Traditional Dutch Ganseys for Children

Over 40 sweaters for boys and girls are included in this very interesting book. Not only does this book give you several designs to knit, it also includes the history of the ‘gansey’ and the villages but also an insight of child labour, education and the life pre 1900.The traditional gansey is knitted with no seam, so double pointed needles will be needed. The amount of yarn needed depends on the size of the garment. The sweater sizes range in age from 1 to 14 years. The patterns are stunning, and all centred on the sea, boats and fishing. The modern photography alongside old photographs bring to life the days of then and the children of today. They merge together beautifully.The history of fishermen was most interesting, their way of life was hard and the small children on board the fisher boats had life even harder. A lot of research has gone into this book and it is a brilliant and intriguing read as well as a fabulous project book for knitters.

These 40 sweaters are based on the classic jumpers of Dutch fishermen. They use original designs shared by families from 30 fishing villages and discovered in archives. Gansey sizes run from one to 14-years and each jumper has knitting charts, clear pattern repeats, diagrams and modern photos. It’s a superb read for anyone interested in craft, culture and heritage.

If, like me, you enjoy knitting ganseys for small people (or even for grown-ups) and getting a buzz out of exploring the history behind what you knit, you will have great fun with this book. In addition to over 40 gansey patterns, there is a wealth of vintage photographs and information relating to children involved in the fishing industry in the Netherlands between 1860 and 1950, making this a really good read even if you never knit any of the patterns.

Instead of detailed written instructions for each pattern Ruhe provides a generic description of the T-shape construction of Dutch ganseys, tips on choice of yarn, tension gauges, etc. and a charming description, with illustrations, of the cultural significance of common motifs and patterns.

Instructions for each pattern include the particular size, measurements, suggested materials and a chart of the motif/pattern used. The colour scheme for the charts makes them easy to read. A comprehensive size chart is provided as part of the general knitting information, so it is easy to adapt the instructions to any age range.

In addition to appealing to seasoned knitters, this book would be a good choice for fairly new knitters wishing to move to the next level of difficulty. The simple T-shape of ganseys and basic knit/purl motif construction lend themselves to projects for improving knitters.

Following her two books of adult patterns recreating authentic Dutch fishing ganseys, Stella Ruhe brings us more than 40 handsome, textured sweaters for children aged one to 14 years. Each charted design is accompanied by vintage photographs of the original piece, and fascinating historical details about the gansey knitting tradition in the Netherlands.

Stella Ruhe taught visual arts in the AVO and is a publisher/editor at the publishing house Cantecleer (known for the series Textielvaardig and countless books specialising in textiles). She is also a faculty supervisor and co-developer of learning content and teaching methodology in the department of visual arts at a number of national educational centres. Stella Ruhe has hosted major events such as the Cantecleer Fashion Prize and the Week of Creativity, and is author of the popular Dutch Traditional Ganseys and More Traditional Dutch Ganseys.