Dowsey

“I listened to the lapping water against the boat and watched the enormity of the sky and the clouds moving within it and I felt the dancing energy of the pulling water, as it tried to teach me to let go.”

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

A modern take on an iconic cable Gansey jumper. The Dowsey is expertly crafted in Nottinghamshire from 100% British wools – an exclusive blend of Wensleydale and Teeswater fleeces with a touch of Shetland wool in the Oatmeal shade (to achieve this natural hue) — Wensleydale and Teeswater sheep are considered rare native British breeds with only a few flocks left in the British Isles. Their highly sought-after wool is revered for its absolute softness and, silky sheen. The wool is Worsted spun giving it a sleek stitch definition which I like to think of as the British equivalent to a Merino.

The cable design chosen for this Gansey originates in Willy Long and “Dowsey” Little’s Norfolk Gansey jumpers from the early 20th century, which featured two versions of a “coil o’ rope“, or cable stitch.

Dowsey has a cool modern silhouette; boxy but not too long with a dropped fashion-back shoulder (it’s not as wide as the Craske). Finished with a deep rib at the welt (which does not pull in) and split side seams for side tucking or layering over shirt tails. The sleeves are generously wide and balloon shaped, gently curving in at the cuff. The chunky ribbed crew neck is gently curved and open enough to show a shirt collar or T shirt beneath.

This is the most luxurious knit in my collection with over a kilo of wool in each piece. It has been designed to wear on cooler days and for times when you want to feel that little bit smarter, less casual, but still look like you have effortlessly thrown your outfit together.

Very limited quantities available.