Blarney Woolen Mills Cardigan

Piece no 63.
One-of-a-kind.
Whether you're in search of crafts, food, folklore, or fashion, it's all here under the sprawling roofs of this old mill. Allow me to introduce this cardigan with a rich history, tracing its roots back to Ireland's Blarney Woolen Mills. The label proudly declares it as hand-knitted in the Republic of Ireland.

This åkle has graced my studio for some time, patiently awaiting the perfect second-hand project. The colors are naturally muted, complementing off-white like a perfect match. The cardigan boasts heavy wool, slightly on the itchier side for the more sensitive ones. This characteristic made it a tad challenging to incorporate the woven wool carpet. Although I'm not entirely satisfied with the corners at the top of the back, the overall result is undeniably beautiful. These imperfections are the hallmark of a handmade process, a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship poured into each creation.

Discovering the ideal fit for vintage garments can be like unlocking a treasure chest of timeless style. It's important to note that sizes and fits can vary significantly not only between different brands but also across decades. Embracing the uniqueness of each piece, we encourage you to go beyond the S/M/L labels and embrace a personalized approach to fit.

Just like each vintage piece carries its own story, your body has its own unique shape. Begin by measuring a garment you're already familiar with; it will serve as a reliable point of reference. Take these five measurements from your garment and make a comparison:

46cm — Shoulder Across
58cm — Chest Width
61cm — Bottom Width
64cm — Sleeve length
70cm — Front Length

Shoulder Across (Measured from shoulder seam to shoulder seam)
Sleeve Length (Measured from shoulder seam to sleeve ending)
Front Length (Measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down)
Chest Width (Measured at armhole and across the chest)
Bottom Width (Measured straight over)

It's important to note that the charm of these redesigned garments lies in their individuality. As such, minor faults, variations, and seams that might differ from your expectations can naturally occur. These imperfections are the hallmark of a handmade process, showcasing the dedication and craftsmanship poured into each creation.

If you have received a garment that does not meet your expectations, you have the right to return it to us. In the event of any faults with the garment, we are committed to remaking it at no additional cost to you.

Our commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious fashion drives us to provide these one-of-a-kind garments, repurposing materials and reducing waste in the process. We believe that these unique characteristics add character to your wardrobe, telling a story of both innovation and environmental responsibility. We hope this makes it worth it.

After you're done with the item, we'll purchase it back to maintain the cycle.

To keep your treasured upcycled garment looking its best, please note that it requires extra care. Please take this into consideration before making a purchase.

We have conducted extensive washing tests on our Åkle garments. Your garment can be hand-washed, machine-washed using a delicate hand wash program, or dry-cleaned. But, we recommend minimizing the washing of your garment for both its longevity and the environment's sake.

Fresh Air: Allowing your garment to hang outdoors in the fresh air once in a while can breathe new life into it.

Hand Wash: To maintain the optimal appearance of your cherished upcycled garment, we suggest hand washing it in cold water using a mild wool wash. It's important to avoid leaving the garment submerged in water for too long to prevent color bleeding. Wring it out and hang it to dry.

Machine Wash: You can also use your machine if it has a delicate hand wash program with cold water or up to 30 degrees.

Low Spin Speed: After hand/machine washing you may select a delicate cycle with a low spin speed (400) on your washing machine.

Hang Dry: After washing, let your garment air dry, laying/hanging on top of your drying rack. This will ensure that it dries naturally and maintains its original form. If you prefer a more hands-off approach to washing, you can take your garment to the local dry cleaner.

Store with Love: When not in use, store your garment with love in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Below you can see the cost breakdown for this upcycled garment.

1. Materials:
• Woven Fabric: Nok 1100
• Pre-loved garment: Nok 1000
• Thread and ribbons: Nok 50

2. Sourcing
• It is very time-consuming and challenging to quantify, but it is for sure sourced with love. It’s not calculated in the price.

2. Processing and Design:
• Washing and preparation: Nok 250
• Designproess: Nok 700

3. Sewing and Construction:
• Sewing prosess & Crafting the perfect pattern: Nok 2250 (a´450 pr hour)

4. Finishing and Quality Check:
• Pressing, steaming and quality control: Nok 250

5. Operational Costs:
• Photos: Nok 200
• Packaging materials and postage: Nok 120

6. Additional Overheads:
• Machine usage and adds in general: Nok 478

MVA 25%

Allow me to give you a glimpse into the careful process that goes into creating our redesigns and upcycled garments. Each step is a labor of love, ensuring the best quality for you.

First, the journey begins with sourcing. I meticulously handpick åkler and garments from online secondhand stores or local shops in Oslo. The pieces are then treated based on their condition – either hand washed, machine washed, or dry-cleaned – with utmost care given to each.

The design process is where the magic happens. Merging the unique characteristics of the åkle and the chosen product is a delicate dance. Sometimes, it's an instant match made in heaven, while other times, it's a meticulous and time-consuming process.

Each Åkle holds its own value, both in terms of cost and charm, ranging from approximately 300 to 2500 NOK. I consciously avoid using pre-loved garments from fast fashion chains, preferring to work with vintage pieces that carry their own history and allure. These typically range from 500 to 2500 NOK.

The materials come together through a combination of craftsmanship and creativity. I introduce new thread and occasionally fantasy ribbons, taking care to select those that match the faded hues of the åkler. This can be a time-consuming endeavor as finding the perfect thread and ribbon combination is crucial.

The sewing process is a symphony of precision. The garment is methodically dismantled, the ideal pattern is crafted – whether on paper or through the bust – and then skillfully transformed onto the Åkle. Each seam is carefully overlocked and sewn together step by step, utilizing four different machines. We employ an Amatec Pegasus overlock for Åkle fabrics, Amatec Global for stitching, a regular garment machine from Janome, and an overlock for thinner fabrics.

This journey is not without its challenges. Sometimes seams need to be dismantled and reworked multiple times to achieve perfection. Once the garment takes shape, it's meticulously pressed and steamed, and in some cases, even retested through a wash to ensure it withstands the new combinations.

Completing the process involves a myriad of tasks – from marketing and photoshoots to crafting compelling descriptions. The goal is to present each piece in its true light and story, So you are well know with the product you are purchasing.

The journey is almost complete. It's carefully wrapped, I cycle to the post office, and with a sense of anticipation, I send it off to its new owner.

In addition to the intricate process of redesigning and upcycling garments, it's important to recognize that behind the scenes, there are various other costs involved in running a sustainable business.

Every item you see has been carefully curated and meticulously crafted, not just to reflect an environmentally conscious choice, but also to support the broader vision of sustainability and ethical fashion. When you choose one of our pieces, you're not only embracing a beautifully redesigned garment but also contributing to a larger movement of mindful consumption and thoughtful entrepreneurship.