A trip to the Western Isles of Scotland presented the opportunity to find out something about the Eriskay jumper. This is a garment with a rich history- originally made by the ladies of Eriskay for their fishermen husbands, it has intricate and fine detailing which has been passed down the generations. The jumper is dark blue and close fitting with no seams- a beautiful work of art. Sadly, production has weaned in recent years as the tradition and knowledge dies out. This is a great shame not only for the heritage of Eriskay but also because the jumper has great potential if brought into the modern market. Not unlike its Hebridean neighbour Harris Tweed, this is a quality garment that is truly original. Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and shoe designer Jimmy Choo have all used Harris Tweed in past collections.
Take a look on the site net-a-porter.com and it is clear this jumper could easily fit in. It is a classic garment with a rich history and intricate detailing. Suitable for both men and women. Check it out, here are a couple of examples of high end knitwear;
Take a look on the site net-a-porter.com and it is clear this jumper could easily fit in. It is a classic garment with a rich history and intricate detailing. Suitable for both men and women. Check it out, here are a couple of examples of high end knitwear;
Above: this one is by marc jacobs
Above: the is by Pringle of Scotland- it is hard to see the detailing on this picture but it has the buttons on the neck just like the Eriskay jumper.
I dont actually have any pictures of the Eriskay jumper but we have one on order and are on a waiting list (as i said there are only 2 ladies left who can make them and each jumper takes 2 weeks to knit!). A German called Werner Kissling spent some time on Eriskay in the 1930's documenting life on the island and eventually making the book and film called Eriskay: A Poem of Remote Lives. To understand a bit more about this place and its rich history and culture then you must watch this film, and of course look out for the fishermen in their Eriskay jumpers.
Here are some photographs of the island and its stunning beaches.
I dont actually have any pictures of the Eriskay jumper but we have one on order and are on a waiting list (as i said there are only 2 ladies left who can make them and each jumper takes 2 weeks to knit!). A German called Werner Kissling spent some time on Eriskay in the 1930's documenting life on the island and eventually making the book and film called Eriskay: A Poem of Remote Lives. To understand a bit more about this place and its rich history and culture then you must watch this film, and of course look out for the fishermen in their Eriskay jumpers.
Here are some photographs of the island and its stunning beaches.
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