Hand Knit by Kirsten

• Our selection includes pieces that can be sported during elegant summer evenings or on breezy beaches.
• Wool is a fantastically versatile material that is especially suitable for changing weather.

Thermal Insulation: Wool is an excellent insulator due to its crimped fiber structure, which traps air and creates a natural barrier against heat loss. This makes wool garments highly effective at keeping you warm in cold conditions while also being breathable enough to prevent overheating in milder weather.

Moisture Management: Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet, thanks to its hygroscopic properties. This ability to wick moisture away from the skin keeps the wearer dry and comfortable, making it ideal for activewear and layering in variable climates.

Breathability: The natural structure of wool fibers allows air to circulate, preventing the clammy feeling often associated with synthetic fabrics. This breathability enhances comfort during extended wear, especially in fluctuating temperatures.

Odor Resistance: Wool’s keratin-based structure naturally inhibits bacterial growth, which reduces odor retention. This makes wool garments particularly suitable for multi-day wear without needing frequent washing, a bonus for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers.

Durability: Wool fibers are inherently strong and elastic, capable of bending and stretching without breaking. This resilience translates to long-lasting garments that resist wear and tear, even with regular use, provided they’re cared for properly.

Elasticity and Shape Retention: Wool’s natural crimp gives it excellent elasticity, allowing garments to stretch and recover their original shape. This minimizes sagging or deformation over time, ensuring a consistent fit and polished appearance.

Fire Resistance: Wool is naturally flame-resistant, with a high ignition point (around 570–600°C) and a tendency to self-extinguish. Unlike many synthetics, it doesn’t melt or stick to the skin when exposed to flames, offering a safety advantage in high-risk environments.

UV Protection: Wool provides decent protection against ultraviolet rays due to its dense fiber structure and natural pigments (especially in darker wools). This makes it a good choice for outdoor clothing exposed to sunlight.

Biodegradability: As a natural protein fiber, wool is fully biodegradable and decomposes without releasing harmful microplastics, unlike synthetic alternatives. This aligns with sustainable textile practices, reducing environmental impact at the end of a garment’s life cycle.

Versatility in Weight and Texture: Wool can be processed into a wide range of weights and weaves, from lightweight merino for soft, next-to-skin layers to heavier wools for outerwear. This adaptability suits diverse clothing applications, from fine knits to rugged coats.

Natural Water Repellency: While not waterproof, wool’s outer cuticle layer repels water to some extent, allowing light moisture to bead off. Even when wet, wool retains its insulating properties, unlike cotton, which loses warmth when damp.

Anti-Static Properties: Wool generates less static electricity than synthetic fibers, reducing cling and discomfort during dry conditions. This also means it attracts less dust and lint, keeping garments cleaner-looking between washes.

Wrinkle Resistance: Wool’s elastic fibers naturally resist wrinkling, allowing garments to maintain a neat appearance even after being packed or worn for extended periods. A quick hang or steam can often restore their shape.

Dye Affinity: Wool takes dyes exceptionally well, producing vibrant, long-lasting colors that resist fading. This enhances its aesthetic appeal and allows for a wide range of design possibilities in fashion.

• Wool is a 100% natural fiber, completely sustainable and will forever remain one of the most remarkable materials in textiles.
• It is 100% biodegradable and also PFAS (forever chemicals) free.

Care for wool, mohair and alpaca:

Laundering: It is best to hand wash an item. Use a soap made for natural fibers only. Eucalan is a good choice, as it is lanolin enriched, and you do not have to rinse. Hand wash in cold water. Gently life and submerge the item. Do not rub the knitted item. If you rinse the knitted item you can add 1/8 cup of white vinegar to the rinse. Roll gently in a towel to remove excess water. Do not twist or wring. Lay the item out on a flat, colorfast surface, gently easing it into shape. Leave it to air dry.

Storing: Never hang a knitted garment on a hanger because its weight will pull it out of shape. Instead, fold it and store it in a drawer or on a shelf. To store an item for a period of time, put it in a container with a natural moth repellent.

(Everything on this site is 100% hand knit by myself.)

Kirsten West, a native of Denmark, was born and raised on a dairy farm on the island of Fyn. Where farming, fishing, "hygge," and knitting is still a way of life. She learned to knit at an early age from her mother Marie, who was an expert knitter, sewer, embroiderer, and bobbin lace maker. In the mid-1980's Kirsten co-founded Nordic Artisans, a boutique mail-order company that imported artisanal Rauma yarn from Norway.

Now living on Cape Cod, Kirsten is making her knowledge, skills, patterns, and products available once again. Come and learn from the master knitter herself at The Cultural Center of Cape Cod (here) and enjoy some genuine Danish Hygge at the same time. Kirsten also attended The Rhode Island School of Design and studied Botanical Illustration as Drawing and Painting.

All of our items are designed (or are historical recreations) and 100% hand knit on Cape Cod by Kirsten West. The yarn is spun with the finest quality wool and will last for many years if properly cared for.

All of the pieces you will find on our online shop are entirely unique, as no handmade knit wear is exactly the same.

 

 

KnitByKirsten.com and the original designs found on the site are the sole property of Kirsten West.