The Gansey? :
A Gansey is a distinctive woollen sweater,
originally designed to provide protection
for fishermen from wind and water but which
is ideal for all outdoor activity. Using a
tightly spun 5-ply worsted wool (popularly
known as "Seamen's Iron") the intricately
patterned Gansey is knitted in one piece on
five steel needles.
The patterning to back and front and, in
some cases, the upper part of the sleeve
provides an extra layer of protection, while
the combination of seamless construction,
fine wool and tight knitting produced a
garment that is both wind and waterproof.
Indeed, every part of the garment is
designed with practicality in mind.
The wool is knitted tightly so as to "turn
water"; the lack of seams ensures greater
strength and impermeability; the underarm
gusset allows freedom of movement; the lower
sleeves where most wear is sustained, are
left plain so the worn part can be
unravelled and re-knitted, while the
patterning across the chest provides extra
insulation.
Note that the patterning is the same,
back and front. This means that the Gansey
is reversible, so that areas which come in
for heavier wear, such as the elbows, can be
alternated.
Shown below at right is a close-up of
the Filey pattern, showing the diamonds
(representing nets), the cables and the
herringbone which are such a prominent
feature of this popular pattern. Although
the knitting looks complicated, the
patterning is simply a mixture of knit and
purl stitches in addition to the cable. The
real art of Gansey knitting is, rather, the
accomplishment of using five double-ended
steel needles. It is possible to use a
circular knitting needle for smaller sizes
but the number of stitches required for
larger sizes (over 300) and the weight of
wool means that only steel needles provide a
satisfactory result. The other requirement
is patience, for each Gansey takes a minimum
of four weeks to knit.
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