The Melancholic History (and Knitting technique) of The Gansey, Rajiv Surendra's favorite Sweater

[@suzannejones5992]

As a knitter, to hear the appreciation for our work spoken so emotionally is so uplifting. Thank you.

[@gailtucker294]

This will sound creepy.. I just love you..I am a 60 yr old woman who gets what you are about. Authenticity..humble, and kind... You are a beautiful soul.... I enjoy your channel . So glad you decided to share and bring some dignity to U-Tube and the world... 😇 such a joy...

[@EuphemiaGrubb]

Not creepy at all. Just what I feel but was unable to put into words.

[@cruisepaige]

Not creepy! He’s super cool and authentic and educational! What’s not to love

[@sevincolcer6967]

OMG...I can literally ditto your comment ( same age also) !

[@nancyb.9759]

I have to tell you, my 97 year old mom was in love with Ryan Gosling, and that gave her so much fun to feel🤗 I too love Rajiv, For all of the reasons you do!!!! He also reignites my desire to learn!!!

[@LynetteHulton]

Wonderful video and yes I am 70 and think he is wonderful too.

[@DonnaNichols-ep5de]

Rajiv...it is so comforting to know that there is someone like you in this world, who cares about what's really important in this life. You dont seem to take ANYTHING for granted. Im sure there are others like you in this world but it seems to be growing more and more difficult to find them .❤

[@maryellenskinner9029]

I am an old girl but when one of your videos come out I forward them to certain friends. Here’s the clincher, I always say “my boyfriend has made a new video.”😊❤

[@cruisepaige]

Im totally fangirling as well.

[@ellelle]

😂❤

[@lululand1653]

I'm also a fangirl big time.

[@DaisyDebs]

My husband loves his hand knitted gansey which he wears only for best ! His family are Cornish and were mariners . His grandpa and great grandpa would have worn their gansey everyday working hard in all weathers out on the schooners . ⚓ Enjoyed this video and love that you are keeping the tradition of hand knitting these beautiful ganseys . 🐬🦈🐟🐟

[@conniesmith3837]

My mom wrote a poem... Venus De Milo had no arms, Yet she captivates the world. I have two and all I do is knit when I should have purled. By Alta Williams💜

[@hopegold883]

There are other stitches. I guess he meant that’s all that’s used in Gansies.

[@soulieobelissevan]

I love this poem so much ❤😊 thank you for sharing 🙏

[@Kathryn_the_Great]

@@hopegold883 Really? What "other stitches" do you use? I've been knitting for 63 years and have made a lot of things, including sweaters, some of which are ganseys. There are only two stitches - knits and purls. Everything else is just variations of or combinations of knits and purls.

[@charleswebster2550]

​@@hopegold883Hello Hope😊 I have learned so much in my 79 years & did not know the history of knitting for many years. One such tidbit was the same as another commentor stated who has been kniting for 63 years. She is correct. All the beautiful & intricate stitches we make are, in reality, the "children" of Father Knit & Mother Purl. I have been croheting for 71 years and self-taught knitting for 64 years. My blind grandmother Pearl taught me the beauty of crochet, tatting, hairpin lace, & embroidery as a small child. Before I became a teenager, I was so hungry for knitting, I taught myself with the aid of a Paton's pattern pamphlet & yarn, two small size #2 blue aluminum needles and then later with magazines & books. That first project was for a wool diamond scarf of all knit & purl stitches for one of my great uncle's who was a merchant mariner. I have focused my retirement years on teaching small children to teens girls & boys, as well as children & adults with special needs, ADHD, Bipolar & learning dissabilities. Knitting as we all know, has a meditative and calming effect on us. We can escape from what ails us by picking up 2 sticks and a ball of twine or yarn, or unraveling an old moth-eaten sweater or one from the local Good Will or Salvation Army, and creating a thing of pride & joy ! Oh yes.. I even taught my niece's husband and little son who are avid knitter's to this day. When my grandson was hurt in a bicycle/vehicle accident while on vacation on an island, he asked to be taught as he was housebound for weeks. He took to kniting fiercely and with great enthusiasm. He had natural talent & his stitches were fast and uniform. 3 projects later, he was ready for more bicycle sdventures. His baby sister 8 years younger than him, asked the same question when she saw me knitting alone in the beach cottage late one stormy night with light-up needles because the electric had gone out. I was knitting to stay awake as I need a machine to breathe at night. She asked if I could show her "how to do that" and was knitting and purling her big brother's new hat with lightening speed before the morning sun came up.😊 If I ever did one thing right in my life it was to dedicate my time and love of knitting to everyone who wanted to learn. Seeing the astonishment & pure joy on the faces of my students & their serious gratitude has made my life worthwhile.❤ And......how miraculous that all of our beautiful stitches were born of only two...the Father Knit & Mother Purl 🤗 May God bless you & bring you overwhelming joy with your journey in creating things of beauty that you have knit your heart into.❤🙏😊

[@arlinejernigan]

I aim to be more like you, but I swear you set the bar super high LOL You are so elegant.

