Britain’s knitwear Icons

11 Nov 2016

British, traditional knitted design tells an interesting story of our country’s historical culture and the skills and dedication of its craftspeople.

Both the intarsia Argyle and the genuine Fairisle began life upon British soil, and their respective stories are as captivating as they are important.

We explore, celebrate and pay respect to these two fantastic, quintessentially British knitted designs.

The Argyle jumper

 

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The now-iconic, intarsia, Argyle knitting pattern can be traced as far back as the 1500s when the Scottish, Campbell Clan of Argyll used the geometric, diamond pattern for their family tartan.

After World War One, Argyle knitwear became famous and elegant amongst the British fashion set, after it was adopted by the stylish Duke of Windsor in 1920.

A popular presence in the sporting world, Argyle is perhaps most synonymous with golfing. American golfing great, Payne Stewart was well known for his love of bright and flamboyant Argyle designs, and many of today’s British golfers also greatly admire the traditional knit.

Our classic, Argyle pieces are available in cosy, pure lambswool, lightweight, yet warming, cashmere-cotton and sumptuously soft, cashmere-merino. So, you can now add this time-honoured and timeless, sporty style to your wardrobe in your favourite yarn.

The Fairisle jumper

 

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Beginning life amongst the traditional, croft industries of Scotland’s Shetland Islands, genuine, Fairisle knits (those which are designed and produced upon Fair Isle, using wool obtained from the island’s native sheep) are considered authentic works of art.

These coveted and cherished pieces take over 100 hours to hand knit, and even longer to produce when you factor in design time. They are truly beautiful labours of love, intricate and heavy with heritage and pride.

Halfway between mainland Shetland and the Orkney Islands, lies the tiny, isolated island of Fair Isle. This secluded, but beautiful place is home to fewer than 60 inhabitants (not including the sheep), and the 500-year old Fairisle knitting technique. A technique passed down through the generations from mother to daughter, it takes newbies to the craft years to perfect.

A bastion of experienced, British craft, Fair Isle has given the world a now much-copied, endlessly reinvented knitting pattern, loved internationally.

Last December, French couture giant, Chanel was forced to apologise to a designer of genuine Fairisles, after they used some of her unique designs for their Metiers d’Art show in Rome. Whilst it is, of course, wrong that Chanel used authentic, Fairisle designs without permission, this wrongdoing is a testament to how highly respected and revered this deep-rooted knitting craft is.

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Our Fairisle selection is available in both pure lambswool and 100% pure wool. Mens and womens styles and accessories make for perfect Christmas gifts, thanks to their traditional charm and winter-ready warmth.

Both the Argyle and the Fairisle fly the flag high for the brilliance of British knitwear design. Classics, which have, and will, stand the test of time, both are perfect for creating stylish looks. Add either to your enduring wardrobe and honour British brilliance (whilst looking great too)!

 

 

Lynn McGinty

Love all Aran and fair isle cardigan's and jumper's especially. Interested in 'new in' for 2017

07 Jan 2017 14:14
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