The Elusive Knitted Blazer

I have so many ideas for stuff that could help me complete my wardrobe. Actually I think it's a never ending quest, but I keep getting ideas for things that would do really well in my wardrobe. Often it's based on things that are actually on offer, and that's when you start saving and planning, but sometimes it's a certain thing that you just can't find. In this case it's the knitted blazer. 

I have this idea of a knitted blazer that you can both dress up or wear really casually. In my mind it's made of virgin wool or a similar hard wearing wool that has been tightly knitted, but still loose enough to conform to the body. Furthermore it's a three button blazer with a slightly narrow lapel, patch pockets and it's vented. Lastly it's not made in the Far East.

It could look a bit like this blazer from Brooks Brothers. It ticks a lot of boxes, but I'm not going to put a lot of money into something that's made in China probably. It goes against my principles that I stick to.

Another very nice alternative that I came across is the infamous, Spanish Teba, which is a sort of knitted blazer/shirt which is quite used in Spain. The original is made by Bel y Cia, who probably weren't the inventors of the Teba, but they're probably the original maker, as they made the Teba, which was used for hunting, for the Count of Teba. Now this is made in Spain, which is great and the quality is definitely up there, however I'm not sure about the looks of the Teba and it's quite expensive, but again the quality is present without a doubt.

One could even consider buying a replica (most likely from Japan) of the Brown's Beach Jacket, but it's very, very casual, but very good looking. However Japanese replicas don't always go well, if you're tall and have long arms.

Lastly there's the jersey (rather heavy jersey) version of a sports coat, which is made in Canada by Wings + Horns. I've tried it on numerous times and even thought about buying it quite a bit, but there's something a bit off in terms of the length - I find it too short. But other than that the quality is very good and the fit is quite modern with slim sleeves and body, but you can compensate for that by sizing up for a more comfortable fit. If this version was made in a heavy wool I would definitely have pulled the trigger. But alas I'm still searching for the elusive knit blazer and if someone has seen a good one, do let me know where to look.

Fabric Knowledge - Harris Tweed

I would like to make a follow up to the post on Ventile to another legendary British fabric. This is even more legendary, namely Harris Tweed.

Harris Tweed is the only fabric in the world, that has its own legislation (remember this post?) and it is quite easily recognized by the Orb logo. For a tweed cloth to be qualified for the title Harris Tweed it must be made of pure virgin wool, that has been dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides, and it must also be woven by people living in the Outer Hebrides. In their own homes or sheds to be exact.

I won't be going into much more detail, so if you feel a slight lack of information, then please rest assured, that James Taylor AKA Tweedydon will return with more posts on tweed and Harris Tweed in the future. If you have any questions regarding Harris Tweed, let me know, and I'll do my best to answer them myself or forward them to James. He is the expert. But please let me tell you, that if you haven't had the pleasure of touching the heft of a Harris Tweed, then start hitting your local thrift stores - or high street shops, as a lot of modern brands are using Harris Tweed in special make-ups.

When I first saw this book available for pre-order, I added it to my basket and ordered it along with some other books, which I had been meaning to order for quite some time. Well, I forgot, I actually e-mailed James about the book, as the very first thing. But then I ordered it. And I'm glad I did.

"Harris Tweed - From Land to Street" by Lara Platman is a nice book, that covers the subject of Harris Tweed. If you already know some, you will probably not learn anything, substantially new, however the pictures of the home-weavers and their looms are, what makes this book worth anything. To me at least. They are small portraits of true artisans, which have a craft, that can't be replicated anywhere in the world and it shows, that you don't need much room - or light - to create some magnificent patterns and textures within the boundaries of tweed.

Here are some pics, that I took from the book.

When mentioning Harris Tweed, I think we should also pay attention to the blog, The Croft, which is about a man, who has returned to the Outer Hebrides to take up weaving himself after having spent some time in the city. The blog has all the links and information, you need on Harris Tweed and finally it is quite good a keeping somewhat updated on all the "new" products, that are being launched using Harris Tweed.

I found these pictures on The Croft, and I couldn't help but share them. They are taken by the photographer Ian Lawson and apparently they haven't been manipulated in any way. They will be published in a book with the title "From the Land", which will be released within a year or so.