[@rajivsurendra]

My hope is that I inspire you to be more like YOU...the very best parts of you and the aspects of your life that you always dreamed of reaching.

[@Wandering.Homebody]

I can so relate! Watching Rajiv's content has literally made me want to be, and actually become (to some extent), more thoughtful and conscientious and neat, in a really good way,that I've been enjoying a lot.

[@arlinejernigan]

@@Wandering.Homebody exactly.

[@arlinejernigan]

@@rajivsurendra See, You are super awesome!!!!!

[@arlinejernigan]

@@rajivsurendra I definitely get that from you. I actually like who I am, and yet I do want to be much more intentional than I already am. I mean, I do live a considered life, but what I would like to cultivate within myself, that you seem to do, is to really appreciate deeply and only bring quality and excellence into your space, whether it is physical, emotional or mental. We are all works in process, and I believe we are here to create and express in our won unique ways, I just find it really nice that you remind us to slow down and appreciate more. Also try slow down and learn more. I love your elevated sensibility without compromise. That is what I aim for in meh own way.

[@luciemarion6433]

We are knitters , and I didn’t have a clue about these sweaters and its history . I wrote to my neighbour and she was so excited from your video that she suscribed and will knit a Gansey for her husband who is a Teacher in history and is amazed with the information that you have given us. Thank you sooooo much😍 I will pursue the love and wonders of your teachings that are so precious to me and so many ….

[@rajivsurendra]

Wow, I love this! I'm honored to know that this video sparked the creation of a gansey.

[@alisonburgess345]

I live next door to a Shetland Islander - one day he brought out a traditional gansey he has. You should've seen it! it was unbelievable - with the most beautiful things like thistles and extremely intricate patterns. It was the most impressive thing i've ever seen.. He said the women can walk along knitting and making up patterns as they go. Amazing 😮😮

[@dorteweber3682]

I have made three of these. Each one with the traditional Yorkshire worsted. Each one took me a year!! Respect for the ladies who could produce one in three weeks!

[@christinemccoy5237]

Breathtaking tribute to this art! Imagine making one for your husband as a fisherman, praying it keeps him warm and safe but knowing that in those stitches cast in love , it could be used as identification of home if God forbid, he was lost at Sea and return him to his family. It elevates my love of knitting so much more now. Thank you

[@cynthiacrumlish4683]

Knitting right now! Not a Gansey but just ordered a Gamsey knitting book. My Dad’s side of the family came from Donegal so I feel the ancestors calling.

[@beeimaginative]

Your sweaters are a treasure. Who could need more clothes when you have these?! On another note, I am wondering if you are going to do a Tamil New Year video? I have heard about kolams and would to know more about all the wonderful New Year traditions.

[@shepherdessofskymeadow]

When this video popped up I immediately recognized the word "geansaidh" (the Scots Gaelic word for "sweater") - different spelling but virtually the same pronounciation. :) Thoroughly enjoyed this close-up view of such incredible craftsmanship and its history. Our heritage skills won't die as long as there are still people in the world who take the time to recognize their value and beauty, a beauty that could never be faked in mass-production. Thanks as always for being you. 🙏🏼

[@mdun3869]

The Irish word is geansaí, also pronounced the same

[@jackieangove3419]

I’m from Guernsey and my mum always knitted our Guernsey jumpers .I always remember her knitting them on circular needles❤

[@missmagic707]

LOVE circular needles for knitting jumpers!

[@enricaalbaro1490]

Those long needles he showed were actually to be used with a knitting belt. They were made to be long enough to anchor into the belt that would hold what your right hand would normally. Thus you could do other things like walk and knit at the same time. There are great photos of children gathering peat for fires while knitting with these 18" or longer needles.

[@LindaRUDYK]

How do I learn this technique? I would love to knit a sweater like this! I went to Guernsey for my honeymoon in 1972.

[@enricaalbaro1490]

@@LindaRUDYK Hazel Tindel who is linked with Jamieson and Smith Yarn Co., has a DVD tutorial set that has great reviews. Plus her accent is fun to listen to. Also there are a few places you can order knitting belts and needles from, but not too many.

[@enricaalbaro1490]

@@LindaRUDYK Check out Hazel Tindel, she has a wonderful instructional series that shows you how to knit with a knitting belt like a real Shetlander. She has also won speed knitting competetions (yes plural) knitting with this technique. It is said that there is video proof that some could knit 200 stitches a minute..... crazy! As for patterns check out a brick and mortar library for legit patterns. Good luck and happy knitting!

