More Traditional Dutch Ganseys

Between approximately 1875 and 1950, Dutch fishermen wore sweaters with characteristic knit and purl stitch patterns, sometimes cable. These jerseys, known as ganseys, became and intrinsic part of the identity of the Dutchmen who wore them, and their daily lives as fishermen.

Publication of the bestselling book Dutch Traditional Ganseys in 2013 renewed interest in the sweaters, and dozens more old photos were discovered that inspired the creation of a second book that includes 65 brand new gansey patterns. Based on original designs and incorporating elements from them, author Stella Ruhe's contemporary recreations of these historically important garments keep the Dutch fishing heritage alive.

Each design is accompanied by knitting diagrams, sketches, photographs and guidance on sizing, and all can be knitted for adults as well as children. With a wealth of fascinating background information and historical photos of the original designs, this is a unique and inspiring book for knitters, and a brilliant read for anyone interested in craft, culture and heritage.

Book Contents

FOREWORD 4

1. HISTORIC OVERVIEW 6
Corrections 7
Ganseys 8
Knitting 9
Sweater 10
Hand-knit & machine knit sweaters 11
Work gear 12 Practical sweaters 12
Practical sweaters 12
Sea fishing 14
Herring fishing 14
Shetland Islands 17
Dialects 17
Religion 20
Scotland, England & Ireland 21
Scottish & English ganseys 22
Other countries fishing for herring 25
Germany 25
Belgium and France 26
Fishing for fresh fish 26
River or inland fishing 27
Disasters: a high price to pay for fish 28

2. FISHING CULTURE AROUND 1900 30

Shipping companies 32
Vessels 32
Signing on 34
Crew 34
Wages 37
Stop box & clothing 37
On board 37
Provisions 38
Navigation 41
Lack of wind 42
Signalling & fishing system 42
Fishermen’s wives 43

3. KNITTING 44

Sajet 46
Yarn types 47
Needles & tools 48
Technique 48
Sizes 48
Stitches 49
Swatch & stitch count 49
Motifs and patterns 50
Basic sizes 52
Patterns & charts 53
How to start a gansey 54
General knitting instructions:
Knitting in a round 54

• Front and back of the sweater 54
• Collar 55
• Sleeves 55
• Finishing 55

Flat knitting 55
General information 55
Other models 55

4. NORTH SEA COAST 56

North Holland

• Den Helder & Huisduinen 58
• Petten 65
• Egmond aan Zee 67
• IJmuiden and Velsen 69
• Zandvoort 71

South Holland

• Katwijk aan Zee 73
• Scheveningen 78
• Pernis 81
• Vlaardingen 84
• Zwartewaal, Voorne-Putten 91
• Middelharnis, Goeree-Overflakkee 95
• Stellendam, Goeree-Overflakkee 97
• Goedereede-Havenhoofd, Goeree-Overflakkee 99
• Ouddorp, Goeree-Overflakkee 102

Zeeland

• Colijnsplaat, Noord-Beveland 105
• Breskens, Zeeuws-Vlaanderen 106

5. MAJOR RIVERS 110

South Holland: Charlois 112
North Brabant

• Woudrichem 114
• Willemstad 118

6. WADDEN SEA COAST 120

North Holland: Oosterend, Texel 122
Friesland: Wierum 127

7. ZUIDERZEE COAST 130

North Holland

• Wervershoof & Medemblik 132
• Enkhuizen 135
• Hoorn 138
• Volendam 140 Marken 143 Huizen 145

Utrecht: Bunschoten-Spakenburg 148

Gelderland

• Harderwijk 152
• Elburg 155

Overijssel: Genemuiden 158
Flevoland: Urk 160

Friesland

• Lemmer 164
• Hindeloopen 168

8. MODERN
INTERPRETATIONS 170

WORD OF THANKS 173

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
174