Crafting cashmere into luxurious pieces that embody lightness, softness, and impeccable shape retention is an art form. At Joshua Ellis, we’ve spent years perfecting this craft, mastering the delicate balance of tradition and innovation. The result is a collection of exquisitely soft fabrics cherished around the world, a testament to our expertise and commitment to quality. What sets us apart is the secret behind our signature ripple finish, a technique that gives our cashmere its distinctive texture and luxurious feel.
The Ripple Finish: A Signature of Joshua Ellis
At the heart of our craft is our signature ripple finish, a distinct finishing technique that has become synonymous with the Joshua Ellis brand. It is not only a defining characteristic of our products but also a favourite among our customers. This ripple finish, renowned for its softness and tactile appeal, ensures that every piece of cashmere carries the highest standards of quality.
So, how do we achieve this exceptional finish? The answer lies in the blend of tradition and innovation, as we blend modern machinery with time-honoured techniques.
The Role of Teasels: Nature’s Tool
For our ripple finish, we use dried teasel heads, hand-sourced from Italy or Spain. These dried thistle-like heads, traditionally used for centuries in textile finishing, are integral to the process.
In the past, teasels were manually arranged in rows within two metal bars surrounding a large revolving drum. Today, we combine this age-old method with modern machinery for greater precision, but the essential role of the teasels remains unchanged.
Water from the Pennine Hills: A Natural Touch
The cashmere fabric is immersed in water sourced directly from the Pennine Hills. This water, known for its optimal alkaline levels, is perfect for the finishing process, ensuring the ideal conditions for achieving the soft, ripple effect we are known for.
As the fabric winds around the large rotating drum, the teasels become wet and flexible. Their delicate hooks gently brush against the cashmere, teasing out the fibres to create that unique texture.
The Delicate Snap: Perfecting the Finish
The key to the ripple finish is the precise timing of the "snap." As the drum rotates, the teasels gently catch the cashmere, and the delicate hooks break off at just the right moment. This controlled balance of pressure and release creates a subtle, iridescent sheen, which is the hallmark of Joshua Ellis cashmere.
It’s not just the texture of the teasel that creates this effect; it’s the natural snapping action. While some have attempted to replicate this process with artificial materials like wire, wood, or plastic, none can match the unique qualities of the teasel. The natural snap allows for optimal manipulation of the fibres without damaging the delicate cashmere, preserving its luxurious feel.
A Timeless Fabric
The ripple finish is more than a technique, it is a testament to the craftsmanship, tradition, and care that goes into every Joshua Ellis piece. The result is a fabric that tells a story of skilled mastery, blending centuries-old methods with the highest standards of quality and luxury.
So, the next time you experience the soft, tactile pleasure of Joshua Ellis fabric, know that it’s not just a product, it’s a reflection of a tradition perfected over time. From the humble teasel to the final touch, each step is a mark of excellence, ensuring that every piece of cashmere is a timeless classic.