[@flaxholmelis5996]

Oh Rajiv, the gansey is such a special jumper in the UK. Thank you for highlighting this. So few people know the story of these traditional sweaters and I recently saw a plea in a national newspaper for people who might possibly be able to learn the art, to join the group of people knitting them, as there is a risk that they will die out. I would love to do just that, but currently my busy life does not allow for it. Maybe a retirement project 😊

[@christinegivens9048]

You can still knit without being retired! I’m knitting one now on circular needles. Check out The Real Wool Company for patterns and wool. Gorgeous.

[@Padraigp]

I thought it was just the irish word for jumper! I had no idea it was a thing! All pullovers were called ganseys when I was a kid by my family. Glad to have found out the origin of it!

[@Padraigp]

Maybe the time you're spending scrolling and commenting could go towards doing a line or two a day? That's all I can manage and I'm half way through a cardigan ...I'm crotchetting it not knitting but I'm amazed that a line or two before bed has turned into half a garment. Please god I will actually finish it 🙏 😂

[@ArDeeMee]

That‘s the right attitude, Padra! This is how I get socks done. Every finished row is a FINISHED ROW, period. =) My favorite projects are crochet super-size blankets, I don’t know why. 😂

[@irenejohnston6802]

Here in Liverpool we called our jumpers Ganseys(Guernsey fishermen's sweaters) or Jersey's from the other Channel Island. Aged 84

[@EuphemiaGrubb]

I am told my grandfather used to say things like 'It's cold so mind put on your Gansey' He died when I was 6months old and I'm 70 yrs old now. He was always making up words of his own that became 'family colloquialisms' and I thought Gansey was one of them. Learn something every day! Thank you!

[@PeculiarJulia]

In the 1970’s my aunty in Scotland used to knit us Aran jumpers which are similar to ganseys. My sisters and I used to wear them with kilts. They were SO itchy. I used to cry and ask to take it off, but my mum said “no, you look so nice”. I hope more people learn this craft, for all the people who can comfortably wear wool. You do look so nice in yours Rajiv.

[@norahmcphee4928]

FLower, you can get non itchy aran wool for those beloved jumpers that do look so stunning, especially in traditional ivory cream colour, and you would love to wear one now. Norah

[@franschiff7694]

Wonderful video

[@iloveprivacy8167]

Who says it has to be wool?😉 Traditions are meant to live and change over time, so that people continue them. If you love the sweaters, get or make one you *can* wear! 🥰

[@r.v.portillo3058]

Im a crocheter. I appreciate your words. My every stitch is with love.

[@PennyPowell-fr9ec]

I wish you were in Bridgerton. I'm watching it right now, and it would be so divine to have you as a member of the cast.

[@cruisepaige]

But he’s a real person!!!

[@SB-hb4lu]

He could be a character!!​@@cruisepaige

[@barbmormile4806]

He is a character! A real one! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@biddydibdab9180]

Rajiv does more than teach me about the many valuable skills that used to be practiced as part of daily life; he, through his vast knowledge, enriches and feeds my soul. Thanks Rajiv.

[@ElisAnd235]

Last year in may I started my third romanian blouse, but the most complex one. Cutting the linen fabric (a blouse is like a puzzle), hemming the parts otherwise it will desintegrate, embroidering every part with silk thread and traditional techniques (thread counting) and finally this week I will put together all the pieces, all hand done. It took almost a full year, ~3h/day of embroidering, but I'm over the moon with the results so far, I will wear my "haute couture" blouse (as I like to call it) for the first time at my sisters wedding 😁 I'm addicted to doing things by hand so I deeply appreciate the work that is done to create a ganzie

[@m.maclellan7147]

Oooo, that sounds fascinating! Any sources you could share ?! Videos, books, etc. ?!

[@MyDaisy66]

Wow. I would love to see your beautiful blouse. I too love hand sewing (knitting too) but I just make pouches, small patchwork quilts and sewing books. You must be incredibly talented 🌸

[@charlotteroberts]

Sounds like the most beautiful piece of art!

[@maudline]

This really moved me almost to tears! Also real haute couture is just fine handmade clothing, so your handmade blouse would fit that label too ♥️

[@lindapankhurst4513]

I love knitting these the traditional way. They take a while to finish, but when done they last forever. Gansey knitting is very satisfying on many levels. The way they are knitted is so practical. They last forever. They can reflect the knitter's own personality by the patterns she (or he) chooses to use to embellish the basic garment. I shall watch your progress with interest.

[@rajivsurendra]

I love that you're keeping this tradition alive!

