University Striped Wool Scarf by Ryder & Amies

University Striped Wool Scarf by Ryder & Amies

College Striped Wool Scarf by Ryder & Amies - I know that here in Germany at least, August hardly seems the right time to order a wool scarf, but it turns out (not surprisingly) that this is the slow season for ordering these from heritage university outfitter Ryder & Amies of Cambridge England and so inspired by some Ralph Lauren ads that I had recently seen, I found myself planning ahead for once and designing my new favorite University striped scarf on the super Ryder & Amies website.  

The Design Process:

The design and order process is really so much fun to do and I have to say that in August at least, their turnaround time is astonishing - from the time of order to its arrival in my mailbox in less than a week!  With 6 stripe patterns and 24 colors to choose from, the number of possible combinations is massive, so it's very unlikely that unless one orders one of their pre-designed university school patterns, you are unlikely to NOT have a one-of-a-kind item.  Best of all, as you can see below, their prices are beyond reasonable for a custom item!

Choose a Scarf Pattern

 A £42

 B £42

 C £42

 D £42

 E £45

 F £45

The Inspiration:

My inspiration thanks to Ralph Lauren (I love the Cricket jumper too, but this will be the subject of another blog post):

The Results:

This is the second self-designed scarf that I have ordered from Ryder & Amies and as with the first (which you can see here), I couldn't be more happy with the results.  There are still a few companies out there that truly understand great value and customer service.  Ryder & Amies are top-shelf in this regard.

Love the Ryder & Amies heritage patch as well!

OK, I'm no Ralph Lauren model, but overall I think the results are satisfactory:

Custom Made University Stripe Scarf from Ryder & Amies of Cambridge

Custom Made University Stripe Scarf from Ryder & Amies of Cambridge

This past January, while perusing the internet I can upon an interesting maker of Collage stripe scarves.  What I found particularly compelling about them is that not only did they stock scarves in the school colors of all the colleges which make up Cambridge University, but also have a software program which allows one to design the own custom strip scarf from the 6 stripe patterns and the 20 colors of wool fabrics that they offer.  We, the design possibilities are nearly endless - the mind boggles!  The best part is that these don't at all cost an arm and a leg so that for the price of a meal at a reasonably priced restaurant, I could have my own personal scarf design deliver to my door! I immediately set to work designing my personal scarf.

Here is the design that I can up with - I think it looks pretty snazzy.  Of course, if you would like one featuring your college or club colors, they are happy to make one up for you and for orders of 10 or more are happy to embroider your organization's logo as well.

Ryder & Amies  (Official Outfitters for the University of Cambridge) has been in business since 1864 (a fifth-generation family-owned business), supplying the needs of University attendees since the Victorian age means they must know a thing or two about zipping together college scarves and a whole lot more besides.  They also supply college ties (including a great selection of bow ties), cricket sweater, rugby, and sweatshirts as well as military regimental ties and all at extremely competitive prices. If fact this list is simply too abbreviated - their list of college-related products is endless!  In fact, every time I visit their website, I find new items that are difficult to resist.

In about 2 weeks after ordering, my custom made scarf was delivered to my door, which I find to be an extraordinary service.     

I really love their large vintage style brand lable:

The wool cloth that they use is a bit scratchy, although not bad in comparison to my Harris Tweed scarves.  I must say that I couldn't be more happy with my scarf, which I wear often in cooler weather, and wearing it always puts a bounce in my step.