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Posts Tagged ‘Knitwear’

Weekend round up

20th May 2013 | Fun, General, Pic of the Day, Sample sale | Leave a comment

This weekend was busy at the John Smedley HQ with our first ever John Smedley Open Day and our Summer Clearance Sale. Our Open Day took guests on a tour around the factory, to give an insight into the various processes that go in to making a piece of John Smedley knitwear. The tour started in the boardroom with our Managing Director, Ian Maclean sharing information on the family history. Our guests were able to get hands on in certain departments and try different processes along the way. Tina in the Making Up department demonstrated how to cut the perfect neckline.

Tina on the right, the master at cutting (using really heavy scissors!)

The John Smedley Open Day May 2013

Our new canteen was open for the day with a tasty menu including hot pork cobs, burgers and hot dogs.

The John Smedley Open Day May 2013

Across the road, people had traveled from afar to snap up a bargain at the summer mill sale. It’s safe to say there were a lot of happy faces!

People snapping up a bargain!

The Mill Sale May 2013

Our archivist Jane, had a station set up at the sale to inform shoppers of the company’s ongoing effort to build the John Smedley Archive. For any readers that have a piece of John Smedley’s past they would like to share, be it old garments, photos etc, please email Jane at archive@johnsmedley.com

The John Smedley Open Day May 2013

We would like to thank everyone that came along to both events. It is always really lovely to meet people who are interested and passionate about the brand. We look forward to seeing you all the next event!

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John Smedley Blue Plaque

06th March 2013 | General, History, Pic of the Day | Leave a comment

Yesterday a Blue Plaque celebrating the life and achievements of John Smedley 2nd (1803-1874) was unveiled on the site of the former John Smedley’s Hydrotherapy Hotel in Matlock, Derbyshire. Having made his fortune from his eponymous knitwear business between 1825 and 1849, John Smedley spent the second half of his business career building up and running his hugely successful Hydro (Spa) Hotel in Matlock. From 1853, the Hydro progressively expanded until it was able to treat up to 2,000 patients a year from all over the world. As a result, both the railways and trams were built in Matlock and great wealth was created for the region. In the 1950s, the Hydro finally closed its doors and was purchased by the Government to become the Derbyshire County Council Offices in which 2,000 people work today.

Unveiling of the John Smedley Blue Plaque.

The Blue Plaque was unveiled by Mr Charles Marsden-Smedley (left of picture), Chairman of John Smedley knitwear and a descendant of John Smedley 2nd, Councillor Andrew Lewer and members of the Matlock Civic Association.

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Online Exclusives

28th February 2013 | Colour, Design, General, Retail, Style | Leave a comment

New for this season, John Smedley has launched a range of knitwear, designed exclusively for the online store.

Exclusive sweaters available from our online store

These sweaters can be identified by bold designs and orange tipping in the back of the neck. The exclusive range of sweaters are named after local country estates and homes, a reflection of the brands rich heritage.

Made in small batches,  the sweaters are made to the exacting standards of the mainline collection, however are knitted as an alternative for those looking for more individual styles. Available to customers worldwide, these sweaters will be offered throughout 2013.

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I Spy Smedley

31st January 2013 | Design, Fun, General, Pic of the Day, Press, Style | Leave a comment

There really is nothing better than one of the worlds fastest cyclists choosing John Smedley knitwear. The cardigan of choice for Mark, style Cavendish of course. Cavendish is a vee neck cardigan made from a slightly heavier, 24 gauge knit. Massive style points for Mark for teaming Cavendish with a denim shirt – we love the look.

Mark Cavendish wearing style Cavendish in Silver

Cavendish in Silver

Many thanks to Chris Dolan, our brand manager at Harvey Nichols for the post.

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The Laundress visit the John Smedley HQ

11th July 2012 | Design, General, Style | Leave a comment

A couple of weeks ago, John Smedley was lucky enough to have Gwen Whiting from The Laundress visit the John Smedley Mills in Matlock. Co-founder of the Laundress, Gwen travelled all the way from the States to visit the team.

The Laundress was created by Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd. Coming from a textile background, Lindsey and Gwen were frustrated by expensive dry cleaning bills for garments that could be washable.

Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd

Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd

After studying Fiber Science, Textile and Apparel Management and Design at Cornell University, the duo took their luxury retail experience and applied this to producing an eco-chic line of specialty detergents and fabric care. A mixture of effective ingredients for specific fabrics created in favourite scents to deliver a premium, green, and easy to use collection.

The Laundress created a range of products to help maintain and care for John Smedley knitwear.  The high quality and luxury components in the care products reflect the craftsmanship that goes in to manufacturing a John Smedley sweater. The care products are the perfect way to look after your favourite sweaters with key properties lavender and cedar acting as a moth and bug repellent.

