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Comments

1. 

   01

   I wouldn't say cool...

   Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by mattyjames2001

   ..because they're so warm! Sweaters are a must during our prairie winters. I would totally love to rock that CBC sweater!
2. 

   02

   Cowichan

   Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by SChappellaz

   I wouldn't say they're cool, but they do look warm. On the one site, I like that you can order a "traditional-looking" one or can custom order them. I think having an original hand made one would be more unique then going to a posh boutique and buying one made en-masse.
3. 

   03

   Cowichan Sweater

   Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by CanInCal

   Hmmm, good question... I think that CBC one in the pic is pretty sweet. Is that you Grant?
   
   
4. 

   04

   Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

   Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by BigRockFan

   Here’s a related question. How many people would call that a Cowichan sweater? I think a lot of people on the prairies would call that a Siwash.
5. 

   05

   Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

   Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by MoniSki

   Though I don't have one, i really wish I did. Especially with that CBC symbol on it... even better would be a matching cowichan sweater for the CBC 3 scarves. I say it should be a new prize giveaway on CBC 3 for next winter.
   For myself, I know I'd buy one of those cool cowichan t-shirts if they were made available. I think they have this very Canadian feel to them, especially with beavers, and cbc symbols on them.
   
   where can I get one!
   
   
6. 

   06

   Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

   Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by mattyjames2001

   MoniSki is right. How much more Canadian is a CBC sweater/scarve combo?? There really should be a CBC R3 store. *wink wink*
7. 

   07

   Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

   Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by MoniSki

   oh and as a side note.... i don't believe i've ever heard the term Cowichan... though I've seen them before.. i'm pretty sure I called them "Knitted Sweaters"....i'm from Ontario... so maybe that makes a difference? Wouldn't really blame my province for that though...
8. 

   08

   @mattyjames

   Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by MoniSki

   wohoo!
   
   So that makes 2 of us!
   
   any one us??
9. 

   09

   Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

   Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by KidGotham

   I have never heard that term either. Stupid Ontario.
   
   I think they are alright. There is nothing "hipstery" about being warm.
10. 

    10

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by mattyjames2001

    I mean I've never won a scarf. But I'd gladly pay money for one or two... dozen. Perfect gifts. Or those belt buckles?
11. 

    11

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by DearAmbellina

    Are they cool ? Of course they are!
    I'd pay any sum of money for someone to skit me one, especially one as awesome-tastic as the CBC one in the picture.
12. 

    12

    Finally...sorry for the wait.

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by phogtom

    Just got to your message.
    Wow.
    Still brimming with joy and trying hard to respond to all the voters...
    
    I responded with a short list of Windsor bands, which will grow when I e-mail you later today.
    
    Windsor!!!! We did it!
13. 

    13

    regional terminology

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by Grant Lawrence

    we definitely grew up with the term "cowichan" on the west coast... are there any other regional terms?
14. 

    14

    Cowichan sweaters: Is there overlap here...

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by Benoit from Ottawa

    ...between the real Cowichan sweater (f.i. http://www.sa-cinn.com/cowichansweaters.htm) and the curling sweater (f.i. http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLargeImage?AdId=103746327&img=http%3A%2F%2Fimg1.classistatic.com%2Fcps%2Fl%2Fkj%2F09%2F1%2F31%2F685%2Fr4%2F00084nk_18.jpeg).
    
    Inquiring minds want to...
15. 

    15

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by blurasis

    I'd wear a CBC logo design cowichan sweater
    
    Oh ya congrats to Phog Lounge
16. 

    16

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by voytheknife

    I enjoy them.
    
    I bought a set of old Mary Maxim patterns online and asked my mom to knit me one. Two and a half years ago. She's a very busy woman and I don't blame her for it, but she's still only half done. Someday I'll have that maple leaves and beavers sweater. Someday.
17. 

    17

    Yay Meryn Cadell

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by 14lines

    No Cowichan of my own, though I think their great. (I grew up just north o' there in Nanaimo.)
    
    How glad I am, though, that you played Meryn Cadell's "The Sweater". Haven't heard in... well, even longer than the last time I saw a Cowichan sweater. <grin>
18. 

    18

    @ Grant

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by MoniSki

    Like I said in my other post... i'm pretty sure Ontario doesn't have a name... just Knitted Sweater... does that make us less Canadian or uncultured??? I hope not.
    
    but thanks to shows like these, we Ontarians will be able to learn something new every day ;)
19. 

    19

    @ Grant

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by mattyjames2001

    Nice! Peter Elkas is awesome. I've seen him a few times with Jason Collett/ Joel Plaskett. Always a good time
20. 

