a motor bike wheel and strangled her on the spot!
Jenny I have a favorite shawl for summer, too — it’s very light and is perfect for those nights where it turns a wee bit chilly, but not enough to put on a cardie or a coat.
it’s a very fine black cotton/muslin, embroidered all over in a running stitch (like tacking) in vivid colors and indian designs. It means the embroidery is beautiful but very light.
Speaking of being a menace with electrical gadgets, I think I read somewhere that Isadora Duncan, who was a great wearer of long dramatic scarves, died when one of her scarves was caught in a motor bike wheel and strangled her on the spot!
Jenny I have a favorite shawl for summer, too — it’s very light and is perfect for those nights where it turns a wee bit chilly, but not enough to put on a cardie or a coat.
it’s a very fine black cotton/muslin, embroidered all over in a running stitch (like tacking) in vivid colors and indian designs. It means the embroidery is beautiful but very light.
Speaking of being a menace with electrical gadgets, I think I read somewhere that Isadora Duncan, who was a great wearer of long dramatic scarves, died when one of her scarves was caught in a motor bike wheel and strangled her on the spot!
Jenny I have a favorite shawl for summer, too — it’s very light and is perfect for those nights where it turns a wee bit chilly, but not enough to put on a cardie or a coat.
it’s a very fine black cotton/muslin, embroidered all over in a running stitch (like tacking) in vivid colors and indian designs. It means the embroidery is beautiful but very light.
Speaking of being a menace with electrical gadgets, I think I read somewhere that Isadora Duncan, who was a great wearer of long dramatic scarves, died when one of her scarves was caught in a motor bike wheel and strangled her on the spot!
Fabulous post, Anne! I LOVE shawls and I usually wear one to the Beau Monde soiree at Nationals.
I would definitely go with having that young gentleman take care of my shawl carrying duties. Goodness ! (or to quote Mae West “Goodness has nothing to do with it!”)
I have a couple of nice plaid shawls I bought in Scotland and they are super warm.
But as fashion accessories I love my silk pashminas.
Note to self : Do NOT wear a shawl or scarf when riding a motorbike. YIKES!
Fabulous post, Anne! I LOVE shawls and I usually wear one to the Beau Monde soiree at Nationals.
I would definitely go with having that young gentleman take care of my shawl carrying duties. Goodness ! (or to quote Mae West “Goodness has nothing to do with it!”)
I have a couple of nice plaid shawls I bought in Scotland and they are super warm.
But as fashion accessories I love my silk pashminas.
Note to self : Do NOT wear a shawl or scarf when riding a motorbike. YIKES!
Fabulous post, Anne! I LOVE shawls and I usually wear one to the Beau Monde soiree at Nationals.
I would definitely go with having that young gentleman take care of my shawl carrying duties. Goodness ! (or to quote Mae West “Goodness has nothing to do with it!”)
I have a couple of nice plaid shawls I bought in Scotland and they are super warm.
But as fashion accessories I love my silk pashminas.
Note to self : Do NOT wear a shawl or scarf when riding a motorbike. YIKES!
Fabulous post, Anne! I LOVE shawls and I usually wear one to the Beau Monde soiree at Nationals.
I would definitely go with having that young gentleman take care of my shawl carrying duties. Goodness ! (or to quote Mae West “Goodness has nothing to do with it!”)
I have a couple of nice plaid shawls I bought in Scotland and they are super warm.
But as fashion accessories I love my silk pashminas.
Note to self : Do NOT wear a shawl or scarf when riding a motorbike. YIKES!
Fabulous post, Anne! I LOVE shawls and I usually wear one to the Beau Monde soiree at Nationals.
I would definitely go with having that young gentleman take care of my shawl carrying duties. Goodness ! (or to quote Mae West “Goodness has nothing to do with it!”)
I have a couple of nice plaid shawls I bought in Scotland and they are super warm.
But as fashion accessories I love my silk pashminas.
Note to self : Do NOT wear a shawl or scarf when riding a motorbike. YIKES!
