There isn’t much which makes me feel old (ish) but when I realised that this year celebrates 25 years of Weird Fish, I did feel a little bit old. I remember when I fist saw the Weird Fish Macaroni sweater. Loads of the cool girls in my school had one and I was desperate to get my hands on one. Alas, it has taken me 25 years to get one, but now I have one I love it!
Weird Fish is 25
Back in 1993, when I was a mere little’un, the Weird Fish story began after a walk along the Cornish Coastal Path. The idea sprang from wanting to create well-priced, well made distinctive clothes which would become a well-loved favourite. To be honest, that sounds like a bit of a mission, but they seem to have pulled it off. OK, so they definitely pulled it off.
To celebrate their 25th birthday, they have brought back some of the classic designs. The one which got me most excited was the Macaroni Sweater. It looks just like the ones I remember when starting high school, even down the fish zip pull. Being able to finally get one of these amazing sweaters (and just in time for Autumn and winter was a brilliant way to weave my way to the end of the year.
One of the things which I have always liked about Weird Fish (as well as their funky and punny t-shirts – I still wear one of my ancient ones for painting) is that the have really soft colours. Oh and different colours to your usual ‘ladies clothes’ kind of range. The Macaroni sweater kind of has a two-tone effect to it with the thicker yarn kind of woven over a darker toned one. I really like the effect it gives as it looks totally different to anything else you see out there.
Weird Fish clothing proud to celebrate 25th anniversary
Rhubarb and twist
I decided on the Rhubarb as it was different to the other colours in my wardrobe. I love to have multiple colours and the Rhubarb, although it could be mistaken for pink, is a nice addition to my usual yellow, rainbow and purple. The triple twisted yarn, which is characteristic of the Macaroni design was actually originally discovered in Turkey. An unusual addition for a company which originates in Gloucestershire. Perhaps it is the international feel which gives the top that kind of luxury feel to it. Not to mention the soft threads.
Cosy and Comfortable
When it comes to autumn and winter, you need a bit of comfort in your life. Especially, if like us your heating only works about 60%. (Don’t worry, we’re sorting this very soon…after about 10 years of living this way!) The Weird Fish Macaroni sweater definitely fits the bill for me. I work from home and it can get pretty chilly; so much so that even some of my chunkiest knits don’t keep me warm. I have been trailing the Macaroni for a few weeks now and it has come up trumps! The knit is cosy and the lining makes it that little bit warmer – while also keeping the chilly metal zip away from your skin. I love how big the hood is and that there are pockets – I love a cosy pocket for warming up my mouse hand on breaks.
What I love about the Macaroni
Apart from the fact that I have coveted this sweater for the whole 25 years that Weird Fish has been in existence, I am a huge fan of the design of it. So often you get a hood which barely covers your head, let alone be able to accommodate a hood and plenty of scarf material. The Macaroni sweater hood is way big enough and the added lining keeps your ears toasty and helps keep the shape of the hood. No limpness in this ‘hood.
It is well fitted. I opted for size 10 as I like to layer up so always want a little bit of literal wiggle room. And there is definitely some. I am currently wearing three layers beneath the sweater (as well as the tails of my scarf) and it doesn’t feel restrictive or look weird.
Well made and you can tell! Being someone who makes clothes, you can easily see quality. I feel that the weight, texture of materials and craftmanship definitely stay true to Werid Fish’s original mission for well made distinctive clothes. I feel like this is the kind of sweater I will be wearing in ten years time. Something you can’t say about a lot of things these days.
What I don’t love so much
So I love the top. I think you can tell that from my cheeky smiling face when I am wearing it. However, there are a few small things which I am not so in love with. Nothing which is really about the sweater, more about choice and mobility really.
It is quite weighty. This is not the kind of top you shove in your bag for travelling with a backpack. To be honest, I haven’t worn it outside of the house yet because it is rather heavy and a little too chunky for my normal outer layers. That is not to say that it wouldn’t be for you though – I’m just picky with my layers for outdoor wear.
I wouldn’t mind it a little longer. I have a long body so find tops can be a bit short – not middriff wafting short, but shorter than my 30-something self would really like. Again, this is nothing to do with the sweater itself, more of a choice of my older self. IT wouldn’t have bothered me while I was wearing short tight t-shirts and low cut baggies.
Overall though, this is going to stay as a staple in my minimal wardrobe and that is a feat. If it can beat off the competition to take a small space in my tiny storage area, it is a winner. I might have to wear a long vest beneath it and not take it on as many far-flung travels as I would have liked, but it will remain my cosy friend at home. The sweater to hug you while you work and keep you cosy when it’s cold.
If you don’t have one, I recommend you give one a try. They are quite dear at around £70 odd quid, but you know you are getting value when you feel the materials going into it. Check out the Weird Fish website for more history and information about the origin of the Macaroni (think disused machines in Turkey…) and to buy your own.
Are you a Weird Fish fan? Do you have one of the lovely Macaroni sweaters?
…and more importantly, can you believe it is Weird Fish is 25 years old?! Crazy!
Disclosure: I received the Macaroni from Weird Fish for review to celebrate 25 years of Weird Fish. All comments, photos and opinions are honest and my own – unless otherwise stated.