Hello everyone, hope you are all well and keeping warm! I know offically everyone is talking Spring / Summer at this time of year but personally I’m still finding it a bit cold to go there yet!That got me thinking about that essential item required in the British wardrobe – the cardigan, where would we be without it, with our changeable seasons. It’s a wardrobe must for Summer outings when that sunshine disappears, those extra chilly Winter days for layering and of course parties when we want to wear that pretty dress but need a little cover up!
Welcome to my post this month focusing on some (mainly) British made cover ups – The Great British Cardi!
Picaloulou make the most amazing handmade knits which remind me of ones my grandma used to make for me, chunky, comforting and full of character! Established in Cornwall since 2011 their products are designed to last and to be loved and cherished through the generations. They make their own hand knit yarn using British fleece which is then knitted up into their designs by a dedicated team of hand knitters based all over the UK. I also love the fact that most of their designs are unisex, I have pictured a selection above – above left – Tweed Knit Slouchy Cardigan, 100% wool, ages 1-8, from £52.00 – above middle (and intro pic) – Cable Knit Aran Cardigan – 43% Corriedale 42% Merino 15% Alpaca, ages 1-6, from £68.00 – above right – Alpaca Fair Isle Yoke Cardigan, 100% Alpaca, ages 1-10, from £60, all styles can be cool hand washed or delicate machine wool washed, available from www.picaloulou.com
Picaloulou Knitwear
Hey Joe Clothing are a great British Made Brand – ‘Made & Played in Britain’ is their tag line and they have a great British provenance to back it up – one of the founders Grandfathers was a Master Tailor! Based in Nottingham (as was the aforementioned Grandfather,) they have forged great relationships with local factories and suppliers to produce their timeless, but quirky range. They mainly make wovern garments for boys and girls but they also do knitwear (there are a couple of great Jumpers for Boys,) and also this beautiful classic Navy cardigan for girls – Cable Cardigan £60, 100% cotton, ages 3-10, machine washable at 30C, available at www.heyjoeclothing.com
Hey Joe Clothing
Plum of London make the most amazing & colourful 100% pure Royal Alpaca children’s & baby garments and adults accessories, their Royal Alpaca is ethically sourced from Peru and then made up here in the UK. Royal Alpaca is thought to be softer & warmer than cashmere and only 1% of all Alpaca fibre produced can be called ‘Royal Alpaca’ so it truly is something exclusive and luxurious. I have recently bought myself some Alpaca socks and I can vouch for the fact that it is the most amazing yarn, I have ditched my cashmere ones! Even better for us lucky people they currently have a great sale on! The Children’s Pure Royal Alpaca Cardigan featured above is now on sale at £32.00 (previously £80.00) available in ages 2-7 and in two colours – Turquoise with a blue trim and Red with a peach trim, machine washable at 30C on a wool cycle available at www.plumoflondon.com
Plum of London
Aravore are a brand I have long admired, their garments have a true artisan quality to them, initially launching in 2005 with a knitwear range after one of the founders had a baby, their range has grown to include woven styles and is sold worldwide. The focus here is on craftsmanship, design, quality & provenance – each item made is hand signed by the artisan maker that made it, giving a truely personal connection to the garment. Having grown from a small team in London they now have a main ‘Atelier’ based in Paraguay as well as other smaller ones, employing mums, giving them a means to support their family as well as doing something they love. I have selected a few of my favourites above – left – Double Breasted Pram Coat £45.00, organic merino wool / organic cotton blend, ages 0-12 mths – centre – Organic Merino Wool Navy Cardi £60, 100% organic merino wool, ages 3mths – 4yrs – right – Marl Lavender Jacket £70, organic merino wool / organic cotton blend, ages 2-6, available at www.aravore.com
Aravore Knitwear
I hope I have given you some inspiration for purchasing cardigans – Summer’s not quite here yet after all!
Images courtesy of:
