Early history of knitting

Items

• Jacket
  One of the earliest examples of knitted clothing, this silk jacket shows extreme craftsmanship within the variance of stitch. The artisan moved between stocking, purl, and lace techniques to create a variety of effects throughout the piece including the chevron design along the bottom hem. The two pieces were knit flat and then seamed together as indicated by the brown stitching along the sides. This was type of construction was typical of period where most pieces were made in Italy (the center of production) and then assembled by the buyer at the final destination. 
• Sock
  Earliest example of double-needle knitting. Made in North Africa during Islamic rule as assumed from the indigo and white designs that echo color combinations found in most islamic ceramics of the time. The sock was most likely worked from toe to top with difference in needle size accounting for the change in gauge.