Welcome to Pashmina International. We stock many designs of genuine pashmina shawls online; Cashmere and Silk scarves, stoles shawls and wraps.
Our products are all hand chosen to ensure quality, and so that we can guarantee your satisfaction. We offer free international shipping on every order.History of Merino Wool
The first keepers of the flock of sheep that would produce clothing for humans are thought to be the Phoenicians. They are said to have brought sheep to North Africa from Asia Minor. It is thought that the foundation flocks that found their way to Spain were introduced sometime in the 12th century. An Arab Moor tribe called Beni-Merines is thought to be the ones to bring these wool producers to Europe.
During the 13th and 14th centuries, Spanish writers have documented that genetic material from England was introduced to their flocks. Spain was well noted for the production of fine wool and they held a monopoly between the 12th and the 16th century for this industry.
Harvesting Wool
A Danish bog was the place where the oldest woolen textile of European origin was found and it is thought to be as old as 1500 BCE. Before the Iron Age and the invention or shears, wool from sheep was plucked using bronze combs or by hand. Now of course, harvesting wool is as easy as giving a haircut and even youngsters can shear a sheep in no time at all.
Countries Known for their Flocks
The production of wool is a valuable endeavor and there are many countries that are involved in raising sheep for the production of wool. Australia is the number one wool producing country followed closely by China and New Zealand. Other countries that are known for their wool are Argentina, Turkey, Iran, England, India, the Sudan, South Africa and the United States. Organic wool is experiencing a boom in demand and this blend of wool is rarely produced. Most organic wool originates in Australia or New Zealand.
Why is Merino Wool so Popular?
Because the breed of sheep known as the merino is one of the most prolific breed of sheep worldwide, it is abundant as well as prized for its fine wool. Merino wool is considered to be the softest and finest wool of any in the world. The merino is an adaptable sheep and is bred specifically for its wool. The typical merino sheep is not prized for its meat because they are usually smaller than their meat producing cousins. In South Africa, they have developed a breed of merino that is crossed with the Merinofleisschschaf and the South African Mutton Merino in order to produce sheep that are able to provide meat as well as wool.
Qualities of Merino Wool
The texture of merino wool is classified as springy and tightly crimped. Different merino strains produce varied amounts of wool yearly and there are different classes of wool. Classifications of merino wool are medium, fine medium, fine, superfine and ultra fine. The finest wool is used to blend with other luxury fibers such as cashmere and silk.
The use of the word merino in the past was strictly to denote Spanish merino sheep, but with the superiority of wool from New Zealand and Australia, the term merino now is used in a broader sense. When an item of clothing advertises itself as “merino,” it usually implies that the cloth is of superior quality and made from the softest wool available.
During the 13th and 14th centuries, Spanish writers have documented that genetic material from England was introduced to their flocks. Spain was well noted for the production of fine wool and they held a monopoly between the 12th and the 16th century for this industry.
Harvesting Wool
A Danish bog was the place where the oldest woolen textile of European origin was found and it is thought to be as old as 1500 BCE. Before the Iron Age and the invention or shears, wool from sheep was plucked using bronze combs or by hand. Now of course, harvesting wool is as easy as giving a haircut and even youngsters can shear a sheep in no time at all.
Countries Known for their Flocks
The production of wool is a valuable endeavor and there are many countries that are involved in raising sheep for the production of wool. Australia is the number one wool producing country followed closely by China and New Zealand. Other countries that are known for their wool are Argentina, Turkey, Iran, England, India, the Sudan, South Africa and the United States. Organic wool is experiencing a boom in demand and this blend of wool is rarely produced. Most organic wool originates in Australia or New Zealand.
Why is Merino Wool so Popular?
Because the breed of sheep known as the merino is one of the most prolific breed of sheep worldwide, it is abundant as well as prized for its fine wool. Merino wool is considered to be the softest and finest wool of any in the world. The merino is an adaptable sheep and is bred specifically for its wool. The typical merino sheep is not prized for its meat because they are usually smaller than their meat producing cousins. In South Africa, they have developed a breed of merino that is crossed with the Merinofleisschschaf and the South African Mutton Merino in order to produce sheep that are able to provide meat as well as wool.
Qualities of Merino Wool
The texture of merino wool is classified as springy and tightly crimped. Different merino strains produce varied amounts of wool yearly and there are different classes of wool. Classifications of merino wool are medium, fine medium, fine, superfine and ultra fine. The finest wool is used to blend with other luxury fibers such as cashmere and silk.
The use of the word merino in the past was strictly to denote Spanish merino sheep, but with the superiority of wool from New Zealand and Australia, the term merino now is used in a broader sense. When an item of clothing advertises itself as “merino,” it usually implies that the cloth is of superior quality and made from the softest wool available.