Each Norlha piece has been designed with materiality and longevity in mind. Our care guide has been created to ensure your Norlha pieces will last while providing lasting softness, taking into consideration the impact on our environment.
MATERIAL
Yak khullu is the soft under-down fibre that the yak grows to insulate from the cold winters and moults in the warmer months. Khullu is a fibre of many virtues, one of which is durability. This comes from the natural quality of the fibre which Norlha yields in partnership with local co-operatives to collect the khullu from across the plateau.
The khullu is carefully selected and processed naturally, we do not use harmful chemicals in any of our low-impact processes. Yak khullu is biodegradable, breathable and thermodynamic.
Yak khullu is a by-product upon which Norlha has built a circular ecosystem of thoughtful innovation to create the weaves and compositions woven at the Norlha’s atelier.
Some of our pieces go through additional processes after weaving, for example, boiling and over-felting, meaning these pieces need special care. Some of our pieces are woven with silk. Silk is a fine yet strong fibre that keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer
WASHING
Yak khullu is breathable and less likely to absorb odours. We recommend airing your Norlha piece, which can be just as efficient as washing and reduce the need for washing - only wash your Norlha piece when necessary.
To care for your Norlha piece, we advise a local eco dry clean to preserve and protect your Norlha piece as naturally as possible.
DRYING
If your Norlha piece gets wet, lay flat on a towel to avoid stretching, avoiding hanging or wringing the piece. Never place it in a dryer, and avoid contact with a direct heat source, which may cause shrinkage, damage or dehydration of the fibres.
Shedding occasionally occurs as we do not use chemicals to reduce pilling and on rare occasions the weave may give off fibres. Once a piece has been washed, the piling will tend to cease. Once your piece is dry you can remove any excess pilling using a wool comb.
Usually Norlha pieces will not need ironing after they are dry. If needed, we recommend using a steamer or the steam setting on your iron, hovering the iron above the piece so the iron is not directly in contact with the fibres.
STORE
Gently fold your piece and store in a dry place away from direct sunlight. We recommend storing in a closed cotton bag to protect from moths, avoiding plastic to prevent mildew and allowing fibres to breathe.
REFRESH
To remove dry stains or surface dirt, we recommend using a lint roller, which when applied should reduce staining significantly.
For wet stains, immediately blot the stain with a damp cloth and try to avoid washing the whole piece. We recommend using natural products to remove stains. White vinegar diluted with water is an effective stain remover for most types of stains, lifting the stain from the fabric. Half a lemon with a spoonful of baking soda works well for tea stains.
CIRCULAR
Norlha’s reverence to yak khullu, a precious fibre, extends to our care for yak khullu once we create Norlha pieces and materials.
All threads cut off looms, fringes and fabrics at the atelier are categorised and saved, with the conscious thought to keep and reuse when the right design comes along. Norlha’s ready-to-wear patterns are created with this in mind, with minimal waste from the start to the end of the design process.
With what may be leftover in fibre and yarn, we save for our annual Circular collection and other special projects.