The MAREE Collection
Discover the creativity and craftsmanship behind the knits in our new series: UNSPUN.
Here we take a look at two new Navygrey additions for 2024.
The MAREE CARDIGAN and The MAREE CREW.
Combining an intricate stitch with the locally-sourced British wool, these pieces are knitted up into a warming chunky gauge here in England.
The MAREE Story
MAREE - A Loch that's located in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. The fourth-largest freshwater Loch in Scotland.
My parent's headed to the Lakes and Scotland for their honeymoon in 1975 - fishing in Gairloch, with peaceful picnics on the shores of Loch Maree.
With that in mind, The MAREE collection is inspired by Aran jumpers, originally designed to keep fisherman warm off the coast of Ireland, with a symbolic and intricate cable style stitch.
This is Navygrey's modern take on a heritage knit, named after where my parents chose to fish as newlyweds. A love story to Loch Maree, combined with the romance of British wool.
British Wool
The MAREE Collection is a testimony to the success and sheer joy of working with a local product, local people and local purpose. Made from 100% locally sourced British wool.
The wool is sourced exclusively from farms here in the UK - made from a blend of Bluefaced Leicester and Masham wool.
A modern take on a heritage piece.
Inspired by Aran jumpers fisherman wore to keep warm off the coast of Ireland. This is Navygrey's take on the classic knit. With two new modern silhouettes and delicate cable knit detailing, these jumpers will stand the test of time. Made from 100% British wool to keep you warm.
From fibre to field
After the wool is sourced, the fibre heads to the mill in Laxtons in Yorkshire. It is here that this great British mill spins the wool into yarn - from fleece to fibre in just 50 miles.
The wool then travels by road to Nottinghamshire where it is knitted, linked and finished by hand.
The knitty-gritty
How long does it take to make?
Each piece is lovingly crafted, taking around three to four hours each to perfect, from knitting to final press and packaging. Linking each collar, button band and pockets. Quality time is spent linking the different sections of the garment together, checking stitch by stitch, ensuring each and everyone matches and is aligned. The process is meticulous and delicate, creating the finest of knits.
How many people does it take to create each piece?
From start to finish, each knit is handled by seven to nine people. As the garment makes it way through the factory, quality time is spent linking and hand-sewing to have every loose end and ties hidden away. After all these processes are complete, the garment is then washed and has final quality checks before being packaged up and sent to a loving customer.
What are the pieces made out of?
Each piece is made from 100% locally-sourced British Wool. Made from a blend of Bluefaced Leicester and Masham wool. More fibrous and edgy than our Scottish-spun wool. Simply wear a thin layer underneath and you are good to go.
What is the inspiration behind the stitch?
The authentic cable knit pattern inspired by the traditional Aran sweaters worn by fisherman to keep them warm. A beautifully crafted stitch refreshed in modern silhouettes.
Natural buttons
Each button is delicately etched with Navygrey and made by Courtney and Co. A British button manufacturer, on the mission of reviving button making, using natural materials and traditional techniques. The buttons are made from Corozo nuts, that are derived from the Tagua palm tree. Sustainable, natural and practical. Made in England. Uniquely ours.
