Similar to the Gansey blanket, this beautiful crocheted throw features several wide bands of textured patterns in the style hailing from the British isles. Perfect for an afternoon nap on the sofa or easy chair, this blanket lends a touch of homey elegance to any room!
"The Story of Gansey:
Fishermen, confronting the unpredictable and often ferocious North Sea, needed attire that was durable, protective, yet allowed ease of movement. But the gansey wasn’t just about function; it was deeply personal. Mothers, wives, and daughters knitted their love, hope, and prayers into every stitch, crafting patterns unique to their families or communities. These designs also became identifiers: if tragedy struck and a fisherman was lost to the sea, his gansey would speak of his origins, his family, and his home.
The Dance of Stitches ~ Nautical Narratives:
Dive deeper, and the vast ocean of traditional gansey stitches unveils itself. Each pattern, unique and symbolic, tells its own tale:
- The Moss Stitch: Symbolizing abundance and the fishermen’s hopes for a bountiful catch, this pattern resonates with positivity and aspiration.
- The Cable Stitch: Mirroring the sturdy ropes on ships, this design intertwines strength with aesthetics, portraying the deep-seated bond between the fishermen and their vessels.
- The Diamond: Reflecting the mesh of the fishing nets, the diamond stitch encapsulates the essence of a fisherman’s life – intricate, interconnected, and vital.
- The Herringbone: Directly alluding to the herring fish, a primary catch for many, this design weaves in prosperity and luck.
- Celtic Cables: Found in the earliest art of Scotland and Ireland and reflecting the weaving together of all things, with no discernable beginning or end.
These gansey stitches are not just fabric; they are threads woven with history, resilience, and the salt-laden winds of the sea."
Celtic Cables Afghan
Handmade
Measurements: Approx. 4' x 4'
Material: Lion Brand "Heartland" - 100% Acrylic
Care: Machine wash cold, air dry or tumble dry low.