I tend to be a monogamous knitter, that is one big project on the needles at a time, but this winter was different. As our world contended with yet another Covid variant and surging infection rates, I stayed home knitting and reading. (Are there any better cold weather tasks?) I alternated between my red Knit Camp knit-along (KAL) sweater, Vivi, and a gray gansey afghan.
The Cambridge English Dictionary defines gansey as “a thick, knitted sweater made of yarn, of a type originally worn by fishermen; synonym – guernsey.”
Originating over 400 years ago on the Channel Islands, traditional ganseys were tightly knit for warmth and as a resistant barrier against cold sea winds and salty sprays. Stitch patterns were inspired by everyday objects aboard ship – lines (ropes), ladders, and nets. My afghan incorporates repeats of garter ribbing, double moss, and diamond brocade stitches on either side of a diagonal chevron zigzag pattern; when put together with Berroco Vintage Chunky (for ease of washing) the result is snuggly warm.
Happy knitting!
PS – If you are looking for a romantic, period piece with a good story which also depicts the isolation of island life, check out The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Knit+ Librarian 
Your blanket is beautiful! I truly admire anyone who can be monogamous about any craft! LOL! I am all over the place and I have way too many interests. Your Vivi sweater is going to be stunning. Are you making it in the rust colored yarn in your heading? I love that color but I can’t wear it….same with green. BTW, I read the book you mentioned and it was a favorite. They also made it into a movie and there is a 2nd book. Have a great week!
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I have a gansey blanket in my favourites to knit and now I see this one I’ve added it too. I will be making one of them and mine will be grey too. Seeing how beautiful yours has turned out makes me excited to start it.
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Your afghan looks great. It would take me years to knit such a large project!! What a beautiful piece.
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Your blanket is so beautiful! An heirloom for sure!
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I just finished my fourth gansey and I LOVE your blanket.
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That looks beautiful and so cosy and warm. And now you get to snuggle underneath it knitting more things and reading more books!
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Gorgeous gansey blanket. I watched that movie. Really good, but not enough knitting. 😉
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Wow, you put a lot of work into that afghan. It is gorgeous!
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Your blanket is beautiful – well done on a brilliant finish!
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