The remote Isles of Scilly lie beyond Cornwall’s most south westerly tip and are only visible from the mainland on a clear day. Home to semi-tropical flora and glass-clear waters which border sandy beaches, these islands endure brutal winter storms, resulting in a coastline littered with shipwrecks which have claimed many boats and lives. Scilly’s indomitable residents have rescued many souls. Their bravery is captured in a church’s stained-glass window on the island of  St. Agnes which depicts these rowers on a rescue mission clad in their woollen knitwear.
 
Passed down through generations with patterns echoing local heritage and harbour life. Gansey’s provide warmth and freedom of movement, created to endure Cornwall’s battering storms, and hand knitted with love. 
 
The knit and purl stitches seen on mariners sweaters represent the landscape and were unique to each port or harbour. The broken triangles and diamonds of our hat pattern reflect the rocks and wooden rowing boats. 
 
Our version of the Gansey patterns maintain this tradition but with a modern twist and pays homage to those brave seafarers from the Scilly Isles, and the families that knitted them.
 
Yarn : Approx. 350m 4-ply or 200m DK.
 
Yarn : Raw Wool Company: Shepherds Silver or Silver Mizzle. 
Or an equivalent 4ply or DK yarn which achieves gauge.
 
GAUGE: 22 sts x 28 rows per 10cm square 
 
NEEDLES: 3.75mm / US 6 circular needles 
Adjust needle size to obtain correct gauge
 
Notions : 1 stitch marker, tapestry needle
 
Fitting Guide : Approx 4-5cm negative ease
 
SIZE: One size approximately head circumference 55-59cm
(10cm negative ease)
 
Add or subtract approx 10/20sts to increase or decrease circumference by 4cm