Patterns for Guernseys, Jerseys & Arans

by Gladys Thompson

For hundreds of years the fishermen of the British Isles have gone to the sea wearing Guernsey and Jersey sweaters. Among landlubbers as well, these sweaters are perennially popular, but, especially in this country, it is often hard to find practical instructions for the patterns that are traditional in Britain. Here is a book that presents fully 82 different genuine folk patterns for both the lighter weight Jerseys and the heavier Guernseys, and diagrams many more patterns that you can use in your knitting.
The author gives the names of the stitches and patterns traditionally used in making Jerseys and Guernseys, and she tells you exactly how to knit every sweater in this book using those patterns and stitches. Here you will find patterns taken from sweaters found in Yorkshire, Norfolk, the west coast of Ireland, the Scottish Hebrides, and the Aran Islands. These are sweaters that have often been handed down from father to son for several generations, they wear so well. Instructions for these sturdy sweaters are given row by row for knitting fronts, backs, sleeves, and necks, in the traditional fashion. Each set of instructions is accompanied by a diagram of the pattern and, often, by a photograph of the finished sweater. All of these sweaters can be worn by either men or women, but the author has also provided full directions for making two sets of sweaters and cardigans expressly adapted for ladies' wear. Mrs. Thompson also includes interesting information about the people who gave her the patterns for this book.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, History

171 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

Reviews

[Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical documentation/patterns of the famous fisherman and aran sweaters of the British Isles. There's some inconsistency as to whether the motifs/patterns are given in charted or written form (I prefer charts) and it's a little challenging to decipher the sweater instructions, but this the enclosed documentation of sweater patterning/construction is fascinating, and I've already worked some of the information into a completed sweater. I look forwards to using this historical account and bringing appreciation of this very practical and beautiful style of garment into the eye for the future!

[Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ms. Thompson has a lot of good information in this slim volume. However you can tell that she wrote at a time when charts were just catching on. Much of the book is either rambling narratives about discovering sweaters to adventures in talking her way into knitter's homes or a pattern like description of the sweaters she encounters. A scholarly work on fisherman's sweaters this is not. However the book is still knowledgeable and probably the best record we will ever have on the intriguing Guernsey.

[Jessika Pardue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Older, but still valuable

This book is written by, and for, a previous generation of knitter in it's phrasing and language; it is not using the current standards of what we've come to expect in a knitting pattern format.

It requires an understanding of the craft that goes beyond the ability to simply follow a pattern, line for line. The vast majority of these patterns weren't even written down until Gladys Thompson got to them and showed interest in them to the people who knew them; they were taught, parent to child (mostly mothers to daughters) through physical demonstration and story.

It requires the ability to adjust and adapt a stitch pattern to fit your plans, or adjust and adapt your plans to fit a stitch pattern. There are several spots where I tripped and stumbled, as the phrasing and instructions (and charts) are not the same as you would find in more modern works. Still, this is an excellent reference for some traditional patterns, once they've been teased out of their current presentation. I wish there was more on the actual physical construction of the various sweaters, as I am working on my own, cobbled together from the guidance of Elizabeth Zimmermann, and examining the pictures and text of this book (which she referenced herself) for clues.

I would have liked to have read more about the history of the sweaters themselves, but I am grateful for the patterns within, even if I will be charting any that I plan on using out myself, into a more modern format. Much like EZ did in "Knitter's Almanac". for January; her "Fishtrap" panel is pulled and adapted in a modified form (She charted it, and if I am interpreting correctly, translated it from flat knitting to in the round, and started deeper in the repeats than the presented form), from this text. I would recommend this book to designers, to advanced knitters who already adopt and adapt their work beyond the constraints of a pattern, to the knitting history buffs, and those seeking a challenge.

[Willow Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would never have thought that I would have enjoyed reading this book. For one, I don't knit, have no idea how to knit, and have never even touched knitting needles in my life. Neither am I a sweater, or should I say guernsey, enthusiast. However, I stumbled across this book at a fascinating library within a museum, and it just drew me right in.

While I didn't understand the knitting instructions, I could certainly understand the author's accounts of her visits to islands and fishing villages across the British Isles, and her experiences were absolutely fascinating to read about. I had no idea that there was so much rich history behind the sweater, and I loved reading about the author's accounts of all the incredible people she was able to meet. Those people were like living pages right out of history, and you can tell that there's just so much to be learned from them.

So all in all, I thought that this was an excellent book, and something that you'd enjoy even more if you actually knit.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good historical book.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

For all ages.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great history of these sweater styles, and of the women who knit them.

[Saleris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is both a pattern and history book. It's a book more for a person who's previously knit ganseys and wants more information, so it's out of my league, if I'm honest. But I wanted it because of that fact. I'm planning on knitting more than one gansey, and I'd like the ability to use historically accurate pattern stitches. The stitch pattern photos are only in black and white, and the graphs are small, but I've got a scanner and I know how to use it...

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in the '70's Gladys traveled the towns and back roads of Scotland and the British Isles tracking down original patterns for Guernsey sweaters, many of them nowhere else recorded, as patterns were handed down through families orally. I'm so glad she took the time to document these wonderful, amazing patterns. I think a knitter would need to be fairly experienced to be able to follow the sometimes abbreviated instructions, but I enjoyed it just the same. A great source book.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent source for motifs. It is nice that many of the patterns have both text and charted directions PLUS knitted samples of the motifs.
Ms. Thompson delves into the interesting history, and beautiful sweaters that inspire one to create their own design.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting history, and beautiful sweaters that inspire one to create their own design

[Patricia]

Looking for more motifs and this book has them. It is nice that many of the patterns have both text and charted directions PLUS knitted samples of the motifs.

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Research for my new throw done in six colours and gansey stitch patterns.

My throw is looking good though!

[Sigrid Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhhhhhhhh, the patterns in this are fantastic. But so is the anthropology!

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little dog-eared delight has been on my shelf since my teens (a LONG time ago) and has accompanied me through many moves when lesser books were reluctantly left behind. A classic for knitters interested in the history of the stitches they love.