[@judithmitchellthedevotedlu3087]

Knitting one for my son as we speak. ❤🧶

[@Onewiseknit]

I can't believe he said his Sculpture teacher was Mrs. Burke in highschool. She was also my teacher in highschool in the 1990's. I won't divulge the highschool, but I know which school we're talking about in Toronto, Ontario. Incredible!! I know her too and saw her about 7 yrs ago at a craft show. I remembered her instantly. Spending time in her class were some of the best memories of my life. We made cool ceramics. I remember the day when she brought in an Amaryllis around Christmas time...that is how I learned about Amaryllis's. Every time I see an Amaryllis Im reminded and think of Mrs. Burke. So many people have such good memories with her. She has NO idea how many student's hearts she touched. This lady is very very special. Thanks for mentioning her in your video. Im an avid knitter too and didn't know she was a knitter either. I never saw any of her knitting in highschool, I wasn't knitting in highschool either. I was a 16yr old girl. Thank you for this awesome video. I know the history of Gansey's too. Very nice, very nice. !! 💗

[@junearrivedlastnight7975]

I just started knitting this year and I was hoping you’d do a video like this one day. I can’t tell you how happy I was to see this when I opened KZbin! Thank you so much for another wonderful video, Rajiv. I love knitting and crochet, and I appreciate how much detail you went into gansey history as well as techniques.

[@pia9343]

My grandmother in Finland was an avid knitter and taught me a little bit of that. I have not knitted in decades maybe I should try a little project.

[@rajivsurendra]

Yes! You should!

[@m.maclellan7147]

I recently re-learned knitting (I'm 61). I had knit a bit as a teenager. I am so glad I picked it up again ! Was a bit frustrating at first, but now I find it relaxing.

[@DwarfDragonwulf]

Thank you, Rajiv, for making my mind peaceful once again.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks for watching.

[@patsydf]

I live in the south of England UK and I love knitting, trouble is it's rarely cold enough these days to wear a full sweater of any kind. I knitted a beautiful aran hoody for one of my sons (at his request) but he has yet to wear it. I am fascinated with the gansey and will knit one one day, on a circular cable though (so much less fiddly).

[@arctiknitter]

I've been knitting for 60 years and enjoyed all this information about ganseys. Thank you for such an informative, nicely presented video.

[@Moorandmist]

A wonderful video! I have been researching Gansey’s as part of a year long project and I can’t wait to get going on the actual knitting! I think if you delve into the subject at all it becomes clear that the notion that a fisherman could be yoinked out the sea anywhere on the coast and sent home to his loved ones just by the pattens on his Gansey is a bit of a myth. The Herring Girls were women and girls who worked on the docks cleaning the fish moved around following the shoals of herring alongside the fisherman all the way up the coast. They definitely took part in knitting Ganseys and there are interviews with knitters explaining they did take inspiration from other Herring Girls/Fisher Lassie’s stitch patterns. I can imagine Ganseys knitted by wives, sisters and daughters might have a bit more local identity but they would have been coming into contact with stitch patterns from all over the coast. It also would mean that each town or village had its own very specific set of stitch patterns that didn’t appear anywhere else and there’s no evidence of this (I think apart from some Hebridean ones). However, I do imagine that if someone fell overboard and they were found very locally they might be identified by their Gansey, often they had initials stitched in purl bumps either on the hem or on the underarm gussets. People would maybe recognise the combination of stitch patterns if they were around him enough. The amazing Mary Wright book you showed has a small section on this topic and has some amazing photos and lovely anecdotal stories. Your Ganseys are stunning and so special and it’s amazing you supported the knitting collective in Yorkshire. Looking forward to future videos, I’ve just subscribed ❤

[@FabricofTime]

My theory on where that story got started is that a knitter can spot their own knitting, so if someone washed up wearing a gansey and a family was missing someone, it would be easy for the knitter to confirm whether it was their missing loved one. But yeah, knitters are incorrigible borrowers of patterns and gansey patterns are not difficult to work out by looking at them, so it would be pretty tough to keep the patterns a secret unless you never wore them in public.

[@luciemarion6433]

I am a knitter , and wanted to thank you for the history . This is something I will look into because of you and your great teaching ❤❤

[@christinegivens9048]

Check out The Raw Wool Company for wool. Amazing.

[@SpecialSP]

When I was pregnant during the winter of 75-76, I decided to knit a pair of mittens. This was the "era" of mood rings. When I put the ring on while knitting, it turned black! Any other time it was blue. I loved being pregnant so the blue (relaxed) was very appropriate. Black on the other hand, was tense and nervous. Knitting was the ONLY time it turned black. I finished my mittens and took up crochet …

[@cheryldeville9211]

I totally understand... but for me I turn to knitting to relax! My mood ring would be black during the day and blue when I escaped into my knitting 😅

[@SpecialSP]

@@cheryldeville9211 If we were roommates, I could crochet you an afghan and you could knit me a sweater!

[@cheryldeville9211]

@@SpecialSP a fabulous solution!!

[@SpecialSP]

@@cheryldeville9211 We could do this long distance!!! I'm in Oregon. Where are you?

