All you ever wanted to know about ganseys but were afraid to ask….
Ganseys are working sweaters worn by fishermen around the coasts of the UK. Called guernseys in the South, they are traditionally knitted in 5 ply worsted spun wool.
This workbook follows the format of the Shetland Lace and Fair Isle work books and, like them, results from on-line teaching. It assumes you know the basics of knitting but not much about ganseys!
Arranged in the form of ‘lessons’, it explains the techniques particular to ganseys and gives patterns for small items so that you can try your hand before tackling something larger. There are several pages of charts of motifs from all round the UK and hints on how to use them to design your own gansey. The book includes something of the origin and history of ganseys and includes a tour round the coast showing the typical patterns used in that area and ends with a 5 ply gansey pattern in many sizes. Each section begins at the top of the page so you can just print out the pages you want.
List of Contents 3 Comparative needle and yarn sizes 4 Projects and suppliers 6 Book list 7 Technical stuff - type of yarn, tension, charting 14 Sampler Pin Cushions pattern 17 Sampler Cushions pattern 23 History 1 – the evolution of the gansey 27 Pattern elements – charts and uses 35 Aran Weight Tank - finished chest 32 to 71 ins 43 Toe-up Gansey Socks for men and women 47 Gansey history 2 - research methods 51 Gansey myths and fables 56 Hoy Aran Weight Gansey - finished chest 32 to 75 ins 66 Gansey history – patterns around the coast 85 Fair Isle 5 ply Gansey - finished chest 39 to 70 ins 100 Bibliography and URLs