Begg x Co Knitwear | Made in Scotland

 

Bi Coloured Beanie in Yellow + Natural | Shadow Rib Beanie Navy Asphalt | Slub Crew Sweater

I'm not a love story kind of guy. Generally if I've loved visiting a place I don't tend to feel the urge to return unless I missed something that I really wanted to see. Not in a "been-there-done-that" kind of way, it's more from a curiosity of experiencing things I haven't experienced before. 

But Scotland is an exception to this rule; pass this guy a stamp and envelope, because I'm about to mail my first love letter.

The air, the open roads, the sweet smell of distilling, the fly fishing, the friendly faces, the commitment to tradition, the silence in the hills, the feeling of belonging even as a visitor: that's my Scotland. Manufacturing is another I'd add to that list, as the majority of people I know from up North work in design and craft, in some way or form.

Orwell Ordon Scarf | Arran Vicuna Scarf 

Begg x Co is a small knitwear label based on the southwest coast of Scotland, in the town of Ayr. Lamsbwool and cashmere are used in such a way that feels familiar, yet special in every sense; with jumpers, scarfs and accessories all seen in colours inspired by and taken from the Scottish landscape. Begg x Co have fun with it - with vibrant cashmere hats sitting along side more traditional patterned cashmere scarfs and men's crew neck sweaters, and even the odd splash of added camouflage, catching eyes from every-which-way.

Let's book that train ticket shall we.

Photography by Jordan Bunker.

Outfit | The Grey + Blue Autumn Uniform

ASOS Overcoat | Paul Smith Jumper c/o House of Fraser | COS Shirt | Reiss Chinos | Form&Thread Socks | 
Sneakers c/o Superga | Penfield Hat | Scarf c/o Edition Scotland

Swing by Foundation Coffee in you're heading to Manchester. Glasses by Bailey Nelson.

ASOS Overcoat (similar here) | Paul Smith Jumper c/o House of Fraser | COS Shirt | Reiss Chinos | Form&Thread Socks | Sneakers c/o Superga | Penfield Hat | Scarf c/o Edition Scotland

More days like these spent in Manchester. Actually, more days like these that aren't freezing and ridden with gale force winds, but you get the idea...My latest trip to the city was to help our man Jordan Bunker out with a few photos, for a feature he's working on (which should be on his December); but as we had the whole day to ourselves we had time to flip photographer roles – in between caffeine breaks at Foundation Coffee.

See, this is why I see such a big importance of meeting up with the people who you hit it off with online; forming relationships "in real life" generally leads to positive things. Sometimes it's good to have someone to bounce ideas off, chat about work life, or simply just grab a coffee and chew the fat.

I can't remember when I discovered Jordan's blog, but it was an instant weekly visit for me. Our tastes are quite similar, but our styles differ a fair bit – which I actually think is a great mix.

In terms of the outfit, the colour palette pretty much sums up my mood lately; grey, navy and black, which is definitely a slight remove from the colourful gear I usually choose. This Paul Smith Lambswool jumper c/o House of Fraser has been a solid favourite since I received it a few weeks back. Layering knitwear with this simple chambray shirt by COS and age-old ASOS overcoat – not forgetting a thermal top! – has definitely become my go-to Autumn uniform at the moment.

Have you had much experience with meeting up with you've connected with on social media? What's your Autumn uniform this year?

Photos by Jordan Bunker.

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Lyle & Scott "Wool School" Jumper

British knitwear brand Lyle & Scott recently worked alongside Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design on the on-going "Wool School" project, with Campaign for Wool. Students from the uni were asked to create designs which represented Lyle & Scott's rich history and identity in knitwear, under the theme of, "traditions of the British Isles"

The winning design was created by Kate Annis, and was put into production shortly after. Her design stood out to the judges with her innovative use of both traditional Scottish tartan and argyle, and choice of bold, vibrant colours; something which Lyle & Scott is very passionate about. The jumper has been produced in Hawick, Scotland and is made from 100% lambswool. The brand is known for their Classic Golf Jumpers but Annis' contemporary design brings a certain sense of playfulness to this traditional piece of clothing.

The Lyle & Scott "Wool School Winner" jumper is available here.

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One Jumper Project by Quiggleys + Weekend Links

The One Jumper Project by is an on-going series of photographs by knitwear brand Quiggleys. The aim of the project is to travel around the UK, searching for interesting characters from all walks of life, connecting each person by photographing them all in the same jumper. One simple idea  has led to something pretty beautiful. I can't wait to see how the project progresses. Click here for more images of the One Jumper Project.

Well it's nearly Christmas and everything is starting to slow down. I've probably only got one or two more post in me between now and Wednesday, so much to do.  If you're shutting your computers down this weekend, for the holidays then Merry Christmas to you!

Weekend Bucket List

Purple velvet trousers, what a colour!

Manchester made jackets doing their Manchester thing, in Manchester.

How about inventing your own fabric? That's what these guys did.

A look around Folk on Lamb's Conduit St.

Pretty odd looking but I'm seeing the positives!

Something to aim for in the new year, man this looks good.

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Realm & Empire Knitwear + GIVEAWAY

This season sees British brand Realm & Empire embark on their first journey into knitwear, using traditional designs and military influences as a starting point. British production was a key factor when producing the 3-piece collection and to make sure they got things spot on they enlisted the expertise of a prestigious family-run factory, based in Midlands, England. The collection features a shawl collar cardigan, boat neck jumper and wool hat, each available in two colours.

