Grey Cropped Fitted Jacket
The Spencer, dating from the 1790s was originally a woollen outer tail-coat with the tails omitted. It was worn as a short waist length double-breasted jacket.
Made popular in the Regency period by George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer who reportedly had the tails of his coat removed after they were burnt in front of the open fire. The use of the term Spencer continued well into the 19th century to mean more generally any type of short jacket or coat.
This then provides our inspiration and brings together traditional tailoring construction and hand-knit techniques.
The Spencer here is formed of 14 individual panels. These panels as always are fully fashioned (shaped on the needle during the knitting) to echo the pattern pieces of a fabric tailored garment.
The shape and fit is all-important and are the result of darts and seaming accurately following the shape of the human body. Even the sleeve is knitted in two pieces (unusual for a knit garment) resulting in a slight bend at the elbow. This is in recognition that no one's arm hangs perfectly straight at any persons side. When relaxed, the human arm is slightly bent at the elbow. Check in the mirror and see or look at any well-tailored jacket.
The single button results in a flattering fit when fastened or left undone and is covered in tonal wool flannel. Moss stitch trims form the cuffs, welt (hem) and collar.
Shown here over a bias silk slip this piece can be quite formal. Alternatively, team with jeans for more casual use.
Size guide
| SIZE | CHEST (cm) |
LENGHT (cm) |
| S | 45 |
46 |
|
M |
47 | 46 |
| L | 50 | 48 |
About Yarn Mill and your handmade garment
Yarn Mill is the result of a collaboration between three friends Russell, Paul and Melanie who share a love of all things knitted - Garments, Accessories, Soft Furnishings etc. Each is passionate about quality, authenticity, tradition and pushing the boundaries of yarn, stitch development, texture, embellishment and shape. Together they are Yarn Mill.
The name derives from Russell’s ancestral links to the West Yorkshire woollen mills and Paul’s studio base at his family home, a renovated Devon watermill that dates back to the Doomsday Book.
Each of the team is motivated by the desire to create the highest quality, original pieces possible with the minimum impact on the environment. This is not a response to any current fashion trend - rather a recognition of the need for something more personal, individual and lasting.
There is no compromise on the quality of the natural raw materials used - merino wool, alpaca, silk, and linen. These combined with traditional manufacturing techniques result in timeless, original and ultimately desirable pieces.