Is it safe to machine wash or would it fall apart? It says machine wash but I wanted an answer from someone who has actually tried washing it.

Hand wash it with hot soapy water than rinse well. The machines are hard on these anyway you look at it. Besides hand washing extends the life of the material.

Are the tassels tied from the same material as the Shemagh, or are they part of a sewn-on edge? Can't tell from the pictures.

This Shemagh is traditionally made so that groups of thread once taken from the loom are bundled and tied together. So yes, the tassels are not sewn on. They are an integral part. Each thread in a tassel goes through the whole weave and ends in another tassel on the other side of the cloth.

Has anyone ordered the sand variant? is it as pictured in terms of color?

The picture shown is pretty close to the actual color mine arrived in. All in all it fits my needs although I'd really like to have one that is half again as large in dimensions and probably twice as heavy material-wise. I have yet to wear mine out but it does feel a little flimsy IMO. But as thin as the material is, it should work well as a first stage of your water filter system to remove larger sediment, soak up water if you needed a rather small towel to dry off a LITTLE bit plus help to keep dust out of your mouth and nose from a basic dust storm you might encounter. But because it IS so lightweight, don't expect a long lifespan if used regularly.