Pashm began as a weaving and dyeing workshop in 1992, under the direction of the original American designer-owner, David Muir. During its first few years it was based “in the field” where necessary experience and knowledge could be gained. Strong ties were made with a traditional weaving village in northern India that continue today. In the years that followed, thousands of meters of hand loomed s
ilk, linen and handspun cotton fabric were woven. This early incarnation of Pashm functioned as a textile design studio and custom tailoring shop with a team of nine tailors, and an assortment of other staff. The weaving staff was soon moved to Kathmandu from northern India. Until this time we had not woven with pashmina as it required a very different type of loom. But eventually, we could not resist pashmina’s temptation. We closed the retail shop to devote ourselves to pashmina weaving and dyeing. Other than a few of our favorite earlier handspun silk qualities, we are now dedicated to making the highest quality pashmina products. We innovate, and adhere to the best aspects of pashmina weaving tradition. We have gathered a core group of highly skilled weavers and dyers, and have become somewhat reclusive at our workshop/factory in Bansbari (Nepali for “bamboo grove”), in the Kathmandu valley, so we can better meet the demands of our customers around the world. The Pashm workshop pioneered the herringbone and diamond silk/pashmina weave designs as well as the 2-tone weaves, where the silk and pashmina are dyed two shades. We are known for our attention to detail. We have set the standard for fringe work that is even in its spacing and consistent in its knotting position. While many hand loomed shawls are labelled with a disclaimer to excuse uneven edges and inconsistent yarn spacing, the Pashm shawl cannot be distinguished from the power loom versions in this respect. Each of our weavers is also a loom engineer. In fact we constructed by hand the largest loom in Nepal so we could manufacture the largest hand loomed silk/pashmina blanket in the world at 90″ x 120″! Having since retired, David Muir has passed the wisdom and passion of Pashm on to a long-time customer, Tiffany Renée. She carries on the tradition of offering the finest Changra Pashmina to the United States from her hometown in Petaluma, California.
