The Ocean, the Winds, and a Love for Knitwear

Some twenty years ago, Tina Karstorp had an idea. Actually, it blew her away, and it seemed impossible not to go ahead with it. Every year, summer or fall, it's the same story. Wind in the sails and sun at your back.  But anyone who has ever been at sea knows that regardless of how warm the weather is, you always need an extra sweater. One more layer, a little more warmth. But the fabric's thickness isn't always the crucial part. The wind at sea is just as welcome as it is unpredictable. It will push the boat forward or cool the people on board down.  And this is where it all started...

Our Garments

To Holebrook knitting is craftmanship. Our garments may be knitted by a machine in a factory, but in order for the end result to become a sweater, or cardigan you need a great deal of craftmanship knowledge. The journey from idea to finished sweater is long, and it isn't until we feel good about every detail, that we'll start the machines. All our clothes are made in Europe, by partners who we have been working with for a long time, who maintain our high quality, and value work on fair terms. It gives us a good insight into the production, as well as shorter transportations and a smaller impact on the environment.

An important part in our craftmanship is that we choose and buy all yarn and details such as buttons and zippers ourselves, and then hire the factory to carry out the knitting. Through the years, we've learned quite a few things about knitting, which we believe will affect the sweater when you start wearing it.

The Yarn

Which yarn we use- as well as its qualities - is the main factor affecting the end result. We buy all our yarn from European suppliers. The quality is high and we always choose yarns which we know are durable enough to be worn, and are sustainable in an environmental perspective as well.  

The Knitting

Aside from the yarn, which is the biggest factor in determining the end result, the knitting technique plays a crucial part as well. Perfect thickness, perfect warmth and just the right amount of exclusivity, carefully combined. It may sound obvious, but knitting is a craftmanship which to this day, needs  good knowledge of both yarns and techniques.

The Design

Design to us, is just as much about function as it is about form, and just as much about quality, as it is about feel.  This is also the idea which Holebrook once was founded upon; the combination of a knitted sweater of our own design, and protection from the wind. Today, some of our newer collections have other functions as well, but the design-part of the equation still remains.