"I went to a knitting studio."
So far, through our BLOG, we have been talking about how DOMELLE clothes get to you.
When the planning of the collection starts each season, we create a toile (fake) from the design using sheeting fabric, and the pattern is completed. After that, we create an exhibition sample using the actual fabric, take photos of the look and visuals, and hold an exhibition twice a year. We produce only the items and quantities ordered by each client.
About six months later, the products will be on sale in stores and ready to be delivered to you, but today I would like to tell you about a part of the product production process that takes place over those six months that we have not yet shared with you.
First, we collect the items and quantities ordered at the exhibition, and then our production department issues production instructions to the factory. However, it is not the case that all items are produced in one factory.
Because factories also have their own characteristics.
For example, there are factories that are good at sewing dress shirts, factories that are good at sewing pants, and factories that are good at handling delicate fabrics. The production department assigns items to be produced based on the characteristics of each factory.
This time, we visited the knitting studio where DOMELLE's very delicate silk and cashmere knitwear is made.
In Vol. 12 "DOMELLE's Silk Knits," I mentioned that silk is a very delicate material and there are only a few factories that can handle it. Being able to see one of these few factories was a very valuable experience for me.
The factory we visited this time is the lovely "Elmarsh Knit Workshop" located in a quiet town in Nagano Prefecture. It is run by two brothers and employs a dozen skilled craftsmen to make knitwear.
The first thing I was shown was this colorful computer screen.
It is said to be a blueprint for a special knitting technique called "whole garment," which has no seams anywhere.
I didn't actually know how it was knitted by a machine, but it seems that with a system like this, the knitting method, gauge, etc. are programmed in detail.
The programmed data is then transferred to the machine, which knits according to the instructions, making a loud noise as it knits little by little.
Apparently it takes at least an hour to knit each piece, and sometimes even longer for more complex patterns.
A whole garment knitting machine produces a nearly finished sweater that can be worn as is.
When we went up to the second floor of the factory, we saw a dozen or so craftsmen performing manual labor.
They are doing a process called linking, in which each loop of finished knitted fabric is joined together by hand.
Linking is a technique in which each stitch of knitted fabric is manually inserted into a series of needles and sewn together. Unlike sewing with a sewing machine, the fabric is stretchy and the stitches are very delicate, making this a true craftsmanship.
Going further in, you will come to the pressing room, where the final finishing touches are made.
The clothes are placed onto a form made of very thick wire and then the final adjustments are made carefully with an iron.
These forms are made for each design, and there were many of them stored on one wall. In order to finish according to the dimensions specified by the brand, they are ironed down to the millimeter.
When I actually visited a knitting factory this time, I was amazed at how much intricate work goes into making one garment, and at the same time, I felt a strong desire to share this with our readers.
Before the finished product reaches you, many people are involved in various processes over a long period of time, and the dignity and texture of DOMELLE is maintained through this precise and careful work. This is made possible by the support of the people involved in the manufacturing process of the brand.
I was truly moved.
You said that DOMELLE's knit designs are difficult to make. But you also said that it is precisely because of these difficult designs and demands that high levels of skill can be maintained. New things are created through repeated trial and error and repeated attempts.
I hope to continue to create products together with such reliable craftsmen, striving to improve ourselves.