Hand-knit

The concept of "hand-knitted" may seem familiar to most, so it may be difficult to distinguish what makes this process special.  Knitting as a hobby is quite common and many wear sweaters and vests knitted by their mother when they were younger.  In conversation Mrs. Akie Yanai explains the differences of a seasoned knitter considered to be a craftsman while recollecting on her experience spanning over 48 years.

"Technically, the hardest part is to finish a product in accordance to specific dimensions." Mrs. Yanai explains that is a challenge for even the most skilled craftsman. In the case of knitted fabrics, the stitch tension can change any given day depending on the feeling, similar to the feeling of the knitter himself.  To reach the ideal softness and dimensions, very minute and accurate adjustments are made during each step to the thickness of the yarn and size of the knitting bars; even seasoned knitters will often find that it is very difficult to knit several items of clothing in the same way, because of the many adjustments required to complete just one.

"The important thing is having an exact understanding of the beauty within the work,  but also knowing what makes a bad product, bad" says Mrs. Yanai. "Almost all knitters work alone at home, so if you don't have a firm understanding of this, you simply won't be able to do it." Understanding the finer details as the creator with an ideal finished product in mind, the knitter grows closer to a process of envisioning a soft and attractive sweater that can be enjoyed over many years of wear.

"The main thing I would like people to understand, is that this process will take time." regardless of advancements in technology, reiterates Mrs. Yanai.  When discussing this season's 0119205012002 GALWAY CREW HAND-KNIT (N.D.), particularly about the technology and production time involved, we learn it would take the hobbyist knitter two to three months to knit this product.  Simply studying the knitting pattern adds a considerable amount of time, hence not making it feasible as a job nor sellable in larger quantities. Despite utilizing the talents of a seasoned craftsman with advanced skills and dedicated time, it takes two weeks to complete knitting on one piece.

"Therefore, while hand-knitted products will continue to be expensive, these well-made items can be worn for a lifetime. It would make me so happy if more people begin to understand that value, and thoroughly enjoy wearing these knits for a long time.

Recently, there has been an increased interest towards handicrafts as a result of a renewed appreciation of folk art, which is encouraging.  However, within the current climate of consumption, hand made products of this caliber have not enjoyed a level of comprehension allowing the creation of sustainable business opportunities which celebrate this craft.  

Just like the traditions of hand-knit pieces made at home for loved ones, is there a way to pass on the artistic expressions of hand-knit pieces created by skilled craftsmen, who's' aims are to make a difference for future generations? 

It is with great hope we strive to make advancements in this challenge for preservation.  For many seasons now, visvim continues to explore these truly exceptional and unique one of a kind hand-knit products.