HANDCRAFTED BY 7 SISTERS — Black and White Silk / Felted Wool Lace Pattern Scarf

Ooooh! So pretty, feminine and eye-catchingingly unique!

This stunning black with white felted wool scarf was handmade by 7 Sisters, a very talented family of yes, seven sisters from Kygyrsktan, who use the traditional Kyrgyz "ala-kiyiz" technique that combines delicate, airy, handwoven silk with two layers of felted Kyrgyz wool.

With its intricate felted wool lace pattern, this silk scarf is a unique, lovingly handcrafted very wearable work of art.

For almost twenty years, the sisters have worked together, pressing vibrant felt into the rippling designs that tell stories of their culture. The sisters represent the sixth generation of artisans in their family.  

The "ala-kiyiz" process is extremely labor-intensive, requiring intricate cutting and stitching, as well as multiple soakings, rollings, and rinsings. The result is lovely, handcrafted scarf that also is a beautiful piece of unique and very wearable art.

These beautiful and delicate scarves are made with local raw materials, including natural dyes, sheep’s wool and handmade yarn from sheep from Kyrgyzstan, as well as silk from the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

Inspired by the harmony of the flora and fauna in Kyrgyzstan, this flower design is patterned, cut from the felted wool and "wheeled" or layered onto the silk. Once rolled and immersed in soapy water the felt adheres to the silk. The final step is dyeing.

Slight imperfections and color variations are inherent in this handmade piece and add to its charm.

Ancient Kyrgyz worshiped the forces of nature, the sun and fire. "Our scarves depict flora and fauna in signs and symbols that have sacred meanings,” explains Farzana Sharshembieva, the oldest of the seven sisters. “Patterns celebrate the beauty of nature, which has magical value that protects and blesses.”

"People who wear our scarves carry with them a part of our culture, and the warmth of our hands, love and blessings."

7 Sisters has received seven UNESCO Award of Excellence commendations for its superior work.

This scarf is simply beautiful, on so many levels — especially when wrapped around your neck or shoulders!

See our other 7 Sisters scarves and more here,

THE DETAILS

Material: Silk, hand-felted wool

Measurements: 79" inches long X 24" inches wide

Care: Dry Clean