Description ~ The KAL Design Principles of the Gansey

In this 3 hour session, get started on knitting your gansey, the Big Easy. This class is being offered in conjunction with the Gansey Techniques class. (An alternative is the Musician Gansey which is simpler in patterning–both patterns use #4 yarn, an Aran weight yarn.) The pattern will be distributed and discussed, and suggestions made for adding in a different motif in the upper body of the Big Easy. The charts will be studied in class as well to be sure everyone understands the process.

Materials Needed ~ The KAL Design Principles of the Gansey

Suggested yarn is Quince & Co. Osprey, but you can substitute another Aran yarn (#4 weight) if you like.

The Big Easy:

• For Finished Chest Sizes 38 (42, 46, 50, 54)"
• Yarn: Aran weight yarn: 996 (1228, 1298, 1473, 1596) yards
• Needles: Suggested sizes: US 7 (4.5 mm) 16” and 32” (40 and 80 cm) circular ndls, and a set of 4 or 5 DPNs. (Bring the needles that produce the required gauge.)
• Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle

Musician:

• For Finished Chest Sizes 34.5 (38.5, 42.5, 46.5, 50.5, 54.5)"
• Yarn: Aran weight yarn: 857 (1047, 1193, 1317, 1492, 1673) yards
• Needles: Suggested sizes: US 7 and 9 (4.5 and 5.5 mm): 16" and 32” (40 and 80 cm) circular ndls, and a set of 4 or 5 DPNs. (Bring the needles that produce the required gauge.)
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle

Homework ~ The KAL Design Principles of the Gansey

Work up a gauge swatch in St st AT LEAST 5” square in your chosen yarn. If the required gauge of 16 sts / 4 inches (10 cm) is not reached in the swatch, work a knit row on the wrong side and continue with another needle size for at least 4” in length. Repeat as necessary until the stitch gauge is reached. Measure carefully, and write down the stitch gauge for each section, then wash and block the swatch and measure again. Write down the stitch gauge for each section, as done previously. The row gauge should be approximately 24 rows/ 4 inches (10 cm). If you have questions, please email me at Beth@KnittingTraditions.com. Bring at least half of the yarns required for your gansey.