A stunning hand woven and hand finished 100% wool Dark Age/Viking inspired shawl. Woven in 2 colours Hawthorn and Natural using a herringbone pattern for the main shawl and a short border of plain weave. It is hemstitched by hand and the warp has been left to fringe without twisting. The 100% wool has been traditionally spun at the New Lanark Mill which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mill is part of a Mill Village using 19th Century machinery powered by renewable energy generated on site by water powered turbines ie hydroelectric power. As the wool is spun in oil I have to wash it several times to get rid of the oil. This washing process also helps to relax the fibres and thickens up the fabric. I then used a 'fulling' process which includes agitating the fabric in the water to slightly felt the fabric giving it a softer looking finish and makes the yarn 'bloom'.
Size 65" by 23" plus 4" fringe
This shawl would look good in any situation and is incredibly warm and soft. It is also suitable for re-enactment, LARP and Cosplay. Going back to early medieval times yellow plant dyes were the most common and cheapest. Most plants in England will make a good yellow dye, weld in particular was used extensively in Roman times producing a bright yellow gold for the Vestal Virgins! So this bright colour is perfect! The herringbone pattern also goes back a very long way in the history of weaving and is a twill. One of the most common forms of twill used in Viking times. In Iceland it was known an wadmal and was one of their offers biggest exports from 800-1100AD.
Product code: Hand woven herringbone offers pattern shawl, Dark Age inspired