    20

    Love them

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by jillenium00

    I love them. I have a few, but I also live in a Northern Climate. They are incredibly warm - wool is nature's miracle fabric. They've been a fashion staple in the treeplanting world since the dawn of time, but I've definitely noticed them as a street trend as of late.
    
    I own a beautiful blue and white one that someone lovingly hand-crafted, as well as novelty one that has a man with a shotgun on the front and a pheasant on the back.
    
    Several months back I was in a bar with some friends and we spotted a young guy who had the audacity to wear a cowichan sweater into the club. So we asked if he really "meant it" in reference to the sweater. He blinked and stared blankly. Guess not.
21. 

    21

    Is this different from a &quot;Saiwash(?)&quot;?

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by queencitykid

    I'm pretty sure that would be called a saiwash on the prairies - kind of like a hoody is called a bunny-hug (although "hoody" has been creeping in - damn it!).
    
    My gf has one that looks great on her. I had one I picked up at a thrift store. I didn't wear it much. They just don't stand up to the bitter south SK winds. Plus, they're pretty 'hippy-dippy' (sorry, but it's true). That Ceeb one is pretty cool, though.
22. 

    22

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by kn0ttyn3rb

    have a Cowichan toque, but no sweater alas. I would definitely pay for that CBC sweater though and think that starting up a store online might help put a bit more money in CBC's pockets... :)
23. 

    23

    Sweaters?

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by lull187

    That CBC sweater rocks! I normally don't go for knit sweaters like that and have never heard the term Cowichan.
    
    I don't want to hijack the blog, but has anyone ever heard hockey jerseys referred to as 'sweaters'? I was talking with someone from Saint Louis last weekend and I guess that is what they call them. Never heard this before; have I had my head in the sand?
24. 

    24

    @ queen city

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by mattyjames2001

    you gotta bundle dude. Windbreaking material is a must. I wear my sweaters under my jacket (always by your coat an extra size larger than you need)
25. 

    25

    yeah i want one

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by vespa150

    i think they are cool. I know my dad had one because he is one of those outdoorsy people but i never knew what they were called though. Even though I didn't think they were cool back in the day when my dad was sporting the sweater I now really want one. i can see it now: cruisin the streets of Ottawa on the vespa all cool with the cowichan sweater with a big caribou on it.
    I just don't know where you buy them other than value village and I don't want a beer stained sweater.
26. 

    26

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by axis

    I'm not sure exactly what a cowichan is, but perhaps they're the same as what we call Cottage Craft sweaters here in New Brunswick.
    
    I'm still giggling, because I thought you were saying a "Carlton" after the geeky character from Fresh Prince.
27. 

    27

    @lull

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by vespa150

    yeah you have missed out.
    they used to be sweaters way back in the day.
    they now sell ultra retro actual sweater jerseys again. they are pretty cool and run in the same vein as the cowichans i think.
28. 

    28

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by BigRockFan

    I think Cowichan sweater is mostly a BC term but it’s also used a bit on the prairies. The term I grew up with was Siwash/Saiwash sweater. Now that I think if it I remember them being called knitted sweaters in Ontario. I don’t know what they’re called in Quebec and eastern Canada.
    
    As mentioned, the problem with them on the prairies is that they aren’t windproof. In a bit of a breeze their insulation value is gone.
    
29. 

    29

    Bunnyhug

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by mattyjames2001

    Is unfortunately being phased out for "hoody". I remember calling it a kangaroo jacket at one point. But bunnyhug just makes more sense than "hooded sweatshirt"
30. 

    30

    Lumberjack chic goes to Old man sweater chic?

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by AlexOfAnders

    I dunno about cool or hip, but the cowichan does look warm and makes me think of cabins in the snow or something. Much like a salmo dinner..er..lumberjack jackets (http://smackoftheday.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/lumberjacket.jpg) make me think of camping and the woods in spring/summer. Anyone notice when lumberjack style went chic? Lumberjack chic threw me but I've seen girls that look cute in it.
    
    Still, they can be fun to wear, besides, if you like wearing it/looks good to you, more power to you. If you're just wearing it cause you think it's the "in" thing, maybe think twice, it might not suit you.
    
    Oh, and CBC R3 store would be sweet but I guess it might take away from the luster and specialness of the R3 swag. FYI, I saw Castro Hats on sale at the CBC store.
31. 

    31

    @lull

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by queencitykid

    I guess you haven't read the great Canadian children's book "The Hockey Sweater" or seen the CFB short film of the same title?
    
