Finally, a new design

I have been mulling over a heavier version of one of my first designs for a long time. My first attempt at a design was two years ago, and since then I've been tweaking, paring back, refining, and changing. It was only recently that, when playing with an idea for something else entirely, I came up with the idea of a Peter Pan collar. Eureka, as they say, a furious knitting session and a couple of hours later (after months of work) and I had it, I was excited. I wanted to share it straight away, and most importantly for me knowing if I've produced something good or not, I wanted so so much to keep it for myself. 

This is my main test when it comes to new designs - do I want it, does it fit with my wardrobe, will I get loads and loads and loads of wear out of it? It sounds selfish to put me first, but it's how I stay true to myself, and true to my customers who share a fashion meets longevity mindset with me. I love to balance chic and luxe with playfulness, which I think this design expresses perfectly. 

'You could wear that as a coat' my mom says when I unveil the piece. Aisling, my sister, is impressed (a tricky customer). I tell them it's only available in two colours (Off-white and Charcoal), with no design changes (except sizing, as always) and mom says, relieved for me and my sometimes scatty brain, 'good, I'm glad to hear that'. (cont. below)

The design process is always tricky, you can spend months (or years!) thinking about something in the background, weeks sampling it, and balancing creativity with realism. Every now and then you find something that works, something beautiful and versatile and luxurious, something that excites you, that you know others would be proud to own.

I considered naming this ThePeterPan, simple and straightforward, until I researched a little more into it. And, as seems to be the case often, I found a woman. Maude Ewing Adams Kiskadden, known as Maude Adams, was an American actress and stage designer, and the first actress to play Peter Pan on Broadway. Together with John and Elizabeth White Alexander she co-designed her 1905 Peter Pan costume, the collar was an immediate fashion success and was henceforth known as the "Peter Pan collar".

A new design, The is hand-knit with double strands of alpaca wool for a heavier, winter-ready feel. I do hope you like it. 

TheMaud is currently available to purchase in Fabiani, Longford, €550.00, coming soon to commission.

HAND-KNIT IN IRELAND.