[@Christina-w1t]

This the best video on Gansey knitting but I think that it was not just wives that did their husband knitting, I think the sailors also did their sweaters too. So at sea the sailors repaired their own sweaters since they probably made it themselves 😊 11:06 pm, Seattle time

[@treehugnhipi3765]

What a remarkable creation! Every corner of the piece has been designed for the highest functionality. This video not only fed my mind, but my heart and my soul. YOU are so precious, my dear. I want a gansey…

[@lynnewillette2654]

I knew all this as I’ve studied knitting for most of my 73 years and love researching the history behind designs. My own knitting is varied but I have knit and will knit more ganseys and gansey inspired sweaters. I even have the 14 inch double point needles to use but sometimes will use circular needles too.

[@wallowinthehallows]

Raj, you are an absolute treasure. Thank you for being unapologetically yourself and for educating us all on the Gansey! I’m a novice knitter and can’t wait to make my first Gansey. 😊

[@marionandrews176]

I’ve never heard of a Gansey. I would definitely like to own one.

[@signaturelements]

I love how this became a spinning video 😂 shout out to my fellow string makers! Ty for explaining staple, breed etc for folks who are new to yarn life. The sheep are the real mvps and deserve their flowers!

[@justamom4853]

the lanolin also helps keep it waterproofed. From a mom who used cloth nappies with wool wraps.

[@Sparkles4me]

Would love to see more of your knitting...

[@MyDaisy66]

Rajiv…it’s time to write a book. You are incredibly talented and have many interests. Everything you do is done in the same quality of its origins. You want to keep these traditions alive??? Then tell the world. We’ll support you. Come to the uk and do a book tour with talks about your interests. Please 🙏🏻 Love your channel 🌸

[@suzannethwing5211]

I knit my first gansey 28 years ago for my fifth child Quinn. I knit it out of cotten, so it wasn’t as stretchy as wool. I still have the sweater today but stuffed it and sewed the arms to the sides, as it’s become a pillow for my reading chair. Watching this is making me want to knit a gansey for myself. I love the border Lester wool as well, but I don’t have any to spin, but I do have a lovely grey fleece in my stash, now to go through those bags to find it. Keep up your good work❤Blessings Rajvi

[@annabellamarston448]

I enjoyed this so much I am a Scotswoman living in Jamaica for over 65 years . The word is still in use in Jamaica and refers to an undershirt. Lots of European settlers here were from Cornwall, Scotland and Ireland .

[@lesliefaris530]

I knit every day and have two cones of Frangipani, a 5 ply gansey wool waiting in queue to knit a gansey. So happy you shared these beautiful jumpers with the world❤️

[@rajivsurendra]

I love that Frangipani yarn. Good luck!

[@m.maclellan7147]

​@rajivsurendra perhaps you could share where you order your yarn !?

[@susanpilling8849]

Thank you so much for this. I have always loved and wanted a traditional gansey since visiting the island of Guernsey as a teenager in the 1960's. The link to the website is just what I needed as I will be able to order one of their kits. As I live in Yorkshire I have visited Flamborough many times. It can be a very bleak place on a grey stormy winter's day but has a raw beauty that is found in many of the North Sea coastlines. The bravery of the fishermen and the risks they take to put food on our tables is astounding. To wear a garment that has such a place in our history will be an honour.

[@ellenpaasch4743]

Another wonderful video. My South Uist family members were fishermen and wore our Scottish fisher jerseys knitted by women in the family.

[@lauraleecreations3217]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ I have been hand knitting since i was 19 years old. This coming July, I will be 53. I also crochet and sew. 17 is when I started crocheting. And 4 years old with sewing. Here in New England and when I lived in Maryland; there are so.many hand knitters.❤❤❤

[@ritaderuysscher3535]

Hi Rajiv, I have knitted Aran sweaters, Icelandic lopapeysas, Norwegian and Fair Isle sweaters and simple garments and toys of all sorts, but I had never heard of Ganseys. You piqued my curiosity! Since my local library has a couple of books on Ganseys, I have put a hold on them. Can’t wait to get them, get the wool at my favourite yarn store and start knitting, so that I can add to my, my sons’ and my grandchildren’s sweater collections. Thank you so much for promoting all these crafts as well as an appreciation of all things beautiful. And, yes, it’s so much better to buy less, but buy quality; better still if you can make it yourself. Greetings from Ottawa! 🇨🇦 love, love, love your videos

[@Stumpybear7640]

Hi Rajiv, so glad to see you knitting on KZbin, men knitters are a thing in Iceland, apparently. The melancholy truth about the gansey designs is also true about the Fair isle patterns in Shetland. A fisherman washed ashore was always sent home guided by the pattern and design of his jumper😢. I love your stylish, curated videos into times past. Much love xxx

[@lauraknecht-fw6nx]

Just woke to gear up to prepare my Easter dinner. Everything can wait when I see one of your videos pop up. You are so fun and interesting and classy. Thank you for always delivering wonderful content!

