Traditional Gansey Techniques

Traditional Gansey Techniques

Beth Brown-Reinsel

Thursday PM & Friday AM

Students will learn how to construct a Gansey, a sweater form prevalent in the 19th century and early part of the 20th century among the fishermen of the British Isles. A small scale sweater will be knitted using traditional construction techniques including the classic Channel Island Cast-on, split welts, seam stitches, traditional knit/purl patterns, the underarm gusset, shoulder straps, picked-up sleeves, and rolled collar. Alternative methods to these techniques will also be explored.

Skill level: Intermediate (must be proficient with dp needles)

Material Fee: $4 for 24 page handout in color

Ganseys

Student Supplies:
• One set of four 7" long (shorter is OK) dp needles, US size 5 (3.75mm).
• One set of four or five 7" long (shorter is OK) dp needles, US size 7 (4.5mm)
• 3 oz. plain-textured, solid, light-colored worsted weight yarn. Space dyed yarns, heathered yarns and fuzzy yarns will obscure the patterns and are not recommended.
• Optional: 11 1/2" or 12" circular needle US size 4.5 mm, st markers, waste yarn, sticky notes or magnetic board to aid in reading the chart. (If you like using the Magic Loop or 2 circulars, bring the appropriate needle.)

Homework: None