What is Intarsia Knitting and Why is it Superior?

Intarsia Knit Floral Shawl

In very simple terms, intarsia knitting is the creation of pattern in a knit by adding colors from bobbins. This method produces a single layer of fabric, unlike fair isle knits where the thread is carried at the back of the fabric, or jacquard knits which are actually wovens. Intarsia knitting is done by hand. It is laborious and time consuming because the ends of each color have to be woven back into the fabric at the end of the knitting process.

The advantage to the consumer is that intarsia knitting allows for unlimited color changes within a pattern so beautiful knits can be created.  Our Floral Shawl is a complicated example of the intarsia technique.  See simpler patterns on sweaters  in our Hallet Sweater Art online shop.

SOFT GOLD - The finest cashmere

I was at the Atelier Designers Show in NYC last week waiting for an appointment when a gentleman came into the room representing a company selling cashmere. He could not get over the quality and price of my products and wanted to know where I bought them.

That's a trade secret of course, but I would like to share with you that 2 ply, 12 gauge is only meaningful in the context of fiber length and density.

The best is called Erlangshan cashmere and is well known for its softness, whiteness, fineness and length. In China, this special cashmere is referred to as "soft gold" because it is rare and sold in grams.

At Hallet Sweater Art: "We Dress You in Business Class".

Valentine's Day - Express the Sentiment with a Sweater

Through the centuries Valentine's Day has been celebrated with gifts of love. What started as a pagan festival in Rome, with animal sacrifices and fertility rites, was Christianized in the third century by a Father Valentine who secretly wed couples when marriage was banned.

Love may be all you need, but Valentine's Day gifts are what makes romance. From simple cards, to flowers, chocolates, expensive dinners and diamonds, there is no boundary to express the sentimental.

At Sweater Art, our Valentine to you is red cashmere for $99.

Going Going Gone! $99 Sale

Take advantage of our extraordinary prices and buy a luxurious Sweater Art cashmere sweater while supplies last.

Really, stock up. The costs of cashmere fiber is going up 30% in 2010. Enhance your wardrobe with fresh new items while prices are slashed.

Yes you may have a black cashmere sweater, but take a good look at it. If it shows signs of wear, you need a new one. And ours is so not basic black.

The interesting keyhole neckline and ribbed bodice make it stand out from the pack. This sweater will be the work horse of your wardrobe.

IT'S COLD OUTSIDE - Layer Up!

Cashmere is a hair. Hollow at the core, this structure traps air and creates insulation providing warmth without bulk and weight. The real bonus is how soft cashmere is next to your skin.

So layer up in style. Wear a solid cashmere and coordinate it with one of our alpaca sweater coats or cardigans. They are made to mix and match.

Take advantage of our seasonal sale and save 40%.

UGLY Holiday Sweaters

You've seen them, some combination of wreath, stocking, tree, bow, animal print snowmen and sparkles that defines the holiday sweater. Look online under "Ugly Holiday Sweaters"and pick your poison. There are parties to attend where you can win a prize for your "worst of the season."

If you choose sophistication over kitsch, we have red and black cashmere sweaters that you can enjoy during the holidays and when they are over.

Black Friday: The Struggle Between Good and Luxury Good

Who is sitting on your shoulders?
The angel saying..."Aren't all black wool sweaters pretty much the same?" Or the devil replying " 'fraid not, my naive little friend."

Before you head out for Black Friday shopping, keep this cartoon in mind.

A luxury black cashmere sweater will outlast one that is made of short, cheap fibers. Is the investment in quality worth it to you?

We think so, but to help you make that decision, we are discounting all of our luxurious, quality cashmere sweaters, black and otherwise, to 50% off on Friday, November 27 from 9am - 9pm. Quanitites are limited.

And if you are local, please come to the Concourse Holiday Sample Sale, San Francisco, 635 8th Street, November 28 (10am-5pm) - November 29 (10am -4pm), Booth 420, to purchase samples at unbelievable prices.