I first came across Realm & Empire at Jacket Required back in August, in fact they were the first brand that caught my eye at the tradeshow. Ever since then I've wanted to work with them on a project, so to conincide with their first knitwear collection we've joined up to bring you this week's giveaway!

Realm & Empire is offering Buckets & Spades readers the chance to win 1 of 2 pieces from their AW13 knitwear collection! 1st prize is the Boat Neck Knit in either Navy or Rustica (orange), 2nd prize being the Commando Hat in Black.

AW Selection @ Harvey Nichols

Oliver Spencer Two-Tone Jacket, Hentsch Man Wool Jumper, YMC Stitch Shirt, Bike Repair Shop Cord/Cotton Trousers, Norse Projects Stripe T-Shirt, Jet 8 Reversible Jacket, Paul Smith Wooly Hat, Katie Eary Skateboard Deck.

We're slap bang in the middle of Autumn now, as I write this the hailstone is hitting against the window and brollies are being made redundant due to the insanely windy condition. It does make me wonder why everyone longs for Autumn to arrive. It's ok when you're wrapped up warm, sitting near a fire but once it's upon us it doesn't make for a smooth ride, at least in the UK anyway.

With that being said the colder weather does brings plenty more clothing options. Sure there's still that guy who's too stubborn to stop wearing shorts but for the rest of us it's time to layer up. Harvey Nichols recently got in touch and asked me to pick out some of my favourites bits from their current AW collection:

I tried select a few pieces that would all work together, minus the skateboard of course. This wool Harrington Jacket by Oliver Spencer stood out with its unusual circular pocket detail and would be perfect for layering over the Hentsch Man Knit and royal blue YMC shirt. The Bike Repair Shop trousers make a nice change from denim; thick enough for cooler days, with the added details of the reinforced cord waistband, decent for the daily commute. Sweatshirts are Winter's best friend and you can't go wrong with grey, stick this Norse Projects Stripe T-Shirt underneath and you're set. I'd wear it with the Jet 8 Reversible Jacket (not a brand I'm familiar with), a basic t-shirt and the PS wooly hat. The job's a good'un. I've added in the Katie Eary skateboard deck because it's cool as hell, and whilst I still can't skateboard it would look pretty smashing on my wall.

What items are you looking for the Autumn/Winter, or are you sticking to what you've already got?

All items are available at Harvey Nichols.

size? Giveaway - Due to a couple of technical hitches the size? giveaway will now be back online over the next few days. Sorry about this guys, but all entries will be carried over and none will be lost.

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Universal Works Fair Isle Knit

We're hitting that time of year again when it's time to consider whipping out the knitwear again. It's increasingly chilly in the mornings but I'm not quite ready for a full on winter coat yet, I'm currently down with a few layers in the way of a jacket, jumper and plain t shirt. This year I'm looking to bring  more patterns into my AW wardrobe and this piece by Universal Works fits the bill perfectly. 

The UW knit features a traditional all over Fair Isle pattern in grey, red and brown, ribbed neck and hems and is constructed from a fine wool blend. The jumper itself differs from the standard Fair Isle knits however, the irregular pattern placement on the sleeves is a lovely touch and somewhat of a signature of UW.

North East based retailer Psyche is one of the UK's biggest independent clothing stores, covering 35,000sq ft and currently stocking over 150s brands. Their brand list includes, Barbour, Brooklyn We Go Hard, Ma Strum, Lacoste Live, Levi's, Nudie*, Oliver Spencer and Ralph Lauren and Paul Smith. Plus they're currently offering free delivery and returns.

Universal Works Fair Isle Knit available at Psyche. 

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Albam x The Campaign for Wool

A few months ago Albam teamed up with Nottingham Trent University to take part in the The Campaign for Wool competition. Students were given the brief to design a piece of knitwear for Albam's AW13 collection, with the winning design making it into production.

The winning design, which Albam selected themselves was by 1st year Knitwear Design student Jessie Roselyn and has been made in two colour options. The design itself is made from 100% Lambswool, features both Honeycomb and Fisherman's Diamond stitch, ribbed hems and is finished off with a Corozo button placket. As with many of Albam's garments this design has been Made in England, just up the road from their studio in Notts.

A massive well done to Jessie Roselyn, she must be very proud to see her designs in such a prestigious brand. Very cool indeed.

The Campaign for Wool School Sweater is available here.

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Universal Works x John Smedley Knitwear

Universal Works x John Smedley knitwear collection.

This Autumn knitwear connoisseurs John Smedley have hooked up with Universal Works to produce a small 8-piece collection, taking inspiration from JS's extensive archive. Both JS + UW are based in The Midlands, UK and their first collection brings together both company's love and passion for craft, quality and meticulous detail. Each garment shows off the vision of Universal Works's founder David Keyte, as well as the knowledge and history of the John Smedley brand.

The collection features henleys, crew necks and cardigans, each style available in two colour options. I've been getting into henleys of late, they're easy to stick over a white t-shirt or under a shirt for an extra bit of warmth (especially handy for cyclists). They're a practical item but UW have turned a once-undergarment into a modern piece of knitwear. Both the henley and crew neck feature a slightly extended back hem and striped cuffs, which nicely merges traditional sportswear and knitwear together. It's all pretty detailed stuff and as you would imagine each piece is made from top notch merino wool, sourced from New Zealand and constructed in Derbyshire.

Below is a video which documents the collection's design and construction process. The Universal Works x John Smedley collection is available here.

   

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