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I'm looking for a new big woolly jumper for when it's bastid cold.
I want UK made though, not one that's made in a sweat shop somewhere on the other side of the world. We've got enough sheep here to make a jumper for a fat middle aged bloke.
Any suggestions?
Heb Tro co?
My mum knits. I grew up listening to her on her knitting machine making sections for some designer who would employ someone else to sew the panels together. Even today if you got out a brother sewing machine the noise would send me to sleep.
No use to you, but a story. I do have a fair few pairs of socks she has knitted.
I got a Community Clothing roll neck this year and it's amazing.
If I was rich I'd get a jumper from SEH Kelly. Maybe one day.
Pretty sure there are quite a few people producing traditional hand knitted sweaters in Scotland, Ireland/Eire and the outer islands like Fairisle, Shetland, etc, plus the Scandinavian countries. The traditional fisherman’s wool sweater is one to look for, they have family patterns that have been in use for decades.
Aran are among the best: https://www.aran.com/gents-sweaters
There’s also the Gansey, which is knitted in one piece:
https://www.bertiesofbay.co.uk/shop-clothing
Can any of these go in a washing machine?
I picked up a couple on eBay last year. Two random brands; Joseph Turner Shetland wool jumper and Carraig Donn chunky Irish cardigan. £20-£30 if memory serves me correctly. Fashionable they are not. Both very warm.
Can any of these go in a washing machine?
you what now? Not really needed for decent chunky wool. Should be itchy enough that you always have long sleeves on underneath. Doesn’t really pick up odours ime.
If you know a knitter, my daughter is a knitwear designer and podcaster, based in Edinburgh
https://www.instagram.com/the.creabea?igsh=MXIwOHk4c2lqdGxnbw==
I've a couple of heavy cashmere jumpers. Very warm not itchy or particularly inexpensive. But got in mill sales so not eye watering.
Yeah, mill sale invite is worth it. I paid £70 for a jumper that is £395 in this sale.
https://johnstonsofelgin.com/collections/men-s-cashmere-jumpers-sweaters-sale?page=2
Can any of these go in a washing machine?
Anything can go in a washing machine once 🙂
I got a Nordic crew neck from here (bought in person) & can confirm it's bastid warm status. All under £60 too.
https://www.solvawoollenmill.co.uk/british-wool-jumpers
On an aside my wife is a knitter, currently we seem to be one step away from actually rearing sheep and the house is full of yarn "stock" and various tools to turn fleeces into usable wool.
Thanks some great ideas there
At uni in the early 90s I spent the winter in my Dad's old poo brown Aran jumper. My Auntie made it for him in the 70s. It was misshapen and very ugly but it was really warm. Ideal for cold student digs in Sheffield
I love my hebtroco big jumper but they're sold out of them. They do have others though...
https://hebtro.co/product-category/jumpers/
I’ve got a couple of Arthur Beale woolly jumpers. The company been in existence since the 1500’s and that Ernest Shackleton used to outfit his Arctic adventures. <br /><br />
They’re super warm - very much recommend
It’s been said, HebTroCo. Their Nep jumper is the same wool as a Barbour jumper I loved. But the HebTroCo one has longer sleeves, a better fit, and was about the same price but 2 years later.
However, moths love the wool of the Barbour one and I’m expecting they’ll hunt down the HebTroCo one if I don’t store it in a plastic bag when not wearing.
Otherwise I’d suggest Barbour, Alan Paine, Shetland woollen, and Paul James. I see there’s ‘Shackleton’ but they might not do returns?
Can any of these go in a washing machine
Wash a wool jumper?!?
Not really. Though back in the 80s I used to wear those oily ‘natural’ color wool jumpers from Millets/army and navy. In the 80s smoking was allowed in cinemas and pubs and so on and as a result the jumper would stink. They were washable in COLD water with a soap-based cleaner and would take about a week to dry.
These days the only wool I wash is merino. And then only base layers . Jumpers just get an airing (away from moths!) and then they’re put away until the next time I wear them.
It's irrationally annoying me that the Aron website never says the word jumper, only sweater. I'm wondering if they're going for the American Market?
Don't wash them, hang them out on a misty day scandi style.
I have some from woolovers.co.uk made in UK. I don’t think they all are but you could ask them before you order to check.
Johnstones of Elgin is local but a bit pricey. Having said that, they have some right bargains in their sale. This jumper has been discounted by £260!
https://johnstonsofelgin.com/products/aran-colour-block-cashmere-jumper
I see there’s ‘Shackleton’ but they might not do returns?
10/10
Here you go, both and MrsIHN and I have got gert big thick woolie pullies from these folks, bought when we were there in Shetland in September
https://www.shetlandknitwear.com/
https://www.jamiesonsofshetland.co.uk/
In fact I got one off the sale rail in Jamiesons for thirty quid, absolute bargain.
I was given A Community clothing jumper for Christmas and it is fantastic. Best jumper I've ever owned.
If you're anywhere near Keswick, there's a stall on the Saturday market which sells Kendal-made jumpers using 'Northern' wool. Excellent quality and price (around £60).
A very good mate of mine comes from a family of Shetland knitwear makers...
Their stuff is all made in house and is very good quality.
Anyone got a Mars knitwear jumper? Apparently British wool and made in Leicester
I've had a couple from Peregrine which have been awesome quality.
Apparently British wool and made in Leicester<br /><br />
leicester’s garment industry has been in the news this week, and not in a good way
Those Harley jumpers must be expensive if you have to enquire about them
Anyone got a Mars knitwear jumper? Apparently British wool and made in Leicester
Leicestershire!
Ok, they are just south of Leicester, but it is in the County, and people will tell you it's a big difference. 200 metres from my Aunty, and half a mile from my Mum, they are a good Company, textiles and clothing were huge in Leics. until the late 80’s, some have survived, Mars are breaking the trend by actually doing well. There is a sock factory nearby too that is doing well by selling good quality products - Pantherella.
Mars are great factory. They make our Bifold Watch Caps and have made us jumpers - our Briony Jumper that just sold out is one of theirs. A world away from sweatshop Leicester.
Harley make the lightweight lambswool stuff for us.
We have three other jumper factories too.
As you have heard with the boohoo hoo hah there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors about country of origin of manufacture let alone where the wool comes from.
We have an incredibly local but totally traceable jumper but its price tag seems too high for many people. We love making stuff like that because it’s possible to do.
@Brant - I was looking at your big jumper but it has sold out
Hopefully Santa will get me one later this year.
The obvious choice is Isle of Aran. Not UK but there are plenty of good west coast Ireland makers and Nordic. I have a Norway one and it is super warm
Update: I got a nice thick wool jumper from Mars Knitwear. I'm sure it'll be great
Thanks @brant for the info
Those Harley jumpers must be expensive if you have to enquire about them
They do say that if you have to ask the price you can't afford it 🙂
If you've got the cash - John Smedley!...
https://www.johnsmedley.com/uk/mens/shop-by-style/pullovers