The Gansey Sweater

Now, here’s a brilliant idea. And testimony to the endless ingenuity of we knitters. Really, this is right up there with The Wheel, The Flying Buttress and The Log Cabin Quilt. The Gansey Sweater.

I first discovered the Gansey idea while flipping through a copy of “Socks from the Toe Up” by Wendy D. Johnson, truly an indispensable text if you’re a sock knitter.

Within its pages, I found a pattern called “Gansey Socks” and thought “…hmmm….wonder if that means something.” Sure enough! A simple google search and…huzzah! Fascinating!

Turns out a Gansey Sweater is an extraordinary piece of design. Knitted (often by men) for fishermen in the British Isles, the Gansey is the Jaguar of sweaters. Engineered to keep moisture out and warmth in, the Gansey is seamless, tightly knitted in pure wool and fitted close to the body, keeping the garment on its wearer should he land in the drink. Clever under-arm gussets allow for ample movement while cables, traveling stitches, even Entrelac, form exquisitely detailed yokes to provide extra warmth over the chest and upper back. Sleeves knitted from the top down permit easy replacement of heavy-wear areas such as elbows and cuffs.

Romance and legend contribute to the enduring legacy of the Gansey. Sea-faring and ocean motifs figure prominently and it is said that the regional origin of a drowned sailor could be determined by the patterns in his Gansey; intentional errors knitted therein might be used to prove his identity conclusively. Of course, this is debatable but it makes for a good story. 

Intriguing, isn’t it? I think this may be Carl’s next sweater. If so, I will definitely consult the “Gansey Guru”, Gordon Reid, Historical Archivist and author of the fantastic Ganseys.com. This site is a rich resource for the Gansey knitter.