    @matty,
    yeah.
32. 

    32

    @matty

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by queencitykid

    "But bunnyhug just makes more sense than "hooded sweatshirt""
    
    You sure about that!?
    
    I think I remember kangaroo jacket as well.
33. 

    33

    cowichan???

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by Wedge1

    I was always told that they were called Buffalo Shirts, my dad still has his and loves it
34. 

    34

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by teamquentin

    Can I get one with a wolf on it?
35. 

    35

    @Saskatchewan

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by Chris Kelly

    Uh oh...
    
    http://www.billcasselman.com/cwod_archive/siwash_updated.htm
36. 

    36

    @queencitykid

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by lull187

    Nope, but I didn't grow up in Canada (my only defense). I lived in Buffalo, NY for 13 years and never heard it (or maybe never realized I heard it). All those years of watching Hockey Night In Canada on a snowy TV screen, I must have missed it. Oh well.
37. 

    37

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by mattyjames2001

    Ha. I'm kidding. I still don't know why anyone would call it a bunnyhug. Other than it's just an awesome name. Maybe because they're comfortable... like a bunny's hug would be?....... I'm at a loss here. Help me out.
    
    -matt
38. 

    38

    bunnyhug!

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by Grant Lawrence

    we'll play our Canadian Dictionary feature definition for Bunnyhug in a few minutes...!
39. 

    39

    @ Chris

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by BigRockFan

    Maybe that's be a regional BC meaning too? The only thing I know a Siwash to mean is a sweater like the one in the picture.
    
    I don't have an Oxford Canadian dictionary handy but here's a blog reference to what it says about Siwash sweaters.
    
    "siwash - I always thought this was a Saskatchewan word, but the Cdn Oxford only gets as specific as 'Canadian (West)' in attribution. It's a thick woolen sweater decorated with symbols or animals, and the sweater is usually of a grey/black/white colouring. "
    http://librarysquirrelz.blogspot.com/2005/01/saskatchewan-words.html
40. 

    40

    How 'bout this?

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by mattyjames2001

    http://www.birkoph.com/Wolf_tshirt.htm
    
    It might be the only thing in the same level of "coolness" as a cowichan sweater
41. 

    41

    Now now Chris,

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by queencitykid

    You guys have that big rock - much more prominent, and permenant, than a sweater :)
42. 

    42

    @Mattyjames

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by teamquentin

    Nice, the comments on that page are gold.
43. 

    43

    @mattyjames

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by Grant Lawrence

    NO. You may not wear that wolf shirt. There are some great cowichans with wolves on them. Chris Kelly has one with two wolves fresh from the kill!!
44. 

    44

    wolf shirt comments

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by Grant Lawrence

    wow... slightly different culture than this comment section!
45. 

    45

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by axis

    So are Christmas sweaters cool now too? And the schoolteacher sweater? I am not being sarcastic, just clueless- I live in one of the most fashion-challenged corners of Canada. Rubber boots and plaid are de rigeur here.
46. 

    46

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by mattyjames2001

    Man I'd love that wolf shirt in a cowichan
47. 

    47

    Recount?

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by AlexOfAnders

    I heard that there was a triple count, recount all you want and the results will be the same. I wasn't too shocked when I saw Phog won, they've been getting themselves out there pretty hard and rallying online and at home which I think was key. BTW, streaming concerts is awesome!
48. 

    48

    Excuse the extra post but just helping Justin Beach spread the word

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by AlexOfAnders

    Globe and mail is having a poll on whether the federal government should provide more funding for the CBC! http://www.theglobeandmail.com/
    So, let's hit this poll hard and show that Canada wants a supported and funded CBC instead of relying so hard on advertising.
49. 

    49

    Hoodie, Bunny Hug...

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by flare

    A friend of mine and her family have always called a hoodie and "Bunny Jacket". She lives in Ontario.
50. 

    50

    I'm happy for the Phog!

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by queencitykid

    Down with sore loser patrons!
    
    That was a PG Canadian Dictionary explanation.... check out Urban Dictionary's take on the "bunnyhug."
    
    http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bunny+hug
51. 

    51

    Knitter looking for white buffalo

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by metoo

    Little tidbit/ question for listeners.
    
    The cowichan sweater that we remember from old was often made by a Canadian yarn company called White Buffalo. It was a 6 ply unspun yarn (which probably means nothing to non knitters). Unfortunately they went out of business a while ago. But I have been dying to make a cowichan style sweater but have been unable to find a suitable equivalent. I've managed to scrounge up some white buffalo wool on ebay and the likes. But does anyone know where to get that thick beautiful wool?
52. 

