About the craft · Journal
Journal
Articles on choosing, care, the history of the craft and Orenburg down shawls.
We collect practical tips and stories that help you understand the Orenburg down shawl better: how to choose an item, how to tell a gossamer shawl from a shawl, how to care for down and why handwork is valued.
All articles
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About the craft
How Handmade Down Shawls Differ from Factory-Made Items
Both factory-made and handmade items have a number of features and advantages. When choosing a shawl, we would advise you to start…
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About the craft
How Down Is Spun Properly
How yarn for down shawls is obtained: hand spinning and plying with silk, and at the factory – down grades, washing, carding,…
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About the craft
Down Shawls in the Work of Modern Designers and Couturiers
Orenburg down shawls in designer collections: Yulia Seregina, Anastasia Romantseva, Alena Akhmadullina and a show in Tallinn in 2008.
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About the craft
A Down Shawl for All Seasons and Any Weather
Why a down shawl in summer: cool mornings, the dacha, the bathhouse, the air conditioning in the car – an Orenburg shawl…
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About the craft
Caring for Down Items
Caring for down items: how to store a shawl in summer, how often and with what to wash down, why conditioner is…
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About the craft
Knitting a Warm Shawl on Needles, with Charts and Explanations
Knitting a square warm shawl on needles: charts and step-by-step explanations – the centre, side and bottom borders, the lace edging, washing…
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About the craft
A Heartfelt Wedding in an Orenburg Down Shawl
A winter wedding in an Orenburg down shawl: openwork accessories for the bride and bridesmaids, a blessing shawl from mother and a…
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About the craft
A Coloured Gossamer Shawl Will Make Your Autumn Bright
How to choose a coloured gossamer shawl or stole for your colour type: shades of down items for brunettes, blondes and brown-haired…
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About the craft
What Makes the Orenburg Down Stole So Good
What makes the Orenburg down stole so good: a snow-white winter accessory for a coat, an office outfit and an evening dress,…
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About the craft
Let's Start Knitting Down Shawls!
The basics of knitting an Orenburg down shawl: knit stitches and yarn-overs, "shawl" (garter) stitch, how to knit the stitches and how…
Popular topics
Articles that help you choose an item
If you are choosing a shawl for yourself or as a gift, start with the articles on size, density, warmth and the differences between items.
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A gossamer shawl is fine, openwork and almost weightless; it can be pulled through a wedding ring. A shawl is denser and warmer and is worn in cold weather. A warm openwork shawl sits in between: it keeps you warm but retains an openwork pattern.
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Gossamer shawls are most often 120×120 and 150×150 cm, shawls from 100×100 to 150×150 cm, stoles about 60×200 cm. For everyday wear a medium size is more convenient; for a gift, one that looks more striking when unfolded.
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For the older generation, people more often choose a warm shawl or openwork shawl in a natural colour: they are practical and keep you warm. A gossamer shawl is a festive option for a holiday, especially in gift packaging.
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Density can be seen against the light: the fewer gaps in the middle, the warmer the item. Weight is also a clue — a warm shawl is noticeably heavier than a gossamer shawl of the same size.
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About the journal
In the Shalnoy Orenburg journal we publish articles about Orenburg down shawls, gossamer shawls, openwork shawls and stoles: we write about choosing, care, the history of the craft and the features of hand knitting and natural goat down.