Craske in Shetland wool

“He liked to be outside when the rising sun marked a many-coloured road of light across the sea. Such unexpected colours: bronze and the softest pinks and yellows”

Threads – The Delicate Life of John Craske. Julia Blackburn.

Back in stock in Blood Orange (one shade darker than Burnt Mustard) very soon.

Available to pre-order now!

From the Olive and George collection, drawing inspiration from the Norfolk Fishermen’s Gansey jumpers of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Craske in 100% Shetland wool is a modern interpretation of a traditional Gansey. Crafted in Nottinghamshire from authentic 100% Shetland wool.

This limited edition knit comes in 2 sizes (S/M and M/L) and two colours;  Blood Orange image no.2 (one shade darker than the Burnt Mustard in the main picture) and Sugar Plum (image no.3). This jumper can be worn by men or women, a cosy over-size go-to piece to pull on when the coastal breeze picks up or after some wild swimming! It is knitted with a high ribbed funnel neck which can be worn up or folded down. The top half of the body is knitted in the original “hailstone” stitch taken directly from the original Ganseys on both the front and back body with a neat central shoulder seam and chunky rib trims. The body is generous and boxy and is gently curved towards the front. The sleeves are slightly long and can be worn turned back with a ribbed cuff which can be pushed up to scrunch, or pulled down to cover the knuckles. Reverse knit panels run down each side seam – just like on the original Ganseys, this jumper is intentionally simple in pattern and form to complement the beauty of the stitches.

This authentic Shetland wool comes from Shetland breed sheep who live on the island of Shetland, this makes the wool very rare and highly sought after. The handle of the wool is slightly dryer than the British wool I chose for the rest of my collection. The intensity and gradations of colour found in each thread are unique to this yarn. Traditionally used in “colour work” or Fairisle knitting, the wool has a depth of colour I’ve not found anywhere else in the world.

The Craske Gansey is named after “Big John” Craske who is fondly remembered to have had a kind face. He was the eldest of three brothers who owned two boats and saved enough money to build 3 cottages after a good season’s fishing. It is said that the chimneys on their cottages were built to resemble the four funnels of a liner.