Pashmina is another name for Cashmere is a downy undercoat of the Capra Hircus Laniger goats that mainly live in the Trans-Himalayan regions classified as speciality hair fibres which possess special qualities of fineness and lustre, which is used for making finest quality shawls and hijabs.
The History
Woven shawls in India have been worn as early as the Indus Valley Civilization. A famous example is the statue of a priest-king found at Mohenjo-Daro, who is draped in a shawl decorated with trefoil patterns.
The past of this super-luxurious wool resonates with the history of India itself, going back to the pre-Mughal time when the first details of this enticing fabric were documented. It is however believed that unstitched woollen wraps on the shoulders were already being used for warmth some 3500 years ago – roughly the age of “Mohenjo Daro” civilization. “Buddha”, along with his disciples, is also shown in elegant drapes in most of the depictions
Definition
Pashmina, a prince of the speciality hair fibre is one of the finest natural fibre. Encyclopedia of textiles (1980) defines speciality hair fibres as the rare animal fibres which possess special qualities of fineness and lustre. Pashmina is the down fibres or undercoat derived from domestic goat known as Capra hircus, which is native to India (Von Bergen, 1963). Pashmina can also be defined as the down (undercoat) fibre derived from Cashmere goats with a diameter of 15 microns or less (ASTM, D-123-59).
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Pashmina has derived its name from the Persian word “pashm“ meaning “soft gold“, the king of fibres (Anon, 2005). It is well known for its fineness, warmth, softness, desirable aesthetic value, elegance and timelessness in fashion. It is the most luxurious fibre which is much softer than superfine merino wool of the same diameter with the result it commands a much higher price. It has occupied a unique position among the fibres of animal origin because of its warmth, lightness, handle and its better ability to absorb dyes and moisture.
On an equal weight basis, it is having 3 times more insulating capacity as that of wool (Von Bergen, 1963). The term Pashmina is also known as Cashmere, Kashmir, Pashm, Tiflit, Tiftik, Tivit, Tibit based on the effect on fibre yield. There is an apparent variation in the fibre length of Pashmina from different body regions in case of both male and females. As Pashmina grows as the undercoat and acts as a protective mechanism in Pashmina goats, so the sub-zero winter temperature also has an effect on the growth of Pashmina fibres.
The Changthang Region and the Changra goats
The pristine beauty of the Changthang region in Ladakh is marred by the stench of death that hangs over it. In the past three months, thousands of Changra goats, whose cold-shielding wool—six times finer than a human hair—is used to weave the famed pashmina shawls, have died because of heavy snowfall.
News of sporadic deaths came in the first week of February from the inaccessible transit settlements of the nomadic Changpas who rear Changra goats. Before the information could reach the state headquarters in Srinagar, there were more deaths. As per the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), 25,000 Changra goats died in February and March, putting livelihoods of the Changpas at risk.
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Changthang is a remote plateau in south-eastern Ladakh, bordering China (see map). At an altitude ranging from 4,200 metres to 5,700, the region is a cold desert that receives little rain. The summer rain of four to five days supports small patches of pastures, dictating the delicate ecology-economy equation of the Changpas. The pastoralist community largely depends on livestock products for survival. Dairy products are converted into less perishable forms like butter and cheese, which are used during winters. The produce is also used as currency in the barter system practised in the region.
Changthang usually experiences five centimetres of snow during winters when the temperature dips to -30°C. But this year it received 121 cm of snowfall, which many claims is the worst in the past half a century. “This is unusual and has triggered the crisis,” says Monisha Ahmed, an anthropologist working in the region. According to residents and government officials in Leh, most of the goats have died due to starvation. There was very little rain last summer due to which there weren’t enough pastures. Adding to the woes, heavy snowfall cut off the region from the outside, causing a delay in fodder supply from the government. Whatever pastures that sprouted were buried under snow, making grazing impossible. Mostly young and the old goats have died. It is not the cold but the thick snow cover over pastures that killed them, says Nawang Tharchen, a resident of Rupshu valley and a Changpa.
For more news, please pay attention to Yarn Fair.
Source: textileschool
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Sports socks are a kind of socks. The shape is the same as general single-nose stockings. The thickness and number of yarns used are very different from single-nose stockings. The texture is thicker and more durable. It is suitable for sports. Dressed. Sports socks on the market can be divided into yoga socks, running socks, ski socks, basketball socks and other types. Consumers should choose according to the type of different sports, then let's take a look with Socks Fair.
What are the types of sports socks
1.Yoga socks
Yoga is mainly for flexibility, balance, and some difficult movements, which are usually practiced barefoot, so choosing socks is especially important. The bottom of the yoga socks has a non-slip rubber particle design. The special non-slip socks can not only effectively prevent yoga practitioners from slipping their feet and other phenomena while doing action, but also effectively protect the safety of yoga practitioners. And with the help of special socks for yoga, many yoga practitioners will easily master some essentials of yoga movements to increase the effect and harvest of yoga practice.
2. Running socks
Running socks are designed for runners looking for fine breathable running socks. Today's high-performance socks not only keep your feet dry and comfortable, but they also serve as pads and support your feet. Running socks can provide support and help prevent slipping. The most important thing is to make sure you are buying the right size, this will prevent over-tightening and loosening which will cause blisters.
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3.Ski socks
Skiing socks should be worn when skiing, but general sports socks are also available (plus basketball socks and baseball socks are also available). Socks are only suitable for non-skiing time. The main reason is that ski boots are high-standard, the socks are too low, the skin directly contacts the inner boots of the snow shoes, and it is easy to cause swelling and pain due to friction. You only need to wear a pair of socks when skiing, unless the shoes are slightly larger, you can add more socks to adjust, because wearing too many socks can sometimes affect the feeling of skiing.
4.Basketball socks
Basketball socks are divided into two types: high waist and low waist. Although basketball stockings also have the effect of tightly packing the calf muscles, their sports protection level is far less than that of football stockings. It can also be said that the stockings on the basketball court give players more psychological factors than physical factors, and many players believe that when the legs and stomach are tightly packed, they are more likely to exert force. In fact, this effect is minimal and can be ignored.
How to choose the right sports socks
1. Look at the type of exercise
Cotton socks should be selected as much as possible for sports socks. It is recommended to choose cotton socks for running. The soles of the feet are easy to sweat when running, while cotton socks have good characteristics of sweat absorption and breathability. Basketball is very jumpy. It is best to choose sports socks with good elasticity, which can protect the ankles, and thicker cotton socks. Yoga trainers recommend choosing cotton socks with better softness, non-slip particles on the bottom, and strong sweat absorption.
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2. Combined with foot type purchase
For flat feet, you should choose products with thick feet and thick heels. For high back feet, you should choose products with thick insteps and high wear resistance. The fit is better.
3. Look at the appearance quality
The texture of sports socks must be clear, high in density, smooth, and free from nodules, broken yarn, drawing, and missing needles. The workmanship should be fine, the stitches should be smooth and strong, and the toe contact area should be free of ridges and no residual threads.
4. Pay attention to thickness
Sports socks are not as thick as possible. According to the specific situation to decide whether to choose thin or thick, in general, people who sweat easily feet, should choose a slightly thicker. Instead, choose a thinner one. Some sports, such as badminton, socks are too thick to affect the feel of the feet, so buy thinner ones. In addition, if the ankle is injured, thick socks should be worn, which can fix and protect the ankle.
Source: maigoo
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