Gansey Wrist Warmers

Gansey sweaters are part of a long and important tradition of functional workwear made significant by care and skill in handknitting. Probably originating in Guernsey in the fifteenth century as a woven smock work by fishermen and travelling north through sea trade, the Scottish Gaelic word GEANSAIDH developed to mean sweater or jumper. Ganseys in Scotland are mostly associated with the sea and fishing industry, certainly worn by fishermen but also the herring girls who travelled the coast to prepare the huge catches landed by the fleet. As a result, there are examples of gansey sweaters from the Outer Hebrides and Northern Isles such as Eriskay and Lewis, all across the northern tip of Scotland, down its east coast to Aberdeen, Eyemouth and then the east coast of England as far as Great Yarmouth.

Its dense fabric was usually made in 5ply wool, knitted on small needles and fitted close to the body – this helped to keep the wearer warm and dry in all weathers. The idea of being able to identify a fisherman by the design of his gansey is a myth, but motifs were chosen because of popularity and important personal meaning as well as associations with fishing – these included ropes, nets, waves and crosses.

This wrist warmer pattern is inspired by the traditional gansey sweater motif of the Tree of Life. It holds particular symbolism for strength and wisdom. The tree motif is separated by a simple dart design.