Mystic Knit-Marie-Louise Vogt

As mentioned in previous posts I get a little excited by finding knit-designers who push the boundaries and create unique products and Marie-Louise Vogt is no exception!

Fascinated by materials, fabrics or any other kinds, Vogt is into almost all traditional handicraft methods. Most of the time Vogt is knitting or crocheting in her Hamburg based studio and when she's not it's only look to for new materials in her direct surroundings.
In addition to the images below, you can check out her website here.

Mononoke madness

I only watched Princess Mononoke for the first time a few months ago.  I liked it very much!  The Cremaster Cycle image/character strikes me as Princess Mononoke with her bloodied mouth after she assists the mother wolf.  I couldn't resist sharing the catwalk images of a Mononoke inspired collection...

Sirena con Jersey

I am always on the lookout for knitwear design.  Often I will type 'knitwear designers' or 'knitwear designers Australia' into google search as a way of procrastination, but surprisingly sparse results are the outcome.  So it is always with great delight that I find something unique. I was looking at Hello Sandwich's blog and found 'Sirena con Jersey'.  Below is a bit about them from their website and some pictures of their jumpers:


"We produce stuff we would like to wear but we don't find in the stores.
We both come from the graphic design world, but Eli is illustrator and Ali loves crafts.
Sirena con Jersey was born in 2007 with a series of handmade knitted sweaters. Then we produced a series of screen printed totebags. People like our stuff, so we decided to keep doing things."

Sirena con Jersey also produce a range of screen printed clothing, totes and lazer-cut jewellery which are equally endearing.  Check it out on their website here.

Otto and Spike

A while back now I emailed Otto and Spike to get a booklet off them that was only available to retailers.  I got a very prompt reply and an invitation to go to their factory in Brunswick East.  Ella and I went along yesterday! 

It was incredible to be weaving through the various knitting machines they had, many of them running and knitting piles of scarves, collars, blankets and beanies.  There were some new machines, and others were very old.  I asked if any of the older machines had punchcards, and Alasdair (who was showing us around) pointed out some steel punch-cards connected to each other with a chain processing through the machine.  Its a terrible description there, I know.... I wanted to take photos, but at the same time I felt like it would have been rude to pull out a camera.
It was mentioned that some of the  very old, out of use machines were simply there as collectors items and were going to be featured on the ABC program 'Collectors'.  I'll definately post a link to the video on this blog once it airs.


Otto and Spike have a lot of sustainable practices in their business, which I think is really important.  Alasdair made a really good point that designers should be able to make use with the resources we already have, rather than creating a need for more resource production; this is something that is visibly practiced in their business.
The following are some pictures of Otto and Spike products:

A very inspirational day!  Been a bit of  springboard for a developing project.  Once it has become more of a reality I will be able to talk about it!  Oh the mystery.

AMS and All for Everyone

Schools finally out for summer. What better way to start than to sprain a muscle around a disc in my back? No frolicking for me. Been doing plenty of Simpsons watching and searching the internet. Came across a few knitwear design companies which are amazing.
'A Minutes Silence' (AMS) are a UK knitwear label with an interesting approach. Below are some pictures and information from their website.


"A Minute Silence present their début capsule AW2010 unisex collection of knitted cardigans, jumpers, blankets and socks.
The silhouette remains classic throughout this premier collection, with a graphic clash of colour on AMS's signature geometric patterns. The striking colour palette remains specific to each garment rather than being trend led.
Produced by the British heritage knitwear company Corgi Hosiery Ltd, knitters to the Queen, the quality of the knits are top priority. Each item is hand knitted in Wales on traditional knit machines. Each piece is then lovingly finished by hand.
When you purchase one of these investment pieces, it comes wrapped with care in its own hand made Tyvek bag, along with an original piece of Sangra artwork."




Also.....

Annie Larson's knitwear label 'All For Everyone' is worth looking at. It's hard to look at this stuff and not want to buy it. Take a look

I'm also following her blog