Knitting Ganseys

by Beth Brown-Reinsel

Ganseys are sweaters that developed in 19th-century England as hard-wearing garments for hard-working fishermen. Characterized by their dense, dark yarns, rich pattern combinations, and dropped shoulders, these simple square garments provide the modern knitter with a template for a wide variety of classic designs. Detailed, step-by-step line drawings and photographs, sidebars, and formulas help the reader build a foundation of skills. Pattern graphs and instructions for six of the author's own designs are included.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Reference, Crafts

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1993

Reviews

[Polly Krize · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Newly released, this is a fascinating book for all knitters. The design and history of these ganseys is an integral part of the history of fishing communities in Britain. Many updated designs are also offered for the modern knitter. Excellent.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book for those of us who long to create a gansey someday.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history of the gansey. I enjoyed knitting up the sample sweater and learned a few new techniques; if at some I decide to knit a full size gansey I will definitely refer to this book.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked this out from the library to see if I could or would ever want to knit a Gansey sweater. The technique is quite involved, and this book has you knit a sample sweater to get the idea of it before tackling a full size one. While I don't feel I have time now to try this, it is definitely on my someday maybe list of things I want to do.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I am a traditionalist because I found this book of knitting very fun. I am making the sample sweater and feel that I will make at least a few of the patterns in the back. I love knowing I am using a method perfected over hundreds of years.

[Patricia]

Having taken a weekend class with Beth Brown-Reinsel, I am particularly enjoying this book. I am hoping to begin knitting my sampler later this week. Having said the above...I did purchase this book several years ago!

[Audra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit overrated; cast on technique is unduly laborious.

[Lanea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true classic.

[Saleris · Rating 3 out of 5]

It reads well. I plan on knitting a gansey (which is why I bought the book), so the rating I give it now is temporary. The real rating will come as I use the book.