The secret of wool

Years ago, almost everybody could knit. Knitting was a part of everyday life: to keep the fishermen dry, to keep berry-pickers warm, to keep children clothed and smiling. Through countless generations, the secret of wool was widely known: its natural warmth, durability and sustainability.

As the secret was passed on from one person to the next, from one generation to another, so too was the art and skill of knitting: the patterns, the traditions, the techniques... Every stitch bears the indelible mark of all the craftspeople who came before – every movement of the knitter's needle is moved and guided by history and by place.

Today, the secret of wool is known to knitters of all stripes continuing the tradition of investing considerable time and care to knit items by hand for the warmth and comfort of others. The qualities of wool remain as strong as ever. However, in the noise and hustle of modern society, these simple truths are easily drowned out. The accumulated knowledge, rich history and distinct patterns risk being lost. 

After many years of practising the woollen craft, listening to our shared stories and gathering the collective knitting heritage from across the island heritage, Christine LeGrow hatched a plan. As a Newfoundland native with deep roots, she decided to give a strong voice to these soft-spoken truths by designing and creating knitwear that would emphasize the qualities of wool and the strengths of the craft: function, quality, fashion and tradition.

Spindrift was born.

Since its inception, Spindrift has been designing its own patterns incorporating both classic Newfoundland styles and kaleidoscopes of colour designed to keep you warm and in style.

Today, Spindrift produces over 30+ regular hand-knit wool products across a diverse product line available at retailers across the province and beyond. We are supported by rural knitters throughout the island and make extensive use of traditional patterns that have been handed down through generations. All of our products are made exclusively from Canadian worsted-weight yarn.

Ultimately, our mission is to share with you a little secret of our own: the wonderful feeling of sliding on a pair of Newfoundland-made socks or wrapping yourself in a warm, colourful scarf that was made just for you. There simply isn't anything like it.

From Christine:

Thank you so much for taking the time to check out our website!

We want you to think of Spindrift, when you think of traditional, high quality hand knit wear. Spindrift is all about hand knitting with wool and staying connected to a worthwhile part of our past. At Spindrift, we design our own patterns and use a kaleidoscope of colour.  Our knitted items are not just for keeping you warm, but in style too! This website introduces you to a sampling of what Spindrift offers.

I have been knitting for many years and especially like designing new knitwear. My husband, Derrick, has endless patience and stamina (thank goodness) as he hand makes the hundreds of pom-poms that adorn many of our cosy caps and scarves.

My daughter Laurie is a fantastic knitter. Her specialty is the Rune cap, which was her concept and design. Laurie takes English quotes and sayings and translates them into Icelandic rune symbols. She knits these symbols into hats, combining them with fabulous colour combinations.

My son Derrick, is responsible for designing of one of our most popular items - the organic catnip capelin – a cat toy. It is hand knit, as a skin, by one of our knitters. Then Derrick stuffs it with catnip and wool and embellishes it until it resembles an anatomically correct fish (capelin). I believe that there are lots of happy cats out there because of this fun and interactive item.

The most important part of Spindrift is the more than two dozen highly-skilled knitters that meticulously hand knit every item – from the traditional to the exclusive.

I buy my raw wool from local farmers who do not have a use for the wool. I buy every bit I can get. It is good for the sheep! It is good for the farmer. And it is good for Spindrift. I send the raw wool to Briggs and Little Woolen Mills. I use the Heritage worsted weight yarn. Every item you see on this website is hand knit using this top quality yarn.

So browse through and pick your favourite. If you wish to know more, please contact me! I would love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Christine LeGrow
Owner, Spindrift Handknits