conversation pieces poncho
An elegant, useful poncho. Extra-fine 100% merino yarn is knitted on a slightly loose tension to give a silky drape. The pattern motif is engineered (rather than being a simple repeat) for the poncho.
Our capes and ponchos have become a signature of Nielanell, loved by customers as an easy-to-wear alternative to a sweater or cardigan—or as an instant injection of colour!
Design
The colour-shifting motif is in part inspired by Anni Albers’ manipulation of a restricted palette to create further colour. Here, three yarns give six colours.
Browse other pieces in the Conversation Pieces knitwear collection.
Materials & manufacture
- 100% extra-fine merino wool
- Made in the Shetland Islands, Scotland
Sizing & fit
Sizes available: one size
- A (width): 57cm
- B (length): 67cm
- C (neck to longest point when worn): 80cm
Conversation Pieces textile in the Nielanell studio.
Design inspiration & process
Conversation Pieces is a celebration of friendship, and particularly the big ideas that we discuss with our friends. In the Covid era these in-person meetings have been suspended, so this collection is in a sense a time capsule of life before Covid.
I met with two artist friends, who both live in different countries, in London in early 2019. This was a trip for exhibition-going, an annual event, with one of the shows being Anni Albers at Tate.
I was so inspired by Albers' use of colour in her textiles
Albers work became the inspiration for a colour-shifting collection, worked in a restricted palette, which I combined with my ideas about discussion and debate. On these trips there is a great deal of debate! Our ideas on subjects can be so different, but they can also overlap—and be changed through discussion.
One of my linocuts produced during the design process, with Conversation Pieces swatches: the printed motif made its way into the textile.
I reached the final textile design through various steps, including linocut printing to create a motif.
Xmas 2024
LAST ORDERS
International (incl. EU): Wednesday 4 December
UK: Friday 20 December
As ever, we do recommend that you order early as early as you can; we can't guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. Shetland weather can be unpredictable!
Shipping costs
- UK P&P: £8 per order.
- International P&P: £20 per order (important: please see notes on international orders below).
- Collection from Nielanell, Hoswick: free of charge (choose this option at checkout).
We send out UK items using Royal Mail and items over a value of £100 will be sent by way of special delivery. This is a signed for, insured service. International parcels are sent using a tracked service.
Customer service
Please DO get in touch if you have queries about any of our pieces. We endeavour to extend, to our online shoppers, the personal service we give here in Hoswick.
We have lots of happy customers both inside the UK and around the world and frequently correspond by email or telephone prior to a purchase being made.
Delivery times
- Most items should be available immediately. If not, we will contact you to tell when the item will be available.
- We aim to send out your order just as soon as possible and within a week of ordering. If you need an item sent immediately, just let us know and we will be delighted to try to help you.
- Please note, you can also choose to collect your order from Nielanell, Hoswick, using the click-and-collect option. This option is not available during holiday periods.
International orders
- Customers ordering items to be sent outside the UK are responsible for any customs charges or taxes applicable in their own country. Post-Brexit, this now also applies to customers in the EU, EEA and associated countries.
- It is quite likely that customs charges will be payable.
- Customs charges and taxes vary between countries and unfortunately we are not able to predict what they might be.
- For further information, you could get in touch with your local customs office so that you know what to expect.
- Issues with customs can delay delivery. Please do place orders in good time, particularly for Christmas or other special occasions.
- Please read our full returns policy before making an order.
- Returns can become expensive for international customers, so don't worry about asking questions before you order! We'd love to help you choose the right garment – please just get in touch on info@nielanell.com if you’d like any information or help shopping online.
Nielanell knitwear is designed to last
Here are a few recommendations to help ensure your garment lives a long and happy life:
- Less is more when it comes to washing, many people find quality knitwear can be worn without washing for a long time (feel free to use our advice as a reason to do less laundry!).
- Handwashing your garment is recommended.
- We suggest that you hand-wash your garment using liquid for woollens, or flakes at 30 degrees or less. Harsh detergents are likely to ruin your knitwear.
- You may wish to wash in the machine on a very gentle hand-wash wool cycle at 30 degrees or less, using a small quantity of detergent specifically designed for delicate/wool items—but you need to ensure your washing machine uses a very gentle cycle. You must be confident in using your washing machine for woollens. We will not be responsible for items which shrink or felt by inappropriate machine washing or are damaged through use of regular detergents.
- Do not wring.
- Do not tumble dry.
- Dry flat on a rack or in the fresh air, and steam/press very lightly*.
- Alternatively, you can dry clean the garment.
*Don’t iron Rigg pieces. We also recommend that you do not stretch out the textile when drying. Lie the piece flat, but with a bit of a crumple to allow for the natural spring in the fabric to contract. No need to steam or press.
Each piece of Nielanell knitwear is individually knitted by our manufacturers and then finished by hand in-house.
Many of our collections are made in very small edition colourways, with a constantly changing selection.
If you’re looking for something in particular, that you can’t see on the website, please do get in touch—we often have more colourways in stock that don’t make it onto the website!
NB Please treat garment measurements as approximate, knitwear can be difficult to measure and each item will differ slightly.