The knitwear thread

What are the odds, of 2 Ballantyne for Harrods labeled Shawl Collar Cardigans, came into the secondary market within days.
I never saw the auction of yours. You got an excellent deal on that one.
¡To be honest, so did I!
 
Ballantyne's Shawl Collar Cardigan

Ballantyne × Harrods 12 ply


Looks as NOS as it could be!
From the 90's or maybe the last batch from 2001, as the 2008 batch -as previously mentioned -had the 1980's label with the "Heritage Edition" within it.
Master Knitter, is it one from your attelier?

Ps. Looks like I'm set to adopt the antichrist! 😃

I understand Ballantyne never sold 12 ply. That looks like the usual 6 ply. I think that is a 90's label, but definitely not an 80's.

What did it sell for? Got the old link?
 
We both know that Ballantyne never did a 12 ply cardigan, even thought you were quite obsesive for a while, about getting yourself a 12 ply cashmere shawl collar cardigan.
12 ply is a modern/common interpretation of the classic 6 ply, as it is common calling 8 ply what it used to be called a 4 ply as in the case with the Lockie Windsor. Besides, it is how the seller described the cardigan in his listing.
Ballantyne × Harrods 12 ply Cashmere Shawl Cardigan size L rare.
 
We both know that Ballantyne never did a 12 ply cardigan, even thought you were quite obsesive for a while, about getting yourself a 12 ply cashmere shawl collar cardigan.
12 ply is a modern/common interpretation of the classic 6 ply, as it is common calling 8 ply what it used to be called a 4 ply as in the case with the Lockie Windsor. Besides, it is how the seller described the cardigan in his listing.
Ballantyne × Harrods 12 ply Cashmere Shawl Cardigan size L rare.

Where was it listed, and for how much did it sell?

I never see Ballantyne shawl cardigans listed, ever.
 
I also do believe it to be from the '90s. Or maybe the last batch of Shawl Collar Cardigans of february 2001, as Master Knitter told us. The 90's labels were used right until 2005 or before the acquisition by the Italians.
Keep looking for yours. There are some still out there, as evidence of the last 2 coming into the market within days.
Regards.
 
Types of Shawl Collars

1990's Ballantyne Ivory

1990's Pringle Salmon
 

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I'm new here, but I've read back a few dozen pages, and it seems like this might be a good place to pose the following questions, if anyone would be so kind as to help. Forgiveness in advance if I mess up any details and terminology!

I've been looking at Scott & Charters shawl cardigans on and off for the past couple years, and even more frequently over the past few months. I've discovered multiple brands/shops they manufacture for (or seem to, at least). Across all of them, I've found the following variations of their shawl cardigans (I'm unable post a link—probably because I just registered—but hopefully it's easy to Google these):

4-ply, 3 gauge lambswool - Cloth & Cut
6-ply, 3 gauge lambswool - Colhay's
8-ply, 3 gauge lambswool - O'Connell's Clothing
• (they also make 8-ply and 12-ply cashmere versions, but I'll disregard those to hopefully simplify my questions)

If I were to handle the 4-ply, 6-ply, and 8-ply lambswool versions, what differences would I notice? I have so many variations of the same question, such as:

• Would the 6-ply be any thicker, heavier, or warmer than the 4-ply? And would the 8-ply be even more so than the 6-ply? Or is that not how it works?

• Both the 4-ply and 6-ply ones say they're each made with 1.2kg of wool. So does increased ply count not necessarily mean a heavier or thicker cardigan?

• I think I understand that multiple yarns (or is "ends" the right word here?) are twisted together to form the ply, such as 4-ply, 6-ply, 8-ply, etc. So does an 8-ply cardigan mean they used yarns that were half the thickness of the ones used in the 4-ply, so they needed to double the amount of yarns in the ply to achieve the same yarn thickness? I know people who have both the 6-ply lambswool versions and the 12-ply cashmere versions, and they say they are both about the same thickness, weight, chunkiness, etc. I understand that cashmere is much finer than lambswool, so I suppose it makes sense that they need twice as many yarns.

• Do different ply counts imply different things about durability, pilling, etc?

Basically, after spending hours poring over photos, trying to discern any differences between the 4-, 6-, and 8-ply versions, I'm not sure I know the difference. They all look pretty much on par in terms of thickness, chunkiness, etc. And I am sure all three are incredibly hefty and beautiful, but I was just hoping if someone might be able to quantify some differences, if you'd be able.

Thanks so much in advance!
 
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That salmon shawl is very interesting. Never knew Ballantyne made one like that. A ladies shawl cardigan? Can you please post more pictures of this.
Both are men's cardigans. I just wanted to showcase the 2 types of shawl collar found in cardigans, the long lapel roll (1990's Ballantyne Ivory) vs the wide lapel that sits flatter against the chest (1990 Pringle Salmon).
As Master Knitter noted, Pringle dropped the wide lapel style in the 1990's in favour of the long lapel roll, as Pringle took over the style of the Westway when McGeorge closed.
 

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I'm new here, but I've read back a few dozen pages, and it seems like this might be a good place to pose the following questions, if anyone would be so kind as to help. Forgiveness in advance if I mess up any details and terminology!

I've been looking at Scott & Charters shawl cardigans on and off for the past couple years, and even more frequently over the past few months. I've discovered multiple brands/shops they manufacture for (or seem to, at least). Across all of them, I've found the following variations of their shawl cardigans (I'm unable post a link—probably because I just registered—but hopefully it's easy to Google these):

4-ply, 3 gauge lambswool - Cloth & Cut
6-ply, 3 gauge lambswool - Colhay's
8-ply, 3 gauge lambswool - O'Connell's Clothing
• (they also make 8-ply and 12-ply cashmere versions, but I'll disregard those to hopefully simplify my questions)

If I were to handle the 4-ply, 6-ply, and 8-ply lambswool versions, what differences would I notice? I have so many variations of the same question, such as:

• Would the 6-ply be any thicker, heavier, or warmer than the 4-ply? And would the 8-ply be even more so than the 6-ply? Or is that not how it works?

