STOLL ‘VINTAGE’ COLLECTION – Autumn-Winter 2011-2012

7 July 2010, Reutlingen - Industrial Heritage was the guiding theme of the present collection. Our own history provided us with ample inspiration. Stoll has been developing knitting machines for more than 135 years and has not only gained invaluable experience and fostered technical innovation in flat knitting, but has also built up a huge archive of its own pattern books, swatches and knitted garments.

The phenomenon Vintage has been revived, more so than ever before and present in almost every look. The outfits are time machines and associations can be found everywhere.

Memories awake along with the nostalgia of past – apparently better times. People shop around again in cupboards and flea markets instead of expensive boutiques with the aim to show everyone that one does not yield to an existing trend and that one remains unimpressed about bulk production.

Historically, the basis of our new Trend Collection AW 2011/12 is from the years between the fifties and seventies. During this period, a technological leap happened leading us from mechanical to electronic knitting machines. At that time, the transfer onto empty needles was patented and the electronic single needle selection implemented.

These developments considerably influenced knitting fashion, setting the standard for machine manufacturing since then.

This collection is based on knitting patterns seen in pattern books and archive samples from the fifties. They were re-interpreted and innovated applying the above mentioned developments.

The single and combined application of these technologies enables us to design shaped knitted pieces with three-dimensional elements, given the possiblility of sectional knitting.

OUR INSPIRATIONS

Additionally, thanks to Stoll-multi gauges© technology, one can freely knit different gauges in one piece and select all preferred yarns. The Intarsia technique was applied as a graphical design tool with the ability to integrate blends, collars, bags and button holes.

It is the combination of artisanal tradition and modern industrial opportunities that makes our collection distinctive.

The collection’s palette consists of sober, earthy tones mixed with deep blue and green.

In contrast, bright beige loosens up the atmosphere and provides the collection with casualness.

Merino wools and carded yarns define the material of this collection. Tweed yarn underlines the vintage look and bouclé yarn supports the felting character of knitwear.

We found the perfect staging for the collection at a former leather factory in Schorndorf, a small town in southern Germany. The virtually untouched fabrication rooms of the facility set the mood of the collection.

Being aware of the importance of a sample archive, Stoll developed the Pattern Library.

It is a compendium for designers and producers which is regularly widened by new editions referring to our collections and special subjects. With it you can access step by step our knitting experience of 135 years. We invite you to share this history with us!

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