Snowflake Cheer in Green Wool Felt Christmas Stocking

Object

Why it exists

Sweet holiday memories start here, with an old-fashioned Christmas stocking made of pure wool felt. The stocking features a snowflake motif in ivory and red on deep forest green, with a cuff of red at the top. A jaunty red pompom and a loop for hanging complete the design. The reverse side of the stocking is solid forest green wool.

Process

How it is made

First, we procure wool from Bikaner and Jaisalmer. It undergoes an initial cleaning process where burrs and black wool are removed; it is then fed into a 'bilo' machine to separate out dirt and thorns. Next, it passes through an opener machine—a process known locally as *pindai*—followed by a carding machine that forms the wool into rolls. These rolls are then processed in a hardening machine, where they are beaten for two to three minutes while steam is applied to set the material. Subsequently, the material undergoes milling with the addition of soap; it is beaten for two hours until fully prepared. If coloring is required, four sheets are placed together in a large vessel and boiled for 10 minutes, after which they are dried in a hydro-extraction machine. Finally, the material is cut into pieces— either by machine or by hand—according to the required size and sent for stitching.

Origin

HANDICRAFT RAJASTHAN JAIPUR INDIA