[@saolairde396]

Same in Ireland 🇮🇪. I believe origin was uk however we used natural colour of the sheep’s wool originally, I remember in early 70 s knitting circles rurally knitting these sweaters, it’s very commercial now I would say here, still lovely though. love your broadcasts ❤️

[@Padraigp]

I always thought the qord ganaey wa sjuet irish for jumper! Had no idea it was a thing!!

[@saolairde396]

@@Padraigp your right it is. Scot’s & Manx Gaelic words very similar. However, the knitting tradition apparently originated in guernsey and brought to Aran islands where we adapted our own around 1890’s. You learn something new every day!

[@Padraigp]

@saolairde396 ah I also always thought it had something to do with Guernsey cos it sounds so similar. That's cool!

[@annellewellyn5535]

.I've been knitting for 50 years and I love all the history of Gansey sweaters. Thanks for retelling the history for the new generation of knitters. Your sweaters are really beautiful.

[@norahmcphee4928]

Thank you so much Rajiv for wanting to keep the craft of knitting alive. I had knitted my first jumper just before i turned 3 and have knitted ever since as the hands allow. As a child of the 70's, early 80's i was bullied mercilessly because i knitted every where i went, the needles and ball of wool were always to be found in my school bay. I so enjoy being able to make something for someone and see them wear it, that is what gives me the most pleasure. Now, some of those same bullies want me to share and teach them how to knit, they have grandchildren coming along and want to knit something for their beloved grandchild. Enjoy your stunning Ganseys lad and again thank you for wanting to keep this craft alive. Norah, Scotland

[@PatlLawson]

Ganseys are my jam! It’s a subject of great interest to me. So hope you’ll finish yours Rajiv. You’ve done the hardest part with the channel cast on. The doubled yarn on such tiny gauge needles can be so tough on fingers and hands. Have you a knitting belt too? So glad you included the books which were unknown to me. ‘Knitting Ganseys’ by Beth Brown-Reisel is an excellent modern book of instruction with several patterns reflecting the different regional motifs. My husband wears his nearly every day.

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

I took a class from Beth Brown-Reinsel a number of years ago and made a tiny little Gansey. Her book is excellent and she’s a fine human being. She now lives in southern Vermont.

[@ryanmiske2178]

Lanolin is an oil. Therefore, water repellant and helpful for the keeping the fishermen dry and warm. A current use for lanolin is undercoating for cars which limits rust! Great video as usual Rajiv.

[@CrumbleMcRumble]

Knitter and new spinner here…I absolutely love this video, and I am SO HAPPY there are people in the world like you! Thank you for this wonderful video ❤

[@rebecca-72]

Wonderful historical presentation, thank you! I’m a self taught (thank you, KZbin) knitter who can now proudly knit and wear or gift handmade items of clothing. Was knitting on a cardigan for my sister as I watched this 😊

[@tricial4330]

I do believe I'll be able to quit taking my high blood pressure medication, as a result of watching your channel. You're an amazing, talented, and unique person. Thank you for sharing your world, your talents and your calm demeanor. Love your style, all of it, your lovely home, the music you choose, the old photos you share! I'd never heard of a gansey, but I was fortunate enough to travel to the Aran Island of Inismor and purchased a handmade Aran island sweater that I adore. Happy Easter.

[@janet_Luv2_Knit]

I am a knitter and really enjoyed this episode. Great information. Knitting is on the rise again and more and more people are enjoying making their own garments.

[@Rose01bloom]

I gasped when you showed the work around the arm, that is incredibly beautiful.

[@jaymiemundy3305]

The Guernsey is very common in Aotearoa New Zealand. They're made out of homespun. Often used as a group project where one woman makes the sleeves while another one or two take turns on the body's. While others make up the hank's of homespun. Knitting drives my crazy but carding, spinning or drying wool never gets boring.

[@emilylouise9705]

I'm tempted to try making one for my brother. He's a keen angler, and it's his 30th birthday next years so this would be the perfect gift for a special "big" birthday. It just looks like a gargantuan amount of very tricky and technical knitting, though 😅 Intimidating. I usually do a lot more colourwork stuff rather than cables and textures.

[@iloveprivacy8167]

Rajiv, you absolutely CAN make a gansey! You have all of the base skills, & an appreciation of the traditions of the art - you'd be perfect! You don't have to - clearly you do a LOT with your time! - but don't say you "can't". 😉

[@SB-hb4lu]

I really hope you get to vist England and the knitters of Ganseys. Very much looking forward to those videos also. Greetings from England 🎉

[@maryb.222]

I learn so much from you Rajiv! Thank you so much for sharing what stirs your heart. I didn’t even know gansey was a word outside Ireland (where it is spelled geansaí and means jumper/sweater in a general sense). Now I have learned the word comes from Guernsey, which makes so much sense looking at the words! Thanks again and hope you have a lovely weekend ❤

[@kava2021]

I love what you said about having a few things that means something to you than to have a wardrobe full of clothese that come in and out of season. My goal in my knitting and crocheting is to have a few precious items that I will hold on and pass on to my sons. Also what I’m amazed about you and your channel is that you are a Renaissance man…calligraphy, knitting, painting…. And you do all things well. Thanks for a great video on the history of the gansey sweaters.

