Guernsey Woollens goes global Not just a fisherman’s friend: Guernsey Woollens sweaters are being exported around the world, as Gill Maccabe discovered
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he traditional Guernsey Woollen sweater, available in a variety of colours and a choice of 100 percent wool or cotton, has never been more in demand, with a client base unrecognisable from when they first opened their doors in 1974. Today the company is still run along traditional lines in Guernsey’s Vale parish and can, on a busy day and night shift and (without machinery breakdowns) produce some 75 handsewn sweaters a day for export around the world.
The utilitarian core design, which manages to be both comfortable and elegant, is just right for our new working from home ethic. Everyone, whatever their age can turn down the heating, save on washing powder and still look bang on trend during their Zoom calls. They feature in the wardrobes of the most edgy Japanese and South Korean fashionistas. Exports to South Korea are huge: over 50 per cent of their manufacturing goes to Korea and Japan.
Paul calls himself a knitting machine programmer but with a little bit of persuasion modestly admitted that that he really likes designing and turning customers’ doodles on the back of an envelope into a finished product. He is passionate about the products. Bespoke orders come thick and fast, but delivery to Jersey is quick if you want an off-the- peg design. If your recipient has long arms, short body, wide neck or any other special requirement then the website makes bespoke ordering so easy you wonder why all knitwear companies can’t do the same. There are 13 different colours to choose from, a choice of Jersey or Guernsey styles and a children’s range. www.guernseywoollens.com An expanded version of this article is available on our website: ruraljersey.co.uk
The traditional Guernsey (without the anchor motif) and the Jersey (with anchor) is the last remaining icon of the Channel Island knitting industry which can be dated back to the 15th Century. There is no right or wrong way to wear it, you can wear it back to front if you like and nobody would notice. There are no seams and not one visible bit of stitching so you can even wear it inside out for a change - stocking stitch one day, purl the next. The Guernsey also has an environmentally conscious back story. All packaging is either compostable or recycled and you don’t actually have to wash a wool Guernsey if you don’t want to.
Treating yourself or someone else? Come and see it knitting! We have been knitting Traditional Guernsey Knitwear for 40 years. Styles include traditional, crew and V necks, also cardigans, children’s sweaters and hats. Also available are aran stitch garments, with crew or polo necks.
Visit our online shop for more information, or to place an order: www.guernseywoollens.com email: arthur.eldridge@ guernseywoollens.com Telephone: 01481 - 258183 The Workshop, Sollum Voe, Rue des Marais, Vale, Guernsey GY6 8AX