    52

    ahh, i missed the cds interview!

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by nodice

    will it be posted as a link in the blog post?
53. 

    53

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by lindsey.who

    this one is the best favourite!
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/aihirano/2126981947/
    
    I like them, don't own one but I get cold really easily so it would definitely come in handy.
    
    But in answer to the question: Judging by the hallways of my school - they are cool. All the music students wear them. It's kind of annoying.
54. 

    54

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by lindsey.who

    I have no idea why I wrote "best favourite" it is the best and my favourite
    
55. 

    55

    oh yeah! congrats to the phog lounge

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by nodice

    it took me a day to recover from my broken heart, but now im over it and excited to visit the best club in canada in a couple weeks!
56. 

    56

    Hippie is out!

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by lindsey.who

    well I'm screwed.
57. 

    57

    @metoo

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by calculust

    Are you on Ravelry (the Facebook for knitters)? There's a group there called "Cowichan Inspired" with lots of useful info. A couple companies they recommend are Custom Wollen Mills (Alberta), Sasquatch Trading Co. (Victoria), and Birkeland Brothers (Vancouver).
    
    -Michelle
58. 

    58

    Not just bunnyhugs..

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by mattyjames2001

    we also call buying booze for minors "pulling". Not "bootlegging" or "booting"like Alberta.
59. 

    59

    marion, what about the photo?

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by nodice

    i thought that was a sure bet album cover!
60. 

    60

    argh, mairin i do know how to spell your name

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by nodice

    not sure how that happened
61. 

    61

    @matty

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by Grant Lawrence

    in BC we call that "running" as in "can you run for me?" ... "sure what do you want?" ... "24 Black Label?"
62. 

    62

    re: Light Enough to Travel

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by calculust

    I saw Geoff Berner open for Hawksley Workman in Victoria last night. Anyone who has a chance to see either one of them really should go - they were both amazing! Geoff Berner joined Hawksley for an unrehearsed accordian solo in "Safe and Sound".
63. 

    63

    Is Bill Casselman the only source?

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by BigRockFan

    I’m not saying that he’s necessarily wrong, but there are a lot of First Nations people in Saskatchewan and I’ve never heard any of them suggest that Siwash is an offensive term. It’s not a word that came from their languages and it’s possible that they’re not aware of it either, but they’re generally pretty sensitive about these issues. Someone should put a call in to the First Nations University of Canada in Regina. They have lots of experts in First Nations languages.
    
64. 

    64

    @BigRockFan

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by Benoit from Ottawa

    It seems that in that pidgin (Inerior B.C.), "siwash" is supposed to come from "sauvage", French for savage, in reference to Indians. If that is true, easy to see how some people involved might think that First Nations people would be offended.
    
    In other words, it sounds like derivative political correctness.
65. 

    65

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by BigRockFan

    That’s kind of where my questioning was going as well. I’d like to hear from First Nations people themselves whether they find it offensive or not. If they do I'll certainly stop using it, but I find it strange that this is just coming to light now.
66. 

    66

    Saiwash vs. Saiwashi

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by Michael Erdmann

    Hmmm... I'm guessing that Saiwash is derived from Saiwashi, which is actually a Japanese term...
    and just to add a whole other spin... how about these Saiwashi socks!!! - http://www.canadiandesignresource.ca/officialgallery/?p=2429
67. 

    67

    &quot;siwash&quot; + &quot;in&quot;

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by blur

    i get sick of pc language, but mostly b/c it is liberal coverup bs.it's all subjective.
    
    but hey, just because indigenous folks haven't spoken up to you about something doesn't mean it's not derogatory or that they're not peeved.we settlers forced them to give up their culture or die, so not getting a reaction shouldn't really be a surprise. since when is it native people's responsibility to let you know how ignorant you are?
    
    when i think of cowichan sweaters (i'm on the island) i think of my dad's ragged old one in the basement or the weird tight acrylic copies i see girls wearing downtown. wouldn't they be too hot to wear to the bar anyways.
    
    aslo, what's up with talk of radio 3 cuts. unless we all hurry up and turn into our parents in 10 years, the cbc will lose audience and funding.
68. 

    68

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3: Fashion Fight Club! The Cowichan Comeback with Carbon Dating Service

    Posted on Jul 19, 2010 by left and leaving

    not sure if it has been mentioned, but Cowichan is actually a place in B.C., arguably where Cowichans originated.

    And Cowichans, by any name, are definitely cool.  My mom just finished knitting me one.  Can't wait for the fall!