Faux fur self born Samoridny Lizhnyk, Yavoriv - Carpathians Ukraine Circa 2005

Lizhnyk are said to be self born - samoridny, shorn from the back of sheep, vigorously washed wool is loosely spun then carefully woven. Plunged into a hole in the river bed, forces of nature act on every fibre, fast running water guided by a water wheel pulverise the lizhnyk creating a matted felt like finish. The resulting imitation fur lizhnyk is dried in the sun then both sides are teased and combed to achieve the final effect resembling a hairy primordial faux beast from the wilds of the Carpathians. Unique in shaggy rug weaving worldwide the lizhnyk bears the hallmarks of being truly samoridny. The combined effects of loosely spun thick wool wefts, their subsequent punishment in the valylo and final teasing of the fibres resulting in a furry matted animal fur-like product is not only ingenious but practical in it's many uses. No where else has the wool of sheep been rendered in such bestial form, a true primitive rug type.

Lizhnyk blankets could be considered as woven felts, see the post titled "woven felt" for more on the valylo - lizhnyk woven felt connection.

Woven Felt

The Lizhnyk illustrated is small measuring only 127 cm x 70 cm. the colours are all natural. The colours are all natural sheep wool from the Carpathians.

Lilya at Etnostyle has written a very informative post about Lizhnyk with amazing pictures of a Valylo. http://etnostyle.org/lizhnyk-hutsul-handmade-blanket/