[@antonyreyn]

Great vizier, family from Filey, Flamborough, Scarborough cheers

[@abbakarenina]

This video warmed my heart! I’m from Yorkshire and I’ve been knitting since I was little (my granny taught me), I’m 24 and I have made a couple of ganseys, so know that the tradition’s not dead, just endangered! I want to make another one after watching this video. I adore the history of workwear, having grown up with fast fashion being the norm, I can only conclude that slow processes, accurate tailoring and adjustable, practical designs are the only way to build a wardrobe that lasts!

[@fujimama892]

I have the book Knitting Ganseys by Beth Brown-Reinsel. It has all the information needed to make a Gansey IMO. Years ago I used it to knit a very small Gansey. I knit it for a baby nephew who is now attending college. It was really a practice in making a Gansey the traditional way.

[@garyweybright3227]

I’m also a knitter, and one other thing about the yarn used to make a gansey is the lanolin’s tremendous ability to shed water! They are amazingly waterproof! Important when you’re a fisherman or fisherwoman! They are also very self cleaning so they rarely should be washed! Thank you for taking the time to talk about the importance of retaining some of the old world! ClaudiaSJI

[@ellies6563]

I had a guernsey (what we call them here) as a child and I loved it. Oversized when I was given it, and far too small by the time I gave it up. I am knitting a cardigan for my friend atm but I think my next project should be another guernsey (one that I’ll never have to give up 😊)

[@caporalemamandine643]

Thank you ! I didn’t know those jumper were called Gainsy. I will try to knit one! I love knitting, especially socks 🧦. Knitting is like creating a portable hug 🤗

[@pworthyart]

Thank you for this wonderful video. I am a knitter and so appreciate the time and expertise that goes into making a garment like this. I truly enjoyed the history of this wonderful sweater and will be ordering one for myself in the very near future! Thank you so much!

[@kachinaneon]

As a spinner and knitter of many years, excellent video. I'm working on spinning some Suffolk right now into a worsted 2-ply. Suffolk is very underrated.

[@MariaMatheu-ov8oq]

Rajiv, you always manage to unveil worldly objects that I’m not familiar with which I end up loving. You’re such a precious soul.

[@sarabaldeschwieler7763]

Yorkshire coast fishermen still wear their Ganseys. Knitted in local pattern and family patterns. There are good museums to visit in Whitby and Filey.

[@cleonawallace376]

Part of my family came from Norfolk, where the fishermen wore ganseys. My husband and I once visited the museum at Cromer and they had a little piece about them there. I've always thought they made the fishermen look quite chic with their dark blue colour and tight fitted look, even though I understand it was a practical thing on a boat, where you wouldn't want any fabric flapping around in the wind, or getting caught in ropes. I spend a fair bit of time thinking about Solarpunk fashion, and it seems to me that ganseys are a perfect candidate...carefully crafted, long lasting, practical, beautiful and full of history. I don't know that my own knitting would be up to scratch to undertake on yet, but I will investigate the books and knitting collective. Thanks for sharing!

[@AudreyCoyne]

Absolutely loved this!

[@Emilylylyly]

I’m watching this while knitting my Irish cable sweater - getting the immersive experience.

[@mollyday6890]

I'm so happy. I love Rajiv and I love ganseys! I have two of them - one from Hull and one from Aberdeen, two places I've lived.

[@melaniederima2314]

The jumper my Mum knit for me is most precious and I feel almost invincible in it ❤. Such a lovely video!

[@virginiacardinal9563]

I read a New York Times article about calligraphy's rise in popular, and the mention of your youtube channel brought me here. And I quite like things here, so here I will stay. Funnily enough, years back in uni, you were profiled in a campus newspaper, in an article on calligraphy. I kept the article, and I am very happy that now I can see more of your work and interests.

[@cecilyerker]

Rajiv is actually a cultured gentleman

[@trudydelich2920]

Thank you for addressing the gansey sweater. My very first sweater was a simple gansey. Simple. Made out of cheviot which was a mistake. Too lofty and short stapled, but I love it. Then I made another out of our own sheeps' wool held together with a strand of mohair for a tweedy look. Love it. We have Liecester Longwool and Wensleydales. Border is hybridized out of the Leicester Longwool. You are so right about the staple being the trick to strength. Slow, slow to pill and wears like iron (almost). You could try a gansey without such intricate patterns. More of a repeat stitch rather than so many fancy cables. The gussets are wonderful. Now I am spinning wensleydale for my third. (I have UK sheep, but live in the US) Love hearing about something other than merino (or heaven forbid, acrylic) designs. Love the heritage piece.

