The Guernsey Jumper Also known as a gansey, it has been a clothing staple for centuries in the Channel Islands, where the thick knit was both a practical and stylish choice for the cold climate and provided protection for fishermen out at sea. Guernsey is an island that is part of the Channel Islands in the English Channel and is extremely near the French coast.
The Guernsey jumper, has a rich history that dates back several centuries. Originating in the Channel Island of Guernsey, it was developed in the 17th or 18th century by the wives and mothers of fishermen. Historical the women hand-knitted the sweater to protect their loved ones from the harsh conditions at sea. The Guernsey jumper was designed to be warm, durable, and water-resistant.
Traditional Guernsey jumpers are characterised by distinctive features. They are typically knitted using natural undyed wool and feature a tight, dense stitch pattern that makes them wind and waterproof.
Functionality was a crucial aspect of the Guernsey jumper's design. It provided both insulation and water resistance, making it an ideal garment for fishermen and sailors. The tight-knit design made the sweater incredibly warm and windproof, while the wool naturally repelled water. The intricate patterns were not only decorative but also allowed for easy identification of the deceased in case of a shipwreck.
Over time, the Guernsey jumper gained popularity not only among the fishing community but also with sailors and seafarers from other regions. Its reputation for durability and warmth led to its widespread use in the British Isles and beyond.
Today, Guernsey jumpers continue to be appreciated for their warmth and style. They have also made their way into the world of fashion, where many designers and manufacturers create modern interpretations of the traditional design while staying true to the sweater's historical roots. The Guernsey jumper remains an iconic and timeless piece of knitwear with a rich maritime heritage.
The concept for "Le Tricoteur" was born in 1963 by Robert McDougall during a visit to the United States. Robert's hand-knitted guernsey received great admiration from his American hosts, sparking the inspiration for his future venture.
A year later, in 1964, he acquired a 40-year-old hand knitting machine with a power drive and set it up in a charming old cobbler's shop located at 5 Lower Vauvert in St. Peter Port.
Initially, the enterprise consisted of a single employee and six hand knitters, all of whom worked from the comfort of their own homes. This marked the humble beginnings of "Le Tricoteur."
In the late 1970s, Le Tricoteur was a thriving hub for machine and hand-knitted garments. They had staff working in the factory of around 40 and over 300 skilled hand-knitters who produced over 100,000 items each year. However, the business came under pressure due to significant factors: a global recession and the emergence of mass-produced synthetic fibres.
Le Tricoteur company is now owned by Rachael Lainé. Rachael's passion extends to supporting heritage brands and the idea of investing in high-quality, long-lasting products. She values the concept of "buying once and buying well,"
One of her goals as the new owner of the company is to introduce the original Guernsey to a wider international audience. Rachel is committed to preserving and sharing the traditional craftsmanship and artistry of hand knitting from the island of Guernsey with the world.
Her background and interests are closely tied to the heritage and traditions of hand knitting on the island of Guernsey. She has a strong personal connection to the island, as she used to spend her summers cycling the lanes around St Saviours while staying with her grandparents. Additionally, her father's influence played a role in her connection to the heritage of the region, as he bought her her first Le Tricoteur guernsey when she was 15 years old.
During the summer of 2018, Rachael Lainé, visited the small factory shop and became intrigued by the beanies crafted from leftover cuffs. She left the factory shop with plans to buy the company. When Rachael shared her intentions with her parents, John and Erica, they were overjoyed, as it turned out that they had originally crossed paths at Robert McDougall 21st birthday party back in 1961. In February 2020, Rachael successfully acquired Le Tricoteur, and it is at this establishment that the family's story comes full circle
