Cordova Gansey Project
The CORDOVA GANSEY PROJECT
What is a gansey?
A gansey (or guernsey) is the name given to the traditional hardwearing, handknit woolen pullover worn by fishermen fishing for herring off the coasts of Britain, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The natural fiber wool garments are supremely practical and functional – more flexible than a jacket, but robust enough to keep out wind and light spray.
What is the Cordova Gansey Project?
The hope and desire of the "Cordova Gansey Project" is to educate and promote the making and wearing of hand knit wool gear and to reintroduce "fishermen sweaters" to the active and present commercial fishing industry, especially the next generation youth who are transitioning into leadership and ownership, as well as for those whose outdoor lifestyle would benefit from the special features of wool handmade garments custom knit for them by loved ones.
We hope also through this project that our knitting would be a vehicle for stories to be shared of the past and present faces behind the fish and the fishing towns within the state and beyond, and that the "Cordova Gansey Project" would represent this collection of knitters who catch this same vision and through these stories help communicate the lives and lifestyle behind the industry. The origins of this project may be read about on The Net Loft blog beginning: http://thenetloftak.com/blogs/news/17795156-cordova-gansey-project-the-long-story
Who can participate in the project?
Any knitter. Anywhere. If you are a fisher man or woman, and you are not a knitter, but have a loved one who loves to knit, have them get in touch with us and we will help them get started. All fisherknits welcome in the project including those from any regions, such as Fair Isle and Faroe, where knitting and fishing share a rich history. Hats, Wristers, and other fisher wearables are also included.
How do I participate in the project?
There are various ways to participate in the project. Contact us and we can get you started. We have an instructional DVD/ book set available by Beth Brown Reinsel, and a variety of suitable yarns available for purchase. We are compiling a list of gansey inspired patterns of both garments and accessories. When completed, there are labels we are offering for you to identify your handknit as part of the project. We have a small fish motif we have available for you to knit into your project either in texture or colorwork to further identify your project’s connection to this project. Our intention is to show honor and pay tribute to the fisherknitters of the past, acknowledging their role in knitting history, and drawing inspiration from them for designs that may be incorporated into the lifestyles of the present. We would like to hear of your progress and hope to document the ongoing projects in photos and dialogue.
See our website for updates and details.
Facebook Group – Cordova Gansey Project
WE ARE MEETING THURSDAYS ON ZOOM AT NOON ALASKA TIME
Contact dottybw1@comcast.net for link
Dotty Widmann 907 317-2819
The Net Loft PO Box 880 Cordova, Alaska 99574
Websites of interest:
our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/547994268676504/
https://www.facebook.com/Propagansey/
Gansey Nation: http://www.ganseys.com
Gansey Workbook by Elizabeth Lovick
Ravelry group has excellent information on ganseys: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/guernseys-ganseys-knit-frocks---fishermens-sweaters
VIdeo of Beth Brown Reinsel on Ganseys
Knitting Ganseys Book
FRANGIPANI GANSEY YARN COLOR CARD
GANSEY YARN ORDERING PAGE
INFORMATION PACKETS:
OPTION 1: General Information getting started with project (currently sent as PDF, new booklet underconstruction)
OPTION 2: FOR THOSE PURCHASING YARN FOR THEIR GANSEY today
General Information getting started with project in form of PDF, and complete kit of additional items that are project related.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?
This is an estimate chart based on what we have experienced. Actual amounts may vary based on density and lengths of body and arms.Yarn quantity depends on yarn type selected. Three suggested yarns are indicated below, but not mandatory for the project. Be sure to purchase an extra ball of yarn for swatching, in the same color as your yarn color choice,.
FRANGIPANI TRADITIONAL GANSEY YARN
500 g cones (1200 yards, 1097 meters)
250 g half cones (600 yards, 549 meters)
100 g skeins (in limited supply) (240 yards, 225 meters)
SIZE refers to FINISHED 100% calculation (“A” from measurement chart)
SEE CHART for generous ESTIMATION of number of cones needed.
This chart is for estimation ONLY, as quantity may vary depending on gauge and on arm and garment length desired. Be sure to order enough ALL AT ONE TIME, as dye lots are small and may vary slightly in color. Balls and cones may sometimes be different dyelots, so we recommend purchasing either skeins or cones, but not a combination of both.
Cordova Gansey Project – Frangipani Yarn Yardages
UPTON YARN is in 50 g skeins with 120 yards each. Use chart above to calculate approximate number of skeins you will need by doubling number in the #skeins column above. Purchase 2 extra skeins for swatching.ALASKA FISHERMAN YARN has two options for put up. Ganseys 42 inches and under may be completed with 900 grams. For each additional size, we estimate you will use an additional 100 grams.
BROOKLYN TWEED ARBOR is a new option for this project. More details will be available soon. In the meantime,
Michael's Gansey designed and knitted expressly for Michael Hand :Drifters Fish
