THE FIFE BANDED GANSEY
Knitwear is something Scotland is great at. We have the climate and the centuries of expertise.
The Fife Gansey Knit is our limited edition sweater, produced in one of Scotland's best knitwear factories to the highest standards.
The Gansey style is a distinctive woollen sweater, originally designed to provide protection for fishermen from wind and water but which is ideal for all outdoor activity. Our version, the Fife Gansey, is based on a vintage pattern from the area of Fife, Scotland.
Gansey’s were originally hand knitted by fishermen’s wives or family members, each with their own personalised patterns. The distinctive patterns would have allowed for identification if found drowned at sea.
On our Gansey shoot on location in Pittenweem Harbour, Fife we met a local fisherman’s wife, Helen, who was interested in what we were doing. She showed us her family’s fishing boats and told us that her family had hand-knitted Gansey’s for all their fishermen over the years. She then asked for our web address and said she liked our version so much she wanted to buy one for her husband when it was released. She said the sleeves were too long for fetching out the lobsters mind! You don’t get much higher praise than that.
We have used a soft but hearty 100% Virgin Merino wool, perfect for warmth, comfort and durability. Using a tightly spun 5-ply worsted wool (popularly known as "Seamen's Iron") the intricately patterned Gansey is knitted in a fully-fashioned construction on 5 gauge machine. The patterning to back and front and upper part of the sleeve provides decoration as well as an extra layer of warmth
Each knit comes with its own Repair and Mend Card with a length of yarn to allow for many years of use and any repairs ahead. This knitwear is designed to be passed down through generations.
On location at Pittenweem, Crail, Elie, St Monans Photographer – Frant Mart Model – Mike Guest, surfer and photographer