The Traditional Gansey
Students will learn some of the history of the Gansey and how to construct one, a sweater style 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. Even if you never knit a full-sized gansey, this class will expand your ideas of construction, and will enhance your knitting bag of tricks! Alternate methods to these techniques will also be explored.
Length: 6 hours
Level: Intermediate (must be proficient with DP needles)
Techniques Learned:
The classic Channel Island Cast-on, split welts, seam stitches, different increases, traditional knit/purl patterns, the underarm gusset, shoulder straps with perpendicular joining, and picked-up sleeves.
Class Supplies
• One set of four 7″ long (shorter is OK) dp needles, size 5 (3.75mm).
• One set of four or five 7″ long (shorter is OK) dp needles, size 7 (4.5mm)
• 3 oz. plain-textured, solid, light-colored worsted weight yarn.
• Optional: 11 1/2″ or 12″ circular needle 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.
What a student had to say about my class:
“Knitting those little sweaters in a cozy workshop with Beth and other knitters hearkens back to another era, to a community sharing knowledge, experience and ideas. It is the very best part of knitting – and goes a long way to improving the wardrobes of the dolls in your life!”– Susan G. A.
