السبت، 13 أبريل 2013

Your Info Guide To Ikat Scarves

By Adele Madden


Ikat scarves are fast becoming the most unique and sought after fashion accessory. Each unique and hand-woven design is made by traditional craftsmen who have handed down this fine skill from father to son. Whether on a catwalk on fashion TV or advertised in fashion magazines, these stunning fashion accessories are everywhere.

The term, ikat, itself comes from the Indonesian language and means to tie. This is a fitting way to describe the way threads are tied together before the weaving process even begins. Before dying, the weaver ties the threads in the places where he does not want the dye to go.

After being tied and bundled, the threads are soaked in different dye colors. Once dry, they are tied to the loom as warp threads. Then the weft threads are interwoven with them. The result is a unique and vibrant design. Depending on the intricacy of the design and the number of colors used, this entire process can take up to three months to finish.

Double ikat thread designs are even more intricate and difficult to weave. That is because the weaver also uses the tie and dye process for the weft threads. With extremely skillful fingers, he then interweaves the weft and warp threads to sync up precisely to complete a perfectly symmetrical design. Because it takes a very skilled weaver to do, this double thread design is much more expensive.

There are several ways to check that you are buying an authentically woven product. One is by the feathery edges that each motif will have, which is the result of the tie and bundle process. Another way to tell is by turning the material over and checking the back. On genuine weaves, the weave will show all the way through. Stamped or printed cloth, on the other hand, will only show the design on one side.

No one knows exactly where these exceptional fabrics first originated as they have been found in many places around the globe. One thing is sure, though, those made in India and Indonesia are the most popular and most sought after. The ones that come are from Indonesia or India are usually made of cotton. Those who are looking for luxurious vintage silk designs will go after those from Central Asia, Uzbekistan, which is part of the old Silk Road to China. Traditionally, single girls would save these opulent shawls for their wedding day.

However, in contemporary times, these unique designs have become fashion accessories for both casual and formal wear. Ladies and gents alike enjoy wearing these artfully draped over a sports shirt or sweater in a casual setting. On the other hand, designs of silk are strikingly beautiful worn with an evening dress as a stole or wrap.

There is no need to travel the ends of the earth to obtain these beautiful ikat scarves. Now in the comfort of your own home, online shopping makes it possible to browse through a range of colors, fabrics and designs to suit your personal taste. Online shopping makes it possible for you to enjoy lower prices as well as secure shipping.




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