Get Your Knit Together with Affordable Fashions from PureHANDKNIT

Several weeks ago, a friend and I signed up for a knitting class. I was so excited about it and bought an assortment of knitting needles in various sizes, different types of wool and a few patterns I had hoped to tackle once I became adept. I love hand-knit pieces. There’s something so cushy, cozy and lovely about them. I looked forward to knitting scarves for myself, friends and family members. I saw a gorgeous chunky knit black and white scarf in Bloomingdales and it became the inspiration for my knitting fantasies. I envisioned myself knitting shawls and wraps, yummy creations to keep me warm, indoors and out, on cold days. I could hardly wait to get my hands on a skein of worsted wool yarn and some number 8 needles and learn the trade. But that was not to be, at least not this time around. The class was canceled due to “lack of interest.” I was so disappointed. As you know, knits are a huge trend this season. The 70s are back in a big way – chunky knit sweaters, throws, ponchos and shawls were paraded down many designers’ runways and I wanted to be in the mix. Knitted items are expensive to buy so I thought I’d create my own. Well, I’m going to have to learn the craft some other time. But I will still be wearing some lovely hand-knitted pieces, thanks to Pure & Co.com.

PureKNIT — Original Wrap with Coconut Buttons from PureHANDKNIT

Pure & Co. is an ecologically-friendly women’s fashion company. Pieces are crafted in eco-friendly facilities and pollution-free dye houses. The company adheres to fair trade and sustainable principles and the pieces are everything you would expect them to be – expertly crafted, versatile, cozy, warm and beautiful. I know because the company sent me one of their wraps for editorial consideration. And yes, I’m sharing the news with you because, if you don’t knit but love knitted pieces as I do, or know someone who loves them, this is a company you need to know about.

The wrap I was sent is a beautiful raspberry knit with coconut shell buttons that can be worn in a variety of ways, depending upon how you throw it on and button it up. But more on that in a sec. I want to tell you a little more about the company.

Pure HANDKNIT and Neon Buddha – I wore one of the latter’s dresses to my daughter’s bridal shower last February – are registered trademarks of Pure & Co. I’m going to concentrate today on Pure HANDKNIT but please visit the company website and check out Neon Buddha too. They have fashionable and comfortable designs at excellent prices.

Pure HANDKNIT is located in Thailand and released their first collection in 1998. Since then, they have grown to include more than 4,500 women knitters. Ethical work standards are fundamental to Pure HANDKNIT, which is helmed by Sebastien Serois, a Canadian who now resides in Thailand. Besides paid healthcare, Pure HANDKNIT offers employees continuing education including free English classes for all staff, their families and friends. The company also donates excess yarn to several non-governmental women’s groups where it’s used in income generating projects. Shannon Passero is the company’s head designer. Her high-quality, environmentally-conscious clothing reflects her artistic talent and sense of global citizenship. Both she and Serois are passionate about creating beautiful, affordable, eco-friendly and, dare I say it, people-friendly designs. This is a company I can get behind. Both the Canadian head office, where Passero is based, and the Thailand facility use solar power; all paper, metal, cardboard and glass are recycled. The company has planted trees in Thailand for shade and green spaces for the staff to enjoy and the company literature emphasizes their attempt to offset their carbon footprint. Pure and Co. is truly a company of the future, operating globally today. Can you see why I’m excited to share the news with you?

Now, let’s talk about the fashions offered by Pure HANDKNIT. From pullovers to cardigans to wraps, scarves, hats and more, Pure HANDKNIT will up your fashionista status and keep you warm at the same time. Items are hand-knit of pure cotton and are available in a rich palette of colors. The wrap I was sent is called The Original Button Wrap. It is beautifully made and I just love it! It can be worn in a variety of ways – see the image below – depending upon how you button it, and it retails for about – I am not kidding – $25.00. If I could knit, could I even make it for that price? (Wouldn’t it make a great gift for the upcoming holiday season? I think so!)