Minimalism is back, a fine knit jumper is one of autumn's hot buys and That's Not My Age couldn't be happier. A recent trip up to Derbyshire to visit the fabulous John Smedley factory, followed by a quick whizz round the factory shop - a sort of posh Supermarket Sweep without the trolleys - has added a handful of simple, stylish sweaters to my winter wardrobe.
The factory was built in 1784 and is so old it has ancient monument status. Smedley have been producing quality knitwear for over 200 years and dedicated followers include Joanna Lumley, Paul Weller and HRH the Queen (Her Majesty wears the vests). The company also produce knitwear for Paul Smith and Margaret Howell. People, we are talking classic, refined, timeless.
The business has a friendly, family-owned feel - bosses agonize over what to do with a 30-year-old machine that's not being used anymore, workers are genuinely upset when something goes wrong. I'm tempted to ask for a job.
Creative director, Dawne Stubbs likes a good v-neck. Dawne owns around 40 John Smedley garments. Her oldest knit is almost 20-years-old and she still wears it on a regular basis. Now, if that's not an investment buy, I don't know what is. That's Not My Age has an extra long body so I put in a special request for longer-length jumpers and the good news is that John Smedley are 'addressing the issue of length.' Hoorah.
On the trip around the factory we came across:
No, not the place where workers have a good old knee's up on a Friday afternoon, this is where two yarns - top quality Sea Island Cotton or extra fine Merino wool - are twisted together. .
And now for the factory shop booty - which looks like a lot but I spent £130 or the equivalent of one full price sweater. Not bad eh?
Three lovely knits and two pairs of argyle socks for me and a classic three-buttoned Merino polo shirt and three pairs of socks for Mr That's Not My Age.
Buy online at John Smedley or get yourself down to the factory shop for some super-fine bargains.
John Smedley, Lea Mills, Leabridge, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5AG
Tel 01629 534 571
Lovely! I rather fancy the idea of them having a bit of a Twister session at 3pm when they stop for tea and a biscuit ;-)
ReplyDeleteGood buys!
Ali x
Looks divine, thanks for the tip. Definitely need to add a Twisting Dept into my business structure...
ReplyDeleteBrings back memories of factory life. You did well in the factory shop.
ReplyDeleteI love those socks, I think I'd like to go! Ax
ReplyDeleteMy Grandpa used to swear by John Smedley sweaters. What an interesting post. I never realised they were a local company. xxx
ReplyDeleteFascinating post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteoxoxo
Denalee
I think you did very well.English woollen factories, wow!!
ReplyDeleteWe are sitll up in 39ºC so no much thought for woollies just yet.
Hi there-sounds like a really good day out and the sweaters you bought are real investment pieces too, well done!
ReplyDeleteAli & Heidi - think we all need a twisting dept, good for the soul (and the bad back!)
ReplyDeleteVix - get yourself over there with Mr Vintage, and take the VW Camper van!
Sacramento - oh blimey - how do you cope in that heat? I could barely walk down the street in Seville. It's the end of summer here and feeling quite chilly already. Time to get my fine knits out.
Oh lovely - I can't live without a good knit xx
ReplyDeleteOh, lucky you, to have access to the John Smedley factory shop! I have been looking longingly at the ones carried by Lark in Vancouver, BC. (but alas, too expensive).
ReplyDeleteIt's a treat to see your photos, I have a lot of admiration for companies like that.
how gorgeous.........just want to be swathed in fine knits now....winter? Bring it on!!
ReplyDeleteI like the twister session frolic too and it's wonderful to see an English factory going strong.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and lovely knits. I like the Twisting Room too - I think my yoga teacher should rename her studio!
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw your first photograph and before I begun reading this post I though 'Looks like John Smedley knitwear' !! Excited to see I was right and even more exccited to learn yet another great fact from you that they have a factory shop too! A great post and lovely selection of loot I would say ....x
ReplyDeleteI love this post; I have a closet full of jumpers and knitwear that is all a bit rubbish, you're really convincing me of what I know has to come - junk the lot and invest in two or three really good pieces...
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! I've always been a fan of John Smedley and I love them even more now I know some background. Their knits are fantastic quality. I shall be buying a few for The Actor for Christmas. I'd love to visit the factory shop but I can't see that I'll be in Derbyshire in the near future. Mr TNMA did very well there! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend xx
ReplyDeleteThis was nice and easy, total installation time about 10 mins and that’s newbing it up! thanks for the guide. got it setup very easily. Wedding sarees
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