About us

Our Artisan Heritage

In an age of mass production, we remain committed to the time-honored craft of garment making. This image captures the heart of our operations: dedicated artisans working on the Sawa floor, not just stitching fabric, but preserving a generational tradition. For us, every piece begins with skill, focus, and the shared knowledge passed down from master to apprentice. This commitment to human touch and ethical practice is the thread that connects our past to your future wardrobe.

FAQ Question

What makes Islampur (Swati) woolen shawls unique in quality and design?

Islampur shawls are renowned for their centuries-old traditional craftsmanship. The quality is derived from:

Premium Wool: We use high-grade wool (sometimes locally sourced, sometimes imported fine-micron wool) known for its incredible warmth, softness, and lightweight feel.
Handloom Weaving: Each shawl is meticulously handwoven on traditional wooden looms (known as ‘khaddi’ or ‘gada’), a process that creates a superior, durable, and uniquely textured weave that cannot be replicated by machines.
Unique Designs: Many shawls feature traditional designs, including the intricate Swati Phulkari hand embroidery applied by local women artisans, making every piece a work of art.

What kind of wool do you use for your shawls to ensure warmth and softness?

We primarily use 100% pure woolen fibers for our traditional winter shawls. Depending on the specific product, this may include:

Local Wool: Sourced from the Swat region, known for its natural strength and heat retention.
Fine-Micron Australian/New Zealand Wool: Used for our premium ranges to achieve an exceptionally soft, luxurious, and breathable texture.

This combination of quality material and traditional processing ensures your shawl is both incredibly warm and soft against the skin.

How does the traditional washing process (as shown in your photos) benefit the shawl?

The traditional washing and finishing process is crucial for the final quality of the shawl:

Enhanced Softness: Gentle hand-washing in clean water naturally relaxes the woolen fibers, significantly increasing the shawl’s renowned softness.
Purity: It thoroughly removes any natural oils or impurities from the spinning and weaving stages, ensuring the shawl is clean and fresh.
Drape and Feel: The subsequent drying and pressing steps help to “set” the weave and give the shawl a beautiful, elegant drape and a polished, uniform finish.

Are your shawls truly handmade, and how does this affect the price?

Yes, our Islampur shawls are genuinely 100% handmade—from the spinning of the yarn to the weaving on the ‘khaddi’ and the final embroidery.

The price reflects the immense effort, skill, and time invested:

Labor-Intensive: A single shawl can take days, or even weeks (if highly embroidered), of concentrated effort by master artisans.
Artisan Empowerment: Your purchase directly supports the traditional skills and livelihoods of entire families in the Islampur village, ensuring fair wages for their generational craft.