Hello.
This is Noguchi from CASANOVA&CO.
We've received the fulling sweaters made from wool and angora, which are at the core of the MOTHER HAND artisan brand and have become a winter staple for us.
We've introduced this fulling series several times before, and they are truly warm.
Starting this week, we're displaying sweaters from various brands in our store, and these are probably outstandingly warm.
The one I wear personally is not fulled, but after four years of wear, it's become quite refined, almost what you could call "self-fulled."
It's genuinely warm and has transformed my winter comfort.
With a wool base layer and that self-fulled sweater, all I need is an outer layer as a windstopper and a cashmere stole, and I'm good to go.
Despite being sensitive to cold, I dislike wearing too many layers. Last winter, I learned to rotate between MOTHER HAND artisan and WONDER ROOM's WHALE, combined with a cashmere stole, which changed my winter styling and greatly increased my freedom, both fashion-wise and physically.
This fulling series allows you to experience that warmth right from the start, without needing to self-full it for four years, and it still has room to grow and develop further.
So this year, hoping you'll enjoy wearing these superb knits, we've lined them up in slightly more cheerful colors.
There are two styles.
Each comes in two colors.
MOTHER HAND artisan
GEEL (PLUS FIT)
material _ wool (super 100's) 75%,angora 25%
color _ SMERALDO
size _ 4,5,6
MOTHER HAND artisan
GEEL (PLUS FIT)
material _ wool (super 100's) 75%,angora 25%
color _ GRIGIO 6
size _ 4,5,6
First up is the mock neck type "GEEL," which we also carried last year.
It comes in two colors: a deep emerald green called Smeraldo, which is like a primary green lightened by one tone, and Grigio 6, a charcoal gray that is almost black.
Actually, Grigio 6 wasn't originally in our lineup, but due to various circumstances, it's making a repeat appearance as a pinch hitter from last year.
Since the two colors coming up are also bright, the addition of Grigio 6 might actually increase the sense of security. (laughs)
All MOTHER HAND artisan sweaters are made on home hand-knitting machines.
As the name "home" implies, these machines (or rather, tools, which might be a more accurate term) date back to a time before the current apparel industry structure of mass production and sales existed, so production efficiency is very low.
However, precisely because they are analog tools, it is said that they can be adapted in various ways depending on how they are used.
Well, that's assuming you have the "skill" to use them expertly...
Therefore, MOTHER HAND artisan sweaters often deviate from the theory that is typical of general sweater production.
That is precisely why you can experience a sensation unlike any other sweater.
For the fulling series, sweaters are knitted larger than the actual product dimensions, and then the fulling process is carried out with meticulous checking and fine adjustments.
This causes the knit stitches to tighten, shrinking the size and creating a felt-like texture.
This also increases wind resistance, providing even greater warmth.
Although the thickness doesn't make it feel like a heavy-weight sweater, the amount of yarn used is simply greater because a large knitted sweater is fulled to shrink it.
Even though the mass should be heavier, it doesn't feel that way.
Therefore, there is absolutely no stress when wearing it.
MOTHER HAND artisan sweaters also have a very beautiful shape.
In the category of knitted sweaters, where there are the most constraints on shaping clothing, you'll rarely find a sweater with such a solid appearance.
When you wear it and stand in front of a mirror, I believe you'll find it to be a sweater with a beautifully elegant silhouette.
Regular sweaters tend to bunch up from the shoulders to the back, and from the armpits to the sleeves.
Therefore, many designs create a rounded silhouette by adding volume overall and using ribbed cuffs and hems, but MOTHER HAND artisan's fundamental theory is different.
What makes this possible is undoubtedly the skill of Mr. and Mrs. Nagai and the existence of the hand-knitting machine.
You'll understand its necessity once you try it on.
And then, there's another style.
