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
Rimma Ismagilova: Author of the "Divas in shawls" and "Muse in shawl" Projects
Our company's staff had the chance to talk to hereditary knitter and talented photo artist Rimma Ismagilova, author of the famous art…
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About the craft
Orenburg Shawls. Striking Grey and Practical White? It's Possible!
Leaving aside dyeing, bleaching and other artificial and technical procedures, down items from Orenburg come in only two colours – white and…
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About the craft
Orenburg Shawls Saved People in the Hardest Times
In their memories, craftswomen have repeatedly called the Orenburg down shawl a "breadwinner", and practising the craft a salvation from hunger, poverty…
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About the craft
A Young Knitter of Orenburg Shawls. The Hope of the Down-Knitting Craft.
There is a popular stereotype (and we fundamentally disagree with it) that the Orenburg down shawl is purely a relic of the…
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About the craft
Orenburg Shawl Knitter, Star of the Show "Starshe vsekh" and Partner of Shalnoy Orenburg – Raziya Biktagirova
Not long ago the Orenburg down shawl made headlines across Russia once again. And not just anywhere, but on central television, on…
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About the craft
Why Viscose Silk and Cotton Thread Are Added to Down Items
When the knitting of Orenburg down shawls was only beginning to develop in our region, these items were made entirely of goat…
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About the craft
A Designer Collection of Dresses Based on the Orenburg Down Shawl. Author – Darya Alekhina
On 11 July, the graduation project of Darya Alekhina, a graduate of the design department of Orenburg State University, was presented at…
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About the craft
The Orenburg Down Shawl at the Turn of the 19th–20th Centuries
The history of the origin and development of a craft such as knitting Orenburg down shawls is still a subject of debate…
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About the craft
From the History of the Orenburg Down Shawl Kombinat. Events and Achievements
Even in difficult times, in the first half of the last century the production of Orenburg down shawls experienced a serious upswing.…
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About the craft
Where Can You Learn to Knit Orenburg Down Shawls and More?
Knitting Orenburg down shawls is a complex, creative process that still keeps many secrets. As in any craft with a rich history,…
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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.