Cowichan
Cowichan is Canada. For over 150 years, the native Coast Salish people of Vancouver Island have created these distinctively patterned, hand-knitted sweaters, toques, mitts, and socks. Each piece of Coast Salish Indian clothing is unique, incorporating traditional designs of animals, birds, sea creatures, and geometric shapes. The Salish knitting is a very old traditional art form; and over the decades these hand knitted sweaters have become well known for their beauty and expert craftsmanship. The Coast Salish Indian knitting represents historically the extraordinary resourcefulness, creativity, and adaptability of the people of the Coast Salish Tribes.
The clothing designs have been passed down from generation to generation; typically from mother to daughter, and there are some excellent male knitters as well. Please note the distinction that while we reference the shops of our other artisans, Cowichan sweaters are most often made right in the knitter’s home. The raw wool is hand washed, hand teased, hand carded, and finally hand spun. This meticulous hands on technique helps to preserve all of the natural oils that are found in the wool; making the sweaters water and stain resistant, and perfect for the Northwest Coast winters.
This beautiful art form is still used culturally in the winter dances of the Coast Salish longhouses, and it can be seen being worn by people from all walks of life, including Prime ministers, Presidents, and members of the Royal family.
Cowichan Sweater - Whale/Eagle - SMALL/MEDIUM
$285.00 $335.00
Cowichan Full zip sweater 100% wool. Canadian hand made. Whale and Eagle design We recommend for this to fit someone with a chest measurement between 36" to 38". Body length...
Cowichan Sweater - Eagle - AVAILABLE IN 8 SIZES
$385.00
Cowichan Sweater - Eagle In brown tones Full zip Available in XS -XXL This is handmade in Canada with Canadian wool. Supporting local business and craft. Cowichan is Canada. For over...
Cowichan Sweater - Navy Raven
$385.00
Cowichan Sweater - Navy Raven Design Available in XS -XXL This is handmade in Canada with Canadian wool. Supporting local business and craft. Cowichan is Canada. For over 150 years, the...
Cowichan Sweater - Our Design - AVAILABLE IN 4 SIZES
$385.00
Designed by my daughter, Clare and I. A little shorter, unless you wear it oversized. 100% Canadian = Canadian wool, Canadian design, Canadian hand knit. We love this Cowichan inspired...
Cowichan Sweater - Geometric - AVAILABLE IN 8 SIZES
$385.00
Cowichan Sweater - Geometric - AVAILABLE IN 8 SIZES In grey tones Full zip, featuring a double zipper. Available in XS -XXL This is handmade in Canada with Canadian wool. ...
Cowichan Sweater - Bison - Black
$385.00
Cowichan Sweater - Bison - Black Full zip Available in XS -XXL This is handmade in Canada with Canadian wool. Supporting local business and craft. Cowichan is Canada. For over 150...
Cowichan Sweater - Bison - Brown
$385.00
Cowichan Sweater - Bison - Brown Full zip Available in XS -XXL This is handmade in Canada with Canadian wool. Supporting local business and craft. Cowichan is Canada. For over 150...
Cowichan - New Eagle - Denim Blue/ Brown
$385.00
Cowichan - New Eagle - Denim Blue /Brown Full zip Available in XS -XXL This is handmade in Canada with Canadian wool. Supporting local business and craft. Cowichan is Canada. For over 150...
Cowichan - Amos & Andes design - Ladies oversized
$425.00
Designed by my daughter Clare. 100% Canadian = Canadian wool, Canadian design, Canadian hand knit. This is an oversized fit, long enough to cover the bum. Loose sleeves and tighter...