[@nancyvance2772]

I'm 76, and I want to be just like you when I grow up!

[@differentperspective4124]

Fascinating history and instruction! Thank you!

[@lonniebolwerk8164]

My mother's family were fisherman in Whitby, North Yorkshire and wore ganseys. They lasted for years.

[@reallyaprilstarr]

My grandmother (who would have adored you) tried to teach me crochet when I was a kid but I didn’t have the patience for it then. She did teach me to sew, and I still sew some, most for mending and tailoring. I have done some embroidery and enjoy that. It may be time to try another fiber craft. 😊

[@c8lynwilson]

When I saw the topic of your video I nearly fell off my chair. My mum knitted a gansey for my Cornish dad over 40 years ago. The jumper is stunning and is still as beautiful as the day it was finished. I have been on the hunt for someone to knit my partner one for his 60th birthday and I’m so thrilled that you have given me a lead. I’m in Australia and we don’t have the type of wool you need for a gansey. Thank you for highlighting this beautiful traditional garment. Now you need to make yourself a smock to go with it!

[@sarahp1383]

How immensely lucky you were to have had a wonderful teacher, Mrs Bourke, who introduced you to the fascinating world of knitting. How many people have this good fortune of interacting with teachers who profoundly bring out the creative side in you. Thank you for this very interesting video. A video to be treasured for the detailed explanation of the effort that goes into making every single Gansey , and why it is knitted in a specific way for very practical reasons. Thank you Rajiv.

[@annmariebusu9924]

I am a knitter. Thanks for sharing this history of gansey and how to knit. I have never seen such long double points. I was tempted to knit the design but its for men 😅. Maybe my dad might get lucky one day.

[@dottiebaker6623]

Traditionally they were made for men, but now, anyone can wear them.

[@makingitthrough190]

When I grew up in UK we used to get the Golden Hands magazines. How I wish I had kept them. They had easy to follow instructions for all kinds of crafts many of which I tried. Among these were instructions for Fisherman’s Jumpers. I remember that the needles were very small to allow for a tight knit texture. Sadly, my brain did not take after my mother and her sister who were both excellent knitters. They never did knit me a “Gansey” but there are other knitted “hugs” I still have even though they are both gone now. Thank you for sharing this story with us.

[@elainebradleyceramist]

I grew up in Ireland, now living in Western Australia. I often find golden hands folders full of the mags in charity shops. They inspired my sewing interest. I’ll look harder now after your comment as I’m a knitter too.

[@knittingyogi4975]

When my grandmother passed I inherited her “knitting pins” long double-ended stainless steel knitting pins. I could not have been happier. I have used circular knitting needles, but they don’t compare to the stitches made with the knitting pins. Thank you for bringing attention to these hand-knit sweaters.

[@ryoknits]

I’m curious, how are they different? I’m very used to circular needles but do love a DPN for the small circumferences. Do the pins help you knit at a tighter gauge?

[@elizabethsanmiguel]

Warm woolly thank you for this wonderful technically clear history lesson into the art of knitting. I continue to wonder why people born in the 90s and after often do not know how to knit and crochet. They are so rewarding and a source of creative joy.

[@theodorapriska9860]

Dearest Rajiv, I met you today at a coffee shop in NYC. it was a very exciting moment for me! Just an FYI, My mother and I used to make Gansey’s - we were fortunate enough to have the very same tension when we knitted and therefore could interchange our knitting. Toward the end of my Mother’s life, the most important aspect of the gansey’s was the yarn we used. My favorite ended up being the wonderfully colored Madeline Tosh yarns. Have you ever tried it? Ps. We always used circular needles… I suppose that’s kind of cheating. Such a pleasure to meet you!

[@lindamclaughlin2274]

This was great information. I’ve noticed the ones you wear and I’ve always loved the look. I never knew what they were called, now I do. My daughter in-law knits and spins her own wool. 🤔. I may need to ask her if she could knit one. Thanks and have a great day.

[@bonriver9420]

Wow, this was so interesting. I had never heard of this type of sweater before. They are absolutely beautiful. Hopefully this art will never die out. Rajiv, your videos are such wonderful gifts to us all.

[@bthjdthrntn]

Watching whilst knitting my second gansey! Thank you for sharing this video

[@estherpowell2372]

I am enchanted by Gansey. I have two Gansey inspired afghans going. Thank you for your wonderful videos!

[@meganbartlett8453]

Oh my goodness I was literally just having a break looking for something to watch while I knit and my boy pops up...not only talking about knitting but ganseys. I totally recommend Knitting Ganseys by Beth brown-reinsel. My kids 15 and 18 have already chosen their patterns.

[@christinevalentine3373]

Dear Rajiv, I too love hand knitted garments. Thank you for sharing your joy in traditional art including knitting.