"One of the most enduring motifs that man has ever devised is that known to the English speaking world as the Paisley Pattern. Originating in pre-historic times as a representative plant form, it has been in constant use, in one way or another, for over 2000 years. When introduced into Europe late in the eighteenth century, the pattern was seen as something exotic and was soon enthusiastically copied by textile manufacturers in Britain and France. The shawls, which were the principle garments to be decorated with the motif, remained an essential part of a woman's wardrobe for virtually a century, adapting in size and shape as each new dress fashion came along. During that time millions of shawls were produced, in thousands of different varieties. The town of Paisley was the largest producer of the shawls and although the industry no longer dominates, the fame of the Paisley Pattern lives on. The Paisley Museum, established in 1871, has over the years built up an enormous collection of shawls for display and research purposes. Just as important as the shawls themselves, however, are the manufacturers' original pattern books, which contain large numbers of examples of the various stages in producing a design for a shawl. One hundred and fifty of the best pieces of artwork have been selected and have been faithfully reproduced in this lavishly illustrated volume. Dates of the designs and historical information have been included wherever possible, making the book important for both textile historians and students of design. With the current revival of fashionable interest in both the pattern and the shawl itself, the contents of the book will surely provide a vital source of inspiration for yet more variations of this exquisite and enduring design."--Provided by publisher

The authors bring fresh clarity to the many myths that have arisen around the Kashmiri shawl on the South Asian trade circuit. They also interpret most of the complexities in the Kashmiri shawl lexicon.

"Traces the metamorphoses of the Paisley design as it reacted to changes in culture, fashion, and technology." --Amazon.com.

- Lavishly illustrated, the book offers a comprehensive view of pashmina, one of the most exqusite textiles ever woven - Constructs a complete narrative of the textile, from the raw material to the finished product - Covers the history for the pashmina industry from the nomadic tribes to the fashion industry The classic Kashmir shawl is among the most exquisite textiles ever woven, the product of consummate skill and artistry applied to one of the world's most delicate fibers. This authoritative study introduces the Kashmir shawl as a cultural artifact with a known history spanning four centuries. Lavishly illustrated and accessibly written, the revised edition of this book has much to offer textile scholars, and those interested in the history of Kashmir. Contents: Preface and Acknowledgements; Maps; Introduction: A Felicitous Conjunction. PART I: THE FIBRE - Chapter 1: Pashm and Other Animal Fibres; Chapter 2: Changra and Changpa: The Goats and Their Herders - Monisha Ahmed; Chapter 3: From Changthang to Srinagar: The Pashm Trade. PART 2: THE TEXTILE - Chapter 4: Spinners, Weavers, and Needleworkers; Chapter 5: Design and Designers. PART 3: THE HISTORY - Chapter 6: Early History: Conjecture and Speculation; Chapter 7: The Mughal Period; Chapter 8: The Iran Connection: The Termeh; Chapter 9: The Business in the 19th Century. PART 4: BY LAND AND SEA - Chapter 10: The Kashmir Shawl in India; Chapter 11: The Kashmir Shawl in Iran, West Asia, and Russia; Chapter 12: Shawls in the West. PART 5: CASHMERE AND KASHMIR - Chapter 13: Beyond the Shawl: Pashmina Becomes Cashmere; Chapter 14: Meanwhile, Back in the Valley. Appendix I Update 2008-17; Appendix II Myths, Misconceptions, and Oddities; Appendix III Terminology and Glossary; Notes and References; Bibliography; Picture Credits; Index.

Break the rules. Knit outside the lines! AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary takes an unexpected look at stranded colorwork with 200 new motifs. These unique colorwork charts are perfect for the creative knitter looking to break away from the ordinary. Derived from graphic design elements, these fresh, fun motifs include everything from geometric mountains, waves, and spirals to modern bikes, skulls, and sheep. Dive into color knitting with confidence with a section on reading charts, working floats, and choosing colors. Learn how stranded colorwork can be used in design with five accompanying projects including mitts, cowls, and sweaters. AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary is the perfect gift for knitters looking for fun pattern ideas or new stitches. Get inspired to break the rules and use your imagination to modify, deconstruct, and combine motifs to create your own unique designs.