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Unique Gifts: Accessories(693 items)
Welcome to NOVICA's Accessories Collection, designed and crafted for you by talented artisans worldwide.
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
How do I care for my shawl?
Hand-washing and dry cleaning are the most common ways to care for and clean shawls. Many of our alpaca shawls specifically indicate dry-cleaning or hand-washing with cold water. Because shawls are delicate, a garment bag is a good way to prevent damage. Avoid direct sunlight and high heat. As always, it is important to follow the care instructions specific to the fabric of your shawl.
How warm are shawls?
The great thing about shawls is that they are versatile. One can find a shawl for every season. Warmth is often based on the tightness of the weave and the type of material used. Alpaca fiber is known for its thermal capacity and provides an optimal degree of warmth. Sheep wool also acts as an insulator, absorbing moisture and creating a feeling of coziness for the wearer. Shawls made of cashmere and pashmina are light and thin, yet still provide a high degree of warmth. In Mexico, shawls made from San Juan Chamula sheep keep one warm and comfortable.
What shawls are most comfortable?
Comfort is always a question of preference, but certain fabrics lend themselves to softness and warmth. Shawls from the Andes are made from super soft alpaca fibers, and provide wearers a high level of comfort. Similarly, in Thailand and Bali, silk shawls are always favorites. Depending on ones climate, particular shawls may be preferable. Central American shawls made from cotton and rayon keep wearers cool in warm climates, whereas bamboo and acrylic shawls are great for cold weather. During hot summers, Indian shawls made of modal, silk, and viscose are a perfect option, and merino wool and cashmere are ideal for winter. West Africa stands by the luxurious comfort of their 100% cotton shawls, and Mexico prioritizes comfort with their beautiful wool designs.
Are your shawls handmade?
It depends on what you mean by handmade. We support artisans who work in the ancient traditions of their ancestors, crafting items by hand, with patience and love. But techniques vary among shawl makers. Embroidery, hand-painting, stitching, and sewing are often part of the process. Some artisans do use power looms when crafting their shawls, but even in those instances, there is no mega-factory or mass production line behind the garment. The beauty, creativity, and inspiration for each shawl comes from the artists own heart. Our product descriptions will always specify if an item is hand-woven, hand-knit, or otherwise.
Are there any common motifs or designs used in traditional shawls?
The shawl comes to us full of history, culture, and heritage. Each region invests its shawls with different symbols, patterns, and designs. Some shawls, like those in West Africa and the Andes, feature linear and geometric shapes, clean lines and patterns that have been passed down through the centuries. In Bali, we find elaborate batik designs, a technique that makes use of alternating dye and wax to block color. In Central America, embroidered and woven shawls incorporate designs inspired by corn, butterflies, and birds. Floral patterns are very popular in Indian shawls, particularly in pashminas from Kashmir. Gujarati shawls often depict geometric shapes, and artisans increasingly incorporate contemporary designs through hand-painted fabric. Thailand also integrates floral patterning, often using the yok dok technique, a brocade style that leaves the fabric slightly raised. This emphasis on brocade is also evident in Mexican shawls, with lavish designs in the form of frets, flowers and geometric figures, all inspired by pre-Hispanic cultures.
What materials are used to make shawls?
Fibers, dyes, and fabrics come together in innovative, unique ways during the creation of a shawl. Different regions rely on resources that are readily available and have cultural significance. In West Africa, 100% cotton and rayon frequently make their appearances in shawls. In Bali and Thailand, soft silk lends a luxuriousness to the shawl. Central American artisans incorporate bamboo rayon, while India makes use of wool and silk. Mexico boasts an array of vibrant natural and cotton yarn dyes, and artisans from the Andes weave shawls out of soft alpaca fiber.
What are the most popular methods for making traditional shawls?
Throughout the world, the shawl is considered a venerated garment, made by hand from techniques passed down through generations. The methods for making traditional shawls vary as widely as the regions from which they come. But most employ some method of hand knitting or weaving on a loom. In the Andes, for example, crocheting and flat weaving on a treadle loom are common techniques. In Central America, backstrap and foot looms are popular with artisans. In Bali, one finds intricate sewing, in addition to weaving. And in India and Thailand, practices of hand-painting fabric, batik, and the use of natural dyes are intimately tied to the creation of shawls.
Featured Reviews on Unique Gifts: Accessories
100% alpaca knit scarf, 'Sierra Charcoal'
By Deborah, Owner of Helping Hearts Heal, LLC
A Gift for my 16-year-old Daughter
This 100% Alpaca knit scarf Sierra Charcoal is soft, warm, not scratchy, very well made, has a thickness to it, and is a good length for my daughters knee-length winter coat. It is as pictured in the website photo except a bit brighter regarding the color tones. However, the colors are subtle and blend well. The colors and pattern yield to a look of sophistication. My daughter was delighted when her gift arrived and she opened the package. I also purchased the matching gloves that do match the scarf. A great, winter accessory combo! I am grateful for the opportunity to purchase high quality, creative items from artisans all over the world!
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100% alpaca fingerless mitts, 'Sierra Charcoal'
By Deborah, Owner of Helping Hearts Heal, LLC
A Gift for My 16-year-old Daughter
This 100% Alpaca knit fingerless gloves Sierra Charcoal are soft, warm, not scratchy, very well made, have a thickness to them but not bulky. It is as pictured in the website photo except a bit brighter regarding the color tones. However, the colors are subtle and blend well. The colors and pattern yield to a look of sophistication. My daughter was delighted when her gift arrived and she opened the package. It is advantageous to be able to text on ones phone while still wearing gloves, warming the rest of your hands. I also purchased the matching scarf that does match the gloves exactly. A great, winter accessory combo! I am grateful for the opportunity to purchase high quality, creative items from artisans all over the world!
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100% alpaca fingerless mitts, 'Cusco Cathedral'
By Robin
Perfection!
I bought two pair of these for gifts and the recipient was THRILLED! They just love them! I may have to get some for myself!
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Featured Artist
Ana Fernandez Knit alpaca clothing and accessories
(268)
Write a review"For me, designing is a fusion of ideas."
"I was born February 13, 1984 in the sierra of Huánuco, where I grew up with my six brothers and sisters. From an early age, our parents taught us to be proud of our origins, to live simply and realize the value of work as a way to get ahead in life. My father was orphaned as a boy and he has worked... read more
Popular Unique Gifts: Accessories
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NOVICA's Accessories Unique Gift Collection features the work and style of some of the most talented artisansworldwide . Please enjoy!
