On Sunday I emailed Harley about their additional colors, which they state they will send upon request. Close to close of business in the UK on Wednesday and still no response. Hopefully, these poor business practices will be rectified when Yes Scotland prevails next month.
I suppose they don't need it. Companies like that sell on country fairs, sell through some retailers all over GB and sell stuff to shops and stores like O'Connell's where the stuff is resold for a grand ...
O'Connell's Shetlands are beautifully made but they aren't brushed, hence not shaggy .... also, they are sized on the small side, for anybody considering a purchase .....
Can't recommend Laurence Odie (Laurence J Smith) enough. No snazzy website but you can order easily over the phone. They were extremely helpful when I bought a few sweaters last year. Great price and speedy delivery.
Sancho, from my experience their stock can vary enormously depending on time of year and size/style you require. You can't custom-order from them (as far as I know) and have to choose from what they have available when you call. They will do their best to describe the colours to you. There are colour palettes available on-line for many of the Shetland wools used by the various manufacturers, such as the one below. This may give you an idea for some of the more exotic colours.
http://www.simplyshetland.net/Jamieson-DoubleKnitting.html
I have a L Odie too. Some are saddle-shouldered and some ain't - you can request one with, which is what I did. Of the 3 Shets I have bought new that is my favourite, although the other 2 I own (Christian Scott and Fife Country) are also pretty good, and holding up well after several years' wear. (The Fife C has stretched a little though.) Aren't they the same as O'Connell's? In which case, see their site for pics.
I believe O'Connell's and John Simon's use them (Lawrence Odie/ Laurence J Smith), gonna do some research after pay day.
Cool. Thanks chaps.
Harpo, sorry I wasn't having a dig just lending my support to Odie. Know it's a pain not being able to see online before you buy. Similar to what Yuca said, you can request saddle-shoulder or not depending on your preference. Maybe I have fallen lucky but I gave my measurements and checked out some colour chart online to get a feel for what they were offering. Have some snaps somewhere that I'll try and dig out.
Here you go Harpo, sorry for the picture quality.
http://forums.filmnoirbuff.com/uploads/5594_p1171034.jpg
Thanks very much man - they look great - if I can get one like that with a saddle shoulder, I'll be happy. I'll give them a ring.
I wouldn't exactly size up, but if you're between sizes go up rather than down. Mine's a perfect fit, but if it were any smaller I'd have problems. (I'm a 39R in vintage jackets, and in knitwear I always go for a 40.)
Last edited by chuck power (2014-08-15 09:29:06)