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Women's Crochet Accessories
15 items
Crochet
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Bubbly Black, Hand-Crocheted Bubble Pattern Black Alpaca Cozy Winter Hat
Idelsa Guevara
$39.99 Wholesale$39.99 -
Autumn Skies, Cotton Blend Light Grey Neck Warmer From Mexico
Martha Fonseca
$74.99 Wholesale$74.99 -
Chocolate Temptation, Hand-Crocheted Alpaca Blend Scarf in Chocolate with Frills
Marianella Asto
$59.99 Wholesale$59.99 -
Crimson Stars Align, Hand-Crocheted Crimson Alpaca Cozy Winter Hat
Idelsa Guevara
$29.99 Wholesale$29.99 -
Deep Purple Stars Align, Hand Crocheted Deep Purple Alpaca Hat
Idelsa Guevara
$29.99 Wholesale$29.99 -
Warm Ebony, Hand-Crocheted Cotton Blend Neck Warmer in an Onyx Black Hue
Martha Fonseca
$74.99 Wholesale$74.99 -
Sweet Blossom, Floral Crocheted Alpaca Blend Hat in Chartreuse from Peru
Idelsa Guevara
$27.99 Wholesale$27.99 -
Flint Comfort, Flint Grey and Onyx Black Knit Cotton Blend Neck Warmer
Martha Fonseca
$77.99 Wholesale$77.99 -
Black Stars Align, Hand-Crocheted Black Alpaca Cozy Winter Hat
Idelsa Guevara
$39.99 Wholesale$39.99 -
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Pink Feelings, Handcrafted Pink and Brown Knit Acrylic Capelet with Tassels
Violet
$147.99 Wholesale$147.99 -
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Laurie
Nov 13, 2018
Absolutely beautiful hat!!! Very soft!
I ordered this hat for a niece and another in a different color for her sister. I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the hat as well as the fantastic packaging it came in. I carefully unwrapped it to inspect the hat, and then wrapped it right back up in the packaging it came in. I will gift them as is to the girls. Everything about the hat and the packaging screams heirloom quality. I plan to send the information about the artisan to them as well. I am so impressed with the entire experience. I hope the girls will use these hats well into the future. Thank you for a beautiful product Idelsa!!!
Staci
Apr 14, 2024
Warm hat
Thick and well fitting beanie. Very warm and holds up when washed and put in the dryer. I’ve gotten many compliments on my new hat. Goes with everything.
Featured Artist
Martha Fonseca Crocheted ornaments, decor and accessories
"Life itself, through its colors and shapes, has given me the inspiration to create... I consider this art to be rare, beautiful, deep and meaningful."
"Creating a piece of handcrafted art requires interest, taste and affection. "From a very young age, I learned this wonderful art of using... read more
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