Figure 1.-- |
Despite this restriction, the industry grew from strength to
strength. Wool had to be imported to supplement the local
supply and the export of garments began. The 'Gansy' as
it was called, became known on both sides of the Atlantic.
Queen Elizabeth I is reputed to have had her stockings knitted in
the Channel Islands.
Over the last four centuries the most popular of all
garments have been the traditional sweaters of Jersey
and Guernsey. The latter has individual and distinctive
patterns on the shoulders depicting rope ladders and
ripples on the sand. The story goes that should a seaman
be drowned at sea it was possible to identify from which
island or particular parish of that island he came.
Whilst knitting slowly declined, giving way to tourism and
agriculture, the popularity of the Jersey and Guernsey
sweaters did not wane. Wishing to continue this fine local
tradition, the local industry has retained the accepted
designs and knit only 100%, pure wool giving the
garments an extremely warm and most durable quality.
These traditional sweaters are here to stay and I am
proud to be able to supply a garment which has found its
way into the homes of Royalty and which once may have
been worn by Sir Walter Raleigh.
Navigate related Boys' Historical Clothing Web Site sweater pages pages:
[Return to the Main sweater page]
[Cable knit]
[Cardigans]
[Jersey]
[Pull-over]
[Turtle-neck]
[V-neck]
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