In December 2022, I stumbled across Mrs. Harpur’s pattern “Newfoundland Guernesey” and asked her if we could bring this gorgeous pattern back to “life”. With the knitting community growing far beyond the borders of Newfoundland and Labrador, there is no better time to showcase the Newfoundland Guerney and the story of how it came to be.

What is a “Guernesy”? It is a word not often used. The Newfoundland Guernsey was known to be a thick hearty sweater made from oiled wool worn by fisherman and was traditionally navy blue in colour. It originated in the Channel Island of the same name. The guernsey was traditionally knitted by the fisherman’s wives and the pattern was often passed down through the generations. The original guernsey had dropped straight shoulders in the design pattern. This pattern designed by Barbara features a slightly different design making it unique to Newfoundland. Hence the name “Newfoundland Guernsey”.

In the year 2000, L’Anse aux Meadows and the Viking Trail focused on a significant international Viking celebration, as the 1,000th anniversary of the Viking landfall at L’Anse aux Meadows. Mrs. Barbara Harpur was asked to design and knit a sweater for this international celebration. This stunning guernesy received national recognition and was featured in the March 2000 issue of Canadian Living magazine.

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Pieces are worked separately, not in the round. The neckline is is shaped for improved fit. Ribbed welts are knit in two colours, but the sweater is may also be knit in a single colour throughout.

Main Colour requires 7(7,8,8) skeins
Contrast Colour requires 1(1,1,1) skeins

For the one colour version sweater: 8(8,9,9) skeins required

Stitches used:

Knit stitch = K
Purl stitch = P
Knit Together = ktog
Knit 2 Together = k2tog
Stockinette Stitch = St st
Increase = Inc
Decrease = dec
Alternate = alt
Make One Stitch = M1
Slip, Slip, Knit = SSK

ERRATA
In earlier prints, size SMALL Bust/Chest Measurement should read: “32 to 34 inches” vice “32 to 24 inches”

Sleeve: left hand side of chart ends 1 stitch sooner. Turn and work back. Move red line one stitch to the right on left edge.