Monday 8 November 2010

The Guernsey

With cold weather looming and the knitting industry in the British Channel Island of Guernsey dating back to the early 16th century, what better place to stock up on those valuable winters knits. The Guernsey sweater originally came into being as a garment for seamen, fishermen who ventured as far as the new world, who required a warm, hard wearing, yet comfortable item of clothing that would resist the sea spray.
So was born the now famous oiled wool Guernsey, renowned for the warmth of its tight knit and its rain resistant qualities. During the time of the Napoleonic Wars, Admiral Lord Nelson recommended that the Guernsey be worn by the Royal Navy and it was at this time that the Guernsey, which until then had been knitted in the unscoured natural wool, was dyed Navy Blue.

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