As seen from behind...
There shall always be something remarkably appealing to me about a hand sewn garment. We happen to live, for the majority of us anyhow, far removed from the processes that actually go into what we purchase and consume. One does not tend to see the initial stage of the wool of their scarf growing on the sheep or goat, nor does one see the shaving and processing of these fibers. Indeed one would be hard pushed to find an instance where one can even view the garment being made a craftsman, for the majority are spun and crafted not by the skilled and loving hand, but rather a methodically cold metal machine.
As such this scarf holds a special meaning to me, in that my mother actually saw the craftsman needling away his intricate designs. The scarf was finished by a careful hand, one trained not through books or a factory held course, but rather passed down, quite literally, by word of mouth, from generation to generation. It is that care, attention and inherent skill, that I value about the scarf, even though I myself was not able to witness the making. There is a pleasure in knowing how and where one's garment comes from, and the journey it took to where it is today.
Indeed I often wonder about many of the pieces that I own, and the journies they took in their making. It is easy to look at, say a sweater, and see just that. But for me, I note the fabric, and often imagine where it originated and the people invovled along the way. What stories would those people have to add to the garment and indeed, what a beautiful tapestry of tales would no doubt be spun out from the simplest of pieces.
I find that regardless of the season, there is always a scarf to be worn. And although the sun was shining brightly today, I was indoors feeling somewhat under the weather. Wrapping myself up in a warm cashmere shawl therefore, was rather an appealing thought. Indeed, so was the idea of imagining the story of the shawl, and the lives of the people who had touched it.
I decided to drape it over a simple hooded top, under which I wore a stretch dark grey top. For a more relaxed look, I opted to wear a pair of drop crotch cotton trousers, and my navy blue espradrilles. I wanted to create a comfortable and yet visually interesting look, which hopefully the shawl helped achieve. I decided to keep the colours in my clothing somewhat toned down, in an attempt to allow the beautifully rich coloured threads of the scarf to shine.
Currently playing: Cello Suite No.1 (Prelude) - Johann Sebastian Bach
xxxx
I agree - scarves are absolutely seasonless. And this one is as gorgeous as it is special.
ReplyDeleteStill not feeling any better? Hurry up and get well sooon =.]
ReplyDeleteit looks great!!!
ReplyDeletewow this is a super beautiful scarf! I would have loved to see the craftsman make it too :) I always knit my winter scarf myself, but that's just because I don't like itchy wool scarfs and because I don't want scarfs to be too wide or too long ^-^ But I don't think I would have the patience to embroider a scarf like yours, it's truly amazing!
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit and that's a beautiful scarf. I agree that scarves can be worn at anytime. The sad part is that I have a ton of scarves but probably only wear the same three or four. Love what you wrote as well. :)
ReplyDeleteBecs
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Beautiful scarve! amazing details!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that all of us at Acrimony really love your blog!
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xxLinda
Just wanted to let you know that all of us at Acrimony really love your blog!
ReplyDeleteCheck out our store and our blog!
xxLinda
Just an amazingly beautiful
ReplyDeletescarve, wow!!
xx
ooh, I love yoru scarf!!:)
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you wore your scarf on the hoodie, I don't think I've seen that before. I like owning clothes that have a history behind them or a story, it just makes it even more special and unique.
ReplyDeleteSuch a gorgeous and beautiful scarf, hun
ReplyDeleteYou look great, hope evrything is ok with you.
Loved the writing
xoxo
beautifulbeautifulbeautiful work! sweden is like half/half i guess. there's this really fanatic eurovision-crowd, and then there's me and my people who hate all of it (including the followers). the armenian song this year is cool, but it's mostly supposed as a joke.
ReplyDeleteThere really isn't anything better than a hand-made item of any sort. In fact, I'm covered in a quilt my great grandmother made when she was carrying my grandmother nearly a century ago. For that reason, it's beyond special. I wonder what inspired the designs that spread across the fabric, and how many other people have been covered by it as I am now?
ReplyDeleteI completely adore the scarf! The designs are totally unique and very beautiful :D Yet, at the same time, it adds a bit of comfort to your already comfy look. Love it!
xo,
hk
ooooh, simply beautiful!
ReplyDeletethere really is something so special and intimate about hand-sewn garments.
truly beautiful. a great piece.
ReplyDeleteGreat scarf!
ReplyDeleteThat’s so cool that your mother got to watch the scarf being made.
ReplyDeleteamazing blog! and the photos looks great :)
ReplyDelete--
This is a rare sight indeed...anything handmade/stiched!
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeousss... Lovely new week darlin' XO*
Well said about the process of making stuff, that's a beautiful scarf!
ReplyDeleteWow, the details on that scarf are AMAZING.
ReplyDeleteThe details on the scarf are amazing. There is a certain allure of the handsewn and unique item. I like to now even if a person makes something again and again, there's something a little different about each one.
ReplyDeleteI love anything handmade/sewn...there is something so special about it. That scarf is amazing, I wear scarves all year long, one of my favorite accessories.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're feeling better love xo
wow that is beautiful. that takes talent to make something like that.
ReplyDeletescarf pattern is great!
ReplyDeletewww.closetremedy.blogspot.com
I love that scarf and pants!
ReplyDeleteXoXo
beautiful, superb craftsmanship :o]
ReplyDeleteThis scarf has the loveliest detailing! It's so true, we often disregard the work, and the story, behind the things we purchase. However, when I buy vintage clothes, I like the mystery of not knowing the story behind an item. It could have belonged to a princess or a homeless person, you never know...
ReplyDeletescarf looks cute but those shoes look really comfy.
ReplyDeletewow you look great. that scarf is insane. bet it took forever to sew the design. but i really really love it.
ReplyDeleteYou are one stylin' dude! I love the scarf---I just wore a tourquoise one today---they are for every season in my book.
ReplyDeletemy mom and her side of the family are all tailors and seamstress'. this is a beautiful post. i love the shawl, but i do love the fact that the detail is hand made. that is so rare these days in the mass produced factories.
ReplyDeletelove the scarf - and they can be worn at any season
ReplyDeletewould you mind visiting and critiquing?
http://fashionhandglide.blogspot.com