THE MAKING OF - HANDSPUN FRINGED CAPE
The Handspun Fringed Cape is a new piece featured in Norlha’s Autumn Winter Collection. The midweight open-front cape has an oversized silhouette and drapes over the body with a fluid form. Its thread is masterfully handspun, ensuring the finest and softest yak khullu thread possible. Now available online.
R A W M A T E R I A L
For the handspun cape, Norlha artisans work with three natural yak khullu shades, left in their natural state, combined to create different tones: Brown, Grey and White. Yaks typically have a dark brown coat, but they can also be found in grey and, very rarely, in white.
H A N D S P I N N I N G
Once the raw material is gathered, yarn is masterfully handspun by a single artisan over the course of 15 days in order to get enough fine thread for the realisation of one cape.
M U L T I - S H A D E Y A R D
The technique used to create the yarn entails a highly skilled spinner integrating three shades of khullu into a single thread – an intricate process that creates a patterned effect in the finished fabric purely through spinning.
W E A V I N G
The fabric is then woven into a loose weave that gives exceptional breathability and lightness to the cape to be, having as a result a midweight product that is extremely warm, soft and long lasting.
F I N I S H I N G S
Once the cape is woven, Gombo Kyi and Dugkar Tso meticulously run through the quality control checking if there are any imperfections on the weave.
I R O N I N G & S T E A M I N G
The finished product is then ironed and steamed by Tselo. In total, it takes between 14-17 artisans and 12-15 processes to make the Naturals Handspun Scarf or the Handspun Fringed Cape.
F I N A L P R O D U C T
The final cape is made from two square panels that taper to an elegant V-shape at the back. It is finished with fine, long fringing along its two front edges and blends organic softness with a rugged dependability. As wilth all Norlha pieces, the handspun cape is made to last a lifetime.