From the windows of my island home I see the lights of three light houses, and the screams of gulls fill the summer air. So here they are, knitted in the yarn traditionally used by fishermen to make their ganseys.

The Light House Cushion uses traditional gansey motifs along side my own light house. The Sea Gull Cushion wanders farther from tradition, but still makes use of the light and shade of knit and purl for its effect.

5 ply yarn is about the thickness of DK, but is more tightly twisted. If you are substituting yarns, make sure you use one with a tight twist so that the purl stitches stand out. The cushions can be knitted in any solid colour, but avoid semisolids and variegated yarns.

Materials:
300 g Frangipani 5 ply wool for each cushion available from www.guernseywool.co.uk
pair 3.75 mm needles
row counter
45 cm square cushion pad; tapestry needle or crochet hook for finishing
5 buttons about 21 mm for each cushion
seaside buttons to finish the Sea Gull cushion if desired

Tension:
21 stitches and 34 rows, measured over 10cm when slightly stretched. Note that the cushion cover will measure less than 45 cms square. When put over the pad the knitting will stretch slightly which both shows off the pattern and makes the cushion nicely plump!