After a factory tour and an extensive shopping spree at the Mill Shop, Gwen treated us to a presentation and samples (addicted to the smell)

We would like to say a big thank you to Gwen from all the team at John Smedley!

For more information about the John Smedley care products, you can shop the range today www.johnsmedley.com/thelaundress.

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Nottingham Trent University Knitwear Show 2012

25th May 2012 | Colour, Design, Fun, Style | Leave a comment

So last night, Pip and I went to Nottingham Trent University to see the Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles show. Coming from Nottingham Trent University, it was fantastic to go back and experience the show on behalf of John Smedley, the oldest manufacturing factory in the world. After a boiling day, Pip and I enjoyed a lovely glass of vino and set ourselves down to a great show.

Here are a few of our favourites from the night…

P.s Apologies for the poor quality of the photographs below – Pip and I both forgot our cameras so had to rely on our trusty i-phones!

Tickets

Lovely gifts from Paul Smith

Pip and I front row

Laura Grant

Laura Grant

Laura Grant

Laura Grant

Lily Mason

Lily Mason

Lucy McLoughlin

Lucy McLoughlin

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Meet the Team

06th March 2012 | Fun, General, Style | Leave a comment

Jamie Austin - Planning Manager

Meet Jamie, our planning manager who ensures all the knitwear manufactured in the factory is on time and runs smoothly. Seen here wearing style Havant in Navy, Jamie loves to wear his favourite Smedley’s with a classic shirt.

Jamie has worked around the factory at his time at John Smedley including a period in the knitting department. He is the ultimate knitwear guru and is integral to the running of the business.

I asked Jamie what are his 3 favourite things to do in his spare time:

1. Cycling
2. Walking
3. Making Beer

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What’s in store for 2012….

18th January 2012 | Colour, Design, Style | Leave a comment

With the weather up to all sorts, it’s been difficult to know what to wear over the past few weeks. With our Autumn/Winter 2011 sale offering a warm option for colder days, an introduction of Spring/Summer styles indicate John Smedley’s Sea Island Cotton will soon be the knitwear of choice. With this, I thought it was about time to talk about what looks are going to be a hit for Spring/Summer 2012.

Guys will be shying away from plunging necklines with round necks making a BIG come back. Our extra-fine New Zealand Merino wool sweater ‘Lyndhurst’ is the perfect answer to this trend, soon to be available in a wide range of colours. To take on this trend and make it an even bigger hit wear in Spring Summer 12’s hottest colours, pastel blues, creams and pinks.

Braye in Silver - Coming soon

For women, a trend of contouring in knitwear with strategically placed stripes and motifs help to accentuate and flatter the figure. Our striped sweaters which are soon to launch see varied stripe detail which create visual interest and compliment the figure beautifully.

Lace is also big for 2012 not only in knitwear but footwear and accessories. A range of styles in the new collection offer a feminine alternative to knitwear with lace placement adding beautiful detail to classic styles that have been bought bang up to date.

Style Diane in Dark Ash coming soon.

Be sure to keep an eye out on the website for the rest of the Spring/Summer 2012 to go live!

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Tender Loving Care for your Knitwear

14th October 2011 | General, Style | Leave a comment

We thought as the cold months approach and we reach for our winter woollies, it’d be a good idea to run over a few rules of how to care for your knitwear.

Step One:
Always use the correct detergent; using a specialist wool detergent will ensure you get the best results from your wash as regular detergents can nibble away at your knitwear. Wash on a low cycle and always turn the garment inside out, this will help preserve the surface of your garment.

Step Two:
NEVER hang your knitwear – The coat hanger is knitwear’s worst enemy. Coat hangers can distort the shape of the shoulders and leave impressions. Try and lay flat or fold neatly.

Step Three:
Don’t wear it! No seriously…. after you have worn your favourite sweater, it is advisable to leave it a day or so and let the garment rest.

Step Four:
For ultimate knitwear heaven, store your knitwear in a moth proof bag so there’s no chance of moth munching!

Knitwear Care

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John Smedley Archive Appeal

07th September 2011 | Design, History | Leave a comment
On Friday 23rd and 24th September John Smedley will host an event to celebrate John Smedley’s archive collection. Learning about our past, helps to inspire the future of John Smedley and we are keen to continually build our archive collection. Our heritage is the heart of the John Smedley brand and with the help of John Smedley’s loyal fan base, we hope to gather any John Smedley memorabilia from garments to photo’s.

In conjuction with the next John Smedley sample sale, this event will be fantastic to mingle with fellow Smedley fans or anyone interested in knitwear history. It will be fantastic to speak with anyone who can help us piece together our past, over a cup of tea and biscuits.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Join us on 23/24th Sep for John Smedley's Archive Appeal

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