About Gwlana

Gwlana (goo-la-na) verb 1. to gather wool

 

The history of the people and the landscapes of West Wales have been shaped by their connection to sheep, their fleece and, with skill and hard work, yarn and garments. Gwlana honours that tradition by combining centuries old techniques and designs with modern approaches to knitwear crafting.

 Each garment is made in a studio at a smallholding in rural west wales, surrounded by glacial valleys and pockets of ancient rainforest, all of which influence the colours and materials used to create them.

 Gwlana designs are often a combination of the traditional Fair Isle patterns handed down through the generations of knitters from Fair Isle and the wider Shetland islands, and the historical woven textile industry of Wales. They take their inspiration from the hard wearing and beautiful sweaters of and jumpers of hardy islanders, as well as the patchwork and quilting patterns of Welsh mountain dwellers. 

I’m Adam and I'm a knitwear designers and maker who is fascinated by the textile traditions of this part of world. I passed through the worlds of embroidery and quilting before finding a home in knitting and knitwear. I’m particularly fond of finding ways to honour the work and skill of the craftspeople and makers of the past while bringing them up to date. 

 I care immensely about the provenance of my materials and designs. All my garments are 100% British wool, and I’m working with the current generation of Welsh mills to source yarn that will be even more local.

 I use a vintage knitting machine to produce my fabric, shaping and manipulating. Then I finish each item by hand, often taking longer than the work on the machine! They are then gently washed and blocked to let the wool bloom and become as soft as possible.