Åkle Pile Vest

This cozy Patagonia fleece vest has been given a fresh update with the addition of woven carpet pockets on the front and backside. The vest is equipped with two zipper pockets and the unique carpet pockets. However, I advise against using these for carrying heavy items. The slight fold at the back contributes to a newly comfortable silhouette. Please note that there are minor marks; I recommend referring to the close-up pictures to identify these.

Åkle, also known as "coverlets", are traditional Norwegian woven textiles with intricate patterns and designs. These coverlets have a rich history and are associated with various regions in Norway. Each region has its unique patterns and weaving techniques that reflect the local culture and traditions.

The origin of the åkle featured on this shirt has yet to be identified. If any of our valued visitors possess information regarding its origin, we kindly invite you to share it with us via email.

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:

42cm - Shoulder Across
61cm - Front Length
49cm - Chest Width
54cm - Bottom Width

The person in the pictures/video is 1.77 meters tall, weighs 62kg, and is a size S/M.

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.

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.

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. But, we recommend minimizing the washing of your garment for both its longevity and the environment's sake.

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

Fresh Air: Additionally, letting your garment hang outdoors in fresh air once in a while can breathe new life into it.

This example gives you an idea of how costs might break down for a single garment.

1. Sourcing and Materials:
• Vintage åkle: Nok 500
• Pre-loved garment: Nok 500
• Thread and ribbons: Nok 50

2. Processing and Design:
• Washing and preparation: Nok 50
• Design: Nok 250

3. Sewing and Construction:
• Sewing prosess & Crafting the perfect pattern: Nok 1700

4. Finishing and Quality Check:
• Pressing and steaming: Nok 250
• Re-testing garment durability: Nok 250

5. Operational Costs:
• Marketing and photos: Nok 100
• Packaging materials and postage: Nok 120

6. Additional Overheads:
• Machine usage and adds in general: Nok 178

Total Cost: Nok 3948
Mva 25% : Nok 987
Margin: x (count yourself) %

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.