OUR KNITWEAR
Channel Jumper in Alderney brings you the finest quality traditional sweaters.
The guernsey is the mainstay of the Channel Island's knitting industry and can be dated back to the late 15th century. Its primary use was as a garment for fishermen who required a warm, hard wearing, yet comfortable item of clothing that would resist the wind and sea spray. The hard twist of tightly packed worsted wool fibres in the spinning process and the tightly knitted stitches, mean that it is capable of repelling rain and spray.
Originally, the Guernsey would have been knitted by the fishermen's wives and the pattern passed down from mother to daughter through the generations. Each family would have their own unique pattern so that in the unfortunate event that a fisherman was lost at sea, he could be easily identified afterwards by his jumper.
Due to their warmth and durability, Guernseys are still a favoured item of clothing for those who appreciate its reliable qualities. There is also a gradual but definite move towards a preference for “environmentally friendly” clothing made from natural, sustainable clothing which a Guernsey satisfies completely.
Whether as a gift for a loved one or as a practical requirement, a traditional Guernsey is an item of clothing that will stand the test of time and can be enjoyed for many years to follow.
Subcategories
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The Guernsey
Made locally with 100% finest British Wool on the island of Alderney, Bailwick of Guernsey.
The traditional Guernsey jumper has a story to tell.
The rib at the top of the sleeve is said to represent a sailing ship’s rope ladder in the rigging, the raised seam across the shoulder a rope and the garter stitch panel, waves breaking upon the beach.
Originally a local fisherman’s working garment, the traditional design includes a diamond under the arm for ease of movement and extra strength. It is knitted with close stitches from tightly twisted wool and this gives it its ability to withstand sea spray and rain.
Traditional Guernsey jumpers were knitted by the womenfolk of the fishing and farming families of the islands, when many earned their living from the sea or the land. The distinctive pattern was handed down from generation to generation the knitting skills passed on from mother to daughter. -
The Jersey
Made locally with 100% finest British Wool on the island of Alderney, Bailwick of Guernsey.
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The Alderney
Made locally with 100% finest British Wool on the island of Alderney, Bailwick of Guernsey.
Our Alderney jumper is very special to us because the inception of the company was as a result of the desire to resume production of this very unique jumper. Our current design has developed from the original basic pattern following research into other knitting patterns that were in use at the time that the Alderney came into production. At the center of the pattern is a lion holding a sprig, the coat of arms of our island.
The inspiration for our Alderney comes from the beautiful Island on which we live and the strong desire to maintain as much tradition and 'Island' way of life as possible. Although Alderney has always been strongly reliant on it's sister island Guernsey, it is fiercely independent and determined to keep its own identity. We believe that our Alderney jumper is a good representation of the love and passion we have for our Island and that this will be experienced by the wearer, even if they have never visited Alderney before.
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