The handicraft and handloom department of Sikkim is adopting new designs and techniques for producing traditional Angora shawls, in order to enhance its popularity.
To manufacture these traditional shawls, the department is intending to incorporate the use of other motifs and embroidery in it, a step ahead from traditional designs.
In this regard, female workers who produce these shawls have been sent to Kullu in Himachal Pradesh for training, informed Mr. Chozang Lepcha.
Mr Lepcha is the Deputy Director of Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom of Sikkim, who further said that these new designs in shawls are witnessing good market response.
For developing these modern designs the department is planning to make use of information technology and also want to take the help of Computer Aided Design (CAD).
Mr. Lepcha informed that CAD facility has recently been established in the institute. The handloom department aims at maintaining traditional arts and craft through 32 centres across the state by training and employing the local youth.
Angora shawls are made of Angora wool that are obtained from the local breed of rabbits called Angora rabbits. This wool is available originally in grey, brown and white colours. Shawls made of this wool are in high demand due to its warmness and smoothness.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India