Best of Britannia, Farmiloe Building: Archie Foal knitwear

You know how it is, when you find a piece of clothing that is perfect in so many ways? This heavy weight cardigan by Archie Foal is the one for me this autumn; and because of its classic shape and amazing quality, its something I'll wear for years to come. Knitted in Scotland from superfine merino wool with a shawl collar, it is warm enough to wear instead of a coat.

The quality is superb - the merino wool does not go bobbly ('pill' in wool-speak) and bounces back to keep its shape. Mr Archie Foal was sporting one at the Best of Britannia show yesterday at the Farmiloe building in Clerkenwell (hurry along now to catch the last few hours) - he told me he's been wearing it a lot this autumn instead of a coat, while moving boxes of stock around, and it looked like new: it has retained its shape and remained bobble-free.

close up of the Noah cardigan, available in navy, sage green, brown, and grey marl- with some fantastic red socks to wear with boots while huntin' and shootin'

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I covet these too - merino knit Oskar jumpers

Age of Reason scarves at Best of Britannia

Age of Reason scarves. These, I love.
Punk owls, British bulldogs, roller skates, pirate queens.
No more words are needed (last blogged about here).

Best of Britannia at the Farmiloe Building, Clerkenwell

Best of Britannia at the Farmiloe Building, Clerkenwell - it's on until Sunday, go and check out some fabulous British designer-makers (£5 entry fee)

A few pictures to set the scene - favourite finds coming up next

Family Tree - Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell

Family Tree are on Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell - they sell a range of interior accessories and gifts from around the world, all of which are well designed and crafted. My most favourite things are the brooches which they make themselves - Japanese rice paper or African fabrics which are sandwiched between perspex and resin and then laser cut into a different shapes.
You can buy their brooches from their website (or phone them up and choose one that you see here in the photos below!). The shop is open 11am to 6pm. 0207 278 1084.

Feathers and guitars (nb. the feathers look great as a pair, one small, one large worn on a coat lapel)

greyhounds, guitars and fans

pairs of butterflies

rabbits, butterflies and birds