Non sequitur
![](image.asp?w=250&h=375&i=1/_research/pubs/magazine/2017/sri-magizine-2017-cashmere.jpg)
Cashmere has been combed out from the underdown of moulting goats for thousands of years. It originated in the Kashmir region of South Asia, better known today as a hotly contested geopolitical no-go zone. Once combed out, the coarse hair is separated from the fine hair and washed, before being dyed and spun into yarn. For weavers in Indian-run Kashmir, who produce ultra-fine cashmere, it is still a source of industry, but one that is struggling owing to the threat posed by cheaper products produced elsewhere.