Booklist

Dont expect complete instructions on knitting the 65 sweaters shown in Ruhes second collection, a follow-up to Traditional Dutch Ganseys (2014). Instead, enjoy a well-annotated history of the sweaters, filled with archive-quality pictures and intriguing facts. A few examples: Sweaters, worn hard, usually ended their lives as deck mops. None had seams; they were either patched or re-knit. And sweatersporting herring girls in each town were responsible for gutting the fish once in port. Ruhes rationale for excluding full-fledged instructions is that because of the number of garments featured, the book would be too long and, therefore, too expensive. Experienced knitters will need to be satisfied by patterns with motifs, charts, sizes, and generic instructions. Of interest, too, to readers fascinated by Dutch fishing culture and life. 

---

yarnsandfabrics.co.uk

A second book with more old photos and 65 classic gansey sweater designs from 55 fishing villages where Dutch fishermen originally wore these sweaters with their typical patterning. These contemporary recreations keep the historically important patterns alive. Each pattern includes diagrams, sketches and photographs plus guidance on sizing. This book is not only suitable for knitters but also includes information on the nautical culture and heritage of the Netherlands, totalling over 40 pages. There is also interesting information on wool, needles and tools, motif and pattern - there's enough to start you off designing your own sweaters if you wish. We then travel around the coast of Holland, from fishing village to fishing village and from each we have the gansey patterns. You see an old photo of the typical gansey and Ruhe's interpretation , plus a clear line drawing and a knitting chart. The measurements are very good - with 9 body measurements given. The designs use circular needles as in the traditional method for gansey knitting. The patterns follow a general design, the instructions being given at the beginning of the pattern section. Although traditionally worn by fishermen, these sweaters are unisex, and you will find some designed for women in the book. This is a book I am sure all knitters will enjoy if they have the slightest interest in ganseys and I know I will treasure it, so I have kept this as a 5 star review because of its importance for the history of knitwear and the wonderful designs. Recommended. It's time there was a real gansey revival. This book was first published in Dutch in 2015.

---

More Traditional Dutch Ganseys

---

Kate Heppell, editor Knit Now

This book is a truly fascinating read and a unique celebration of the craft of knitting. Every design has its own story and when you knit a pattern from this book, you'll find that history is woven in to every stitch.