Hamish’s Antarctic Gansey follows a traditional Eriskay sweater construction from the Outer Hebrides. These ganseys were knitted by Eriskay women for their menfolk, with the individual motifs on the sweaters identifying them as a fishing crew associated with a particular family.

In a similar manner to these Eriskay women, I designed this sweater for my son Hamish to wear on his first deployment with the British Antarctic Survey stationed at Rothera Field Station. As ever wool being the best material to wear in such conditions insulating, breathable and resilient, it is also fun to think of my Hebridean yarn so very far south in the Antarctic.

Hamish shared some photos from his time working for British Antarctic Survey at Rothera Field Station on my blog: HERE

Traditionally designed as very tight fitting to be worn under oilskins at sea, this gansey has been designed with a little more positive ease. To suit a more contemporary style, the patterning is less elaborate than traditional Eriskay sweaters but still echoes our island fishing culture through the use of the Fishing Net and Harbour Steps motifs.

The sweater is knitted in the round from the bottom up with false seams either side that reach up to a diamond gusset under the arms to allow stretch and flexibility. The front and back are then separated and knitted flat then grafted together over the shoulders. Stitches are picked up around the armholes with the sleeves knitted down to the cuffs. Stitches are also picked up around the neck, which is then knitted up to the desired depth with the option of rolling it over and stitching it down.

As per gansey tradition, there is no specific front or back to the construction allowing the wearer to alternate and avoid undue wear on either elbows.