London: Albam's big knit

The trip to the West End wasn't a complete waste of time. Managed to bag possibly the heaviest cardie ever knitted from Albam.

The fact that it looked like the kind of thing Steve McQueen might have slung on while he was having a loaf around at home kind of swung the purchase.

And it turns out he might well have worn one of its predecessors. Boris, my rag trade pal of much knowledge, later informed me that Albam were in fact using the same Stevenage wool mill which made some of McQueen's knits. How about that?

Albam spring shawl knit: It's not summer yet

Alright I know this is grey again, but it is Monday. And as far as greys go it looks like a warm grey.

But the nice bits of this cardie are the details. You have the shawl neck, de rigeur in cardigan design for the past few seasons, and then there's the ribbing, and the elasticated waist band.

But the bits I really like are those buttons and the brown elbow patches.

In fact I don't even know why I'm showing you this Albam knit. It probably means that by the time I get round to buying one there won't be any left.

Available from Albam.

Albam explorer jacket: Made for British weather

Buy British. That was going to be my mantra this year, when it came to my wardrobe, but so far the tally is about 50/50 with Japan.

All the same, it's the thought that counts - I just need a bit of persuading. British label Albam is doing a decent job of it so far. Take this explorer jacket. A lovely piece if I ever saw one, and in Teflon coated cotton for that added bit of durability.

Just what you need. And you are supporting the home economy. A win win situation.

Via The Inventory