Fabrics and styles for every occasion

Press, 31 January 1984, Page 13

Fabrics and styles for every occasion

Much of the pleasure of being a “knitwit” must come from the variety of fabrics available in the shops. Overseas fashion trends are reflected in the weaves, prints and colours of the hundreds of bolts of cloth on the Knitwit shelves and the weight and texture of the material varies from thick, fleecy sweat-shirting to the softest, semi-sheer lingerie fabrics.

It seems that the only rule for Knitwit fabrics is that they must all be knitted. The range of textiles that falls within this category is impressive and includes everything from pure wool through polyester and cotton blends to shiny lurex evening fabrics.

There are fabrics for children and sophisticated fabrics for formal occasions; Tshirting in a rainbow of colours and fun fabrics that fire the imagination. The whole family is catered for, from a baby’s stretch-and-grow suit to a husband’s casual shirt and shorts. Most of the fabrics are New Zealand-made, and many are exclusive to Knitwit stores, which means they are readily available and reasonably priced. In addition to the fabrics themselves, the Knitwit shops stock all the sewing accessories, trims and decoration to finish any garment.

One of the great advantages of the Knitwit operation is that the patterns shown in the catalogues use fabrics that can be found on the shelves. Everything, even the stud-fasteners and sleeve-trims, is available in the shops to make life easy for busy “knitwits.” To complement the basic pattern range, new styles

are released each season in a glossy, full-colour catalogue which has directions for adapting existing patterns to suit new fashions. For people who do not have the time to draft their own patterns, Knitwit also releases a number of “designer patterns” each season that are multi-sized and ready to cut out. A unique pattern board is another of Knitwit’s sewing aids.

The multi-purpose board folds out to make a goodsized cutting surface. Its functions include measuring, pattern-drafting, shaping and sizing, and patterns and fabric can be pinned to the cardboard surface to be measured or cut.

A new Knitwit product that is just arriving in the shops is a revolutionary sewing table, incorporating a hydraulic lift for a sewing machine, enough shelf space for all a dressmaker’s requirements, and handy foldout trays for small accessories.

The surface folds out to provide a large working or cutting area and when not in use the whole table folds up into a sophisticated and attractive cabinet.