I love my pashmina shawls, I have a collection and wear them all the time. In the winter wrapped around my neck or as a head scarf for warmth, in the summer when the office gets too chilly from air conditioning. They also make a good blanket for napping on planes, for sitting on the grass or the beach if you have an impromptu picnic lunch, they’re also a sarong, a baby sling, or a table runner, they just have dozens of uses! My favorite place to buy them cheap is from street vendors in Manhattan, or in the Indian neighborhoods of Queens, NYC, they have beautiful colorful patterns, although at $5, I doubt it’s *real* pashmina.
I love my pashmina shawls, I have a collection and wear them all the time. In the winter wrapped around my neck or as a head scarf for warmth, in the summer when the office gets too chilly from air conditioning. They also make a good blanket for napping on planes, for sitting on the grass or the beach if you have an impromptu picnic lunch, they’re also a sarong, a baby sling, or a table runner, they just have dozens of uses! My favorite place to buy them cheap is from street vendors in Manhattan, or in the Indian neighborhoods of Queens, NYC, they have beautiful colorful patterns, although at $5, I doubt it’s *real* pashmina.
I love my pashmina shawls, I have a collection and wear them all the time. In the winter wrapped around my neck or as a head scarf for warmth, in the summer when the office gets too chilly from air conditioning. They also make a good blanket for napping on planes, for sitting on the grass or the beach if you have an impromptu picnic lunch, they’re also a sarong, a baby sling, or a table runner, they just have dozens of uses! My favorite place to buy them cheap is from street vendors in Manhattan, or in the Indian neighborhoods of Queens, NYC, they have beautiful colorful patterns, although at $5, I doubt it’s *real* pashmina.
I love my pashmina shawls, I have a collection and wear them all the time. In the winter wrapped around my neck or as a head scarf for warmth, in the summer when the office gets too chilly from air conditioning. They also make a good blanket for napping on planes, for sitting on the grass or the beach if you have an impromptu picnic lunch, they’re also a sarong, a baby sling, or a table runner, they just have dozens of uses! My favorite place to buy them cheap is from street vendors in Manhattan, or in the Indian neighborhoods of Queens, NYC, they have beautiful colorful patterns, although at $5, I doubt it’s *real* pashmina.
I love my pashmina shawls, I have a collection and wear them all the time. In the winter wrapped around my neck or as a head scarf for warmth, in the summer when the office gets too chilly from air conditioning. They also make a good blanket for napping on planes, for sitting on the grass or the beach if you have an impromptu picnic lunch, they’re also a sarong, a baby sling, or a table runner, they just have dozens of uses! My favorite place to buy them cheap is from street vendors in Manhattan, or in the Indian neighborhoods of Queens, NYC, they have beautiful colorful patterns, although at $5, I doubt it’s *real* pashmina.
Karin, I love the varied uses you’ve listed there for shawls, and you’re right — I’ve seen them used for so many of those purposes. I’ve also seen and bought some of those pashminas on the street in Manhattan, and they’re very pretty and nice, but no, at $5, they’re not the real thing.
Karin, I love the varied uses you’ve listed there for shawls, and you’re right — I’ve seen them used for so many of those purposes. I’ve also seen and bought some of those pashminas on the street in Manhattan, and they’re very pretty and nice, but no, at $5, they’re not the real thing.
Karin, I love the varied uses you’ve listed there for shawls, and you’re right — I’ve seen them used for so many of those purposes. I’ve also seen and bought some of those pashminas on the street in Manhattan, and they’re very pretty and nice, but no, at $5, they’re not the real thing.
Karin, I love the varied uses you’ve listed there for shawls, and you’re right — I’ve seen them used for so many of those purposes. I’ve also seen and bought some of those pashminas on the street in Manhattan, and they’re very pretty and nice, but no, at $5, they’re not the real thing.
Karin, I love the varied uses you’ve listed there for shawls, and you’re right — I’ve seen them used for so many of those purposes. I’ve also seen and bought some of those pashminas on the street in Manhattan, and they’re very pretty and nice, but no, at $5, they’re not the real thing.