MOTHER HAND artisan
LEUVEN (WIDE FIT)
material _ wool (super 100's) 75%,angora 25%
color _ NIGER
size _ 4,5,6
MOTHER HAND artisan
LEUVEN (WIDE FIT)
material _ wool (super 100's) 75%,angora 25%
color _ ROSSO
size _ 4,5,6
LEUVEN is a V-neck, but not too sharp, giving it an impression somewhere between a V-neck and an open crew neck.
I informally call it a "relaxed V-neck."
I had never been particular about neck shapes or openings before.
Whether it was open or closed, V, U, Y, or W, as long as the overall balance of the garment was right, I was fine with it.
However, for some reason, this "relaxed V-neck" of LEUVEN really captivated me.
I remember trying it on about three times during the exhibition, chatting with Mr. Nagai about things like, "Don't you feel like V-necks are making a comeback?" or "But aren't V-necks still a bit too fashionable?"
Even after trying it on three times, I still loved it and was captivated by it.
It's hard to put into words, but I felt a unique charm in the subtle balance of this LEUVEN neck—not quite a V, not quite a crew, not too tight, not too open—a charm that existed precisely in that sweet spot, which I had never prioritized before.
It can't be any tighter or more open, and I'm not looking for an overly trendy new style of neck.
I felt that the balance was exquisite.
And another very important aspect this time was the shoulder width and body width.
This LEUVEN comes in a new WIDE FIT.
The WIDE FIT comes in 3 sizes (4, 5, 6) with uniform shoulder width, body width, and neck dimensions.
Only the length and sleeve length change.
Compared to the traditional SLIM FIT and the PLUS FIT, which has become mainstream in recent years, the shoulder and body widths are considerably wider.
This allows for a good amount of leeway to be added to the inherent beauty of MOTHER HAND artisan's form, and the alluring expression of the "relaxed V-neck" truly stands out.
Well, words can't convey it, so please try it on.
Compared to a regular MOTHER HAND artisan sweater, the curling around the neck is suppressed.
I think this flat appearance is one of the reasons why the "relaxed V" looks so good.
The hem and cuffs curl slightly, but the fulling makes them almost flat.
Just having the part that would normally be switched to rib knitting in a regular sweater look like this truly changes the appearance.
The shoulders are designed to drop for most people.
The difference is evident even when compared to the PLUS FIT GEEL shown earlier.
However, even with the WIDE FIT, it's completely different from the oversized balance of recent years.
The image is closer to the balance of the silk mohair.
So, unless you're wearing a very tight outer layer, it fits easily, and it has just the right amount of volume to accommodate layering a shirt underneath.
Although I only have simple photos, this is what LEUVEN looks like when worn.
It's a very modern V-neck, isn't it?
I used to feel a bit self-conscious wearing a regular collar shirt under a V-neck sweater, but with LEUVEN, I want to wear it like this.
Of course, wearing it with a crew-neck cut-and-sew peeking out is also very stylish.
This color, NIGER, might look like a common beige, but I believe it has transformed by undergoing the fulling process.
The tightness of the stitches and the fluffiness from the fulling make it appear as if there are parts of the knit fabric that stand out and parts that recede.
When you spread your arms, you can clearly see the width of the body.
A wide body width means that the volume must be converged towards the hem and shoulders.
This is controlled using techniques like increasing and decreasing stitches, but MOTHER HAND artisan deliberately creates such extreme shapes, manipulating a home hand-knitting machine to achieve this.
Conversely, it wouldn't be possible without such dedication.
It can be said that this beautiful sweater is the result of the extraordinary skill of Mr. and Mrs. Nagai and their special tools, applied with precision and generosity.
It will be available for sale starting tomorrow, Saturday, November 8th.
Since Mr. and Mrs. Nagai produce all MOTHER HAND artisan items themselves, production is limited, and we will only have a very small quantity of each item in stock.
Items with available stock will also be listed on our online store around the beginning of next week.
Oh, by the way, our silk mohair items are scheduled for delivery around December, so this delivery will only include the fulling series.
We had the color adjusted to aim for a silver knit, so I think it's turned out nicely. Probably.
First and foremost, I hope you enjoy the fulled wool angora.