Most of us will have fond memories of visiting our grandparents house when we were little, to find that Grandma has knitted us yet another cardigan, scarf, gloves, or hat! We’ve all had a knitted jumper forced upon us over the festive season, and will have received a hand-me-down, knitted by someone in the family at some point over the last couple of decades!
It’s safe to say that knitting is a true piece of British history, and that we all have a relationship with knitwear that were either lovingly made for us, or kindly passed down through generations.
Knitting has always been a huge part of British culture, and has been the centrepiece in British fashion, interior design and throughout our homes for many decades.
As knitwear became more and more popular in the UK, and knitting itself became a very desirable skill, knitting schools were established, and was taught in orphanages and poor houses to teach skills to the lower classes.
After the war, more and more books, magazines and publications were created to distribute knitting patterns and instructions, to teach those who were new to knitting, and to aid those who were already becoming adventurous with their own patterns and designs.
Despite its strong association with women and older ladies in particular, knitting was actually very popular amongst both men and women, with many young people choosing knitting as a hobby or profession. This is still the case today, with celebrities such as Tom Daly demonstrating that both genders and all ages enjoy a British made piece of knitwear!
The origins of knitting span across the globe, with different variations and techniques noted from across the world over centuries, however the craft was thought to have come to Britain during the 14th Century, which is also when the first knitting machine was created.
William Lee invented a machine which used needles on a bed of iron, encased in wood, which meant that the process of knitting was much faster than working by hand. Machines like these meant that commercial knitting was possible, and mass production became the norm in later years.
There’s many traditional styles of knitting, particularly when it comes to the knitted jumper, most of which we all know and love, and likely have in our wardrobes! These are such as Fair Isle and Aran knit, which have all been true British patterns, worn by iconic models, designed by top designers, and carried through history to present day.
Cara & The Sky have almost taken a step back in time with their approach to design, manufacturing and production of knitwear
Unlike many other brands, Cara & The Sky have only one collection per season, and rather than sourcing from other countries, all of the knitwear is designed and created in Britain. This nostalgic approach comes through in the pieces and indulges both those looking for fresh new fashionable items, and those who want a more classic, less mass produced product too
The knitwear itself combines the old and new, with classic knitting patterns paired with modern trends and colours, creating a hybrid of true British heritage, with today’s British style.
We believe that British made is best, and by designing and manufacturing in the UK, our knitwear offers style, quality and sustainability.
