Traditional Cornish Sweaters

Gansey, Knit Frock

...as they are known in Cornwall, have always been recognisable throughout the British Isles by their colour and shape. On quays in harbours and in boats, the navy sweater is a familiar sight and is worn not only as a tradition, but for the quality of the knitted fabric. This fine texture has been known to “resist strong sunshine, salt water, sea air and biting winds”.

A guernsey, although basically a working garment, was an acceptable and respectable form of dress for special occasions, seaman wore their best one for family photographs.

The yarn used for making these garments is dark navy worsted, in four and five ply. It is not, as some people think, an oiled yarn, but relies on tight spinning twist and a closely knitted fabric for its weatherproof qualities.

The shape of the gansey is basically square, reminiscent of smocks worn by land workers many years ago. The dropped shoulder line is usually accentuated by a pattern band.

There are many different pattern combinations, some of which are known to be local to specific villages. Also some knitters put the wearers initials in the under arm gusset.

Patterns:

More pictutes to follow

Sizes:
Small: approx finished size 36 ins
Medium approx finished size 44 ins
Large approx finished size 50 ins
Xlarge approx finished size 56 ins

Colours:
Wool navy and aran
(5 ply worsted spun)
Cotton dark, medium and light denim

I started making these sweaters about 23 years ago out of necessity. I was doing a lot of sailing and needed a warm sweater, all I could find at the time were French sailing sweaters. Not that I have anything against the French, its just that I am Cornish and that I knew that there was a garment originating from Cornwall that all seafarers used to wear. After a bit of research I found a pattern and 2 weeks later was proudly wearing my hand knitted gansey. Friends, after seeing it, wanted one. I could not keep up with the demand, so bought my first knitting machine and have not looked back since.

Testimonials:

“Dear Di, many thanks for the beautiful sweater which my husband received recently – he had to collect it from the post office and just couldn’t wait to get there! He is absolutely delighted – it fits perfectly… I’m sure he’ll be back for more!”
Linda Hole

“Dear Di, thank you very much for the Isles of Scilly Gansey. My Dad was absolutely delighted with his birthday present. He builds and works horse drawn caravans and always requires such a top.”
Lesley Harrison