• Both the 4-ply and 6-ply ones say they're each made with 1.2kg of wool. So does increased ply count not necessarily mean a heavier or thicker cardigan?

• I think I understand that multiple yarns (or is "ends" the right word here?) are twisted together to form the ply, such as 4-ply, 6-ply, 8-ply, etc. So does an 8-ply cardigan mean they used yarns that were half the thickness of the ones used in the 4-ply, so they needed to double the amount of yarns in the ply to achieve the same yarn thickness? I know people who have both the 6-ply lambswool versions and the 12-ply cashmere versions, and they say they are both about the same thickness, weight, chunkiness, etc. I understand that cashmere is much finer than lambswool, so I suppose it makes sense that they need twice as many yarns.

• Do different ply counts imply different things about durability, pilling, etc?

Basically, after spending hours poring over photos, trying to discern any differences between the 4-, 6-, and 8-ply versions, I'm not sure I know the difference. They all look pretty much on par in terms of thickness, chunkiness, etc. And I am sure all three are incredibly hefty and beautiful, but I was just hoping if someone might be able to quantify some differences, if you'd be able.

Thanks so much in advance!
Post in thread 'The knitwear thread'
http://www.dressedwell.net/threads/the-knitwear-thread.2454/post-295364
 
Not a holy grail shawl collar cardigan but in my view a very interesting and unusual intarsia.
That's the type of item I cannot resist as I think I probably never will get the chance to purchase again
I just purchased it on ebay... and who knows I might even wear it for a laugh next time I get the chance to go for a dog sledge ride...

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Another purchase. I have not seen this type of midweight cable knit from Ballantyne before.
It is a camel hair so we'll see how soft it is as in my experience camel hair can be more or less soft.
Btw, I hate seeing knitwear on hangers

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You really missed out shooey. That’s right up your alley.

Yes, it is hard passing these things up. It really hurts. I could have owned a masterpiece with that intarsia, and it was my perfect size too. It is good though, because l am disciplined; the biggest temptations will not sway me at the moment. I am focused on other big ticket clothing items for the coming years, and everything has been planned out in great details. I can tell you the details of every clothing item l will be buying for next year.

I could buy some real gems of knitwear at the moment, but l am keeping focused and disciplined. I love being disciplined, it makes the rewards so much more enjoyable when one does indulge.
 
Yes, it is hard passing these things up. It really hurts. I could have owned a masterpiece with that intarsia, and it was my perfect size too. It is good though, because l am disciplined; the biggest temptations will not sway me at the moment. I am focused on other big ticket clothing items for the coming years, and everything has been planned out in great details. I can tell you the details of every clothing item l will be buying for next year.

I could buy some real gems of knitwear at the moment, but l am keeping focused and disciplined. I love being disciplined, it makes the rewards so much more enjoyable when one does indulge.
You should do a thread on future purchase plans. Might be an interesting idea to run with.
 
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I have a thick off-white submariner jumper that just feels a bit restrictive all-over - the way they were meant to fit, but still makes me look forward to taking it off. Anyway, I think I’ll replace it with one of these Aeros when they do a Spring sale.
 
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I have a thick off-white submariner jumper that just feels a bit restrictive all-over - the way they were meant to fit, but still makes me look forward to taking it off. Anyway, I think I’ll replace it with one of these Aeros when they do a Spring sale.
I think you can do better than aero I with that type of sweater.
 
Suggestions? Preferably under $150.

I have one of these from North Sea Clothing and I quite enjoy it. Slightly over 150 though (185gbp). They do run discounts every now and then, and they have slightly different model called the Submariner.


 
I have one of these from North Sea Clothing and I quite enjoy it. Slightly over 150 though (185gbp). They do run discounts every now and then, and they have slightly different model called the Submariner.

I have the Submariner:

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That looks nice.

I’m still leaning towards the Aero, but will wait to see what sort of post-Winter sale they do.

 
I have the Submariner:

View attachment 45748




That looks nice.

I’m still leaning towards the Aero, but will wait to see what sort of post-Winter sale they do.


Lovely. One thing I love about North Sea is the hand - I don't love that Aero brushed wool texture, much prefer the crispier finish of the Submariner/Diver
 
for turtleneck i would highly recommend Colombo Kid Cashmere or at least pure cashmere
They are unbeatable , i have one bought months ago and now i bought a second one in different colour
On turtleneck there must be heaven soft and heaven knitted the upper part for your neck to feel as comfortable as it can get with tight knit and easy to fold and hold the shape, until now, i didnt find something to worth my money until these. Also i like the cable knit aspect, some manufacture are going not so 3d effect more flat and more rare cable design. Here we have 4 ply with 6 ply on the cable parts alone


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Colombo also have in todays F/W collection something very rare , 100% yangir coat and some pure white cashmere
 
No way. Just giving examples of where the jumpers are made these days.
Unfortunately yes, but starting with May 2023 at least from McGeorge we hear they will have only 1 lane made in Scotland, their online shop will also be available by then
 
Unfortunately yes, but starting with May 2023 at least from McGeorge we hear they will have only 1 lane made in Scotland, their online shop will also be available by then

Just to add, those companies are very secretive where they have there stuff made. When checking online they never mention the country of manufacturer, that is why l revealed the secrets.

It is a good start with Mc George, but better if they increase the quality to highend. The top Italians do it, and hopefully they will to.
 

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