While there is no lack of classic sweaters, one of my favorites is still the Guernsey (named for, and coming from, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, one of the English Channel Islands). This sweater was introduced to me by a friend who grew up on Herm, another of the Channel Islands.
Some of the great features include a very tight weave (five ply yarn), distinctive shoulder stitching, and side vents. It is a long sweater. The length combined with the densely woven wool is formidable against the cold winds off the ocean. And there is no front or back designation, to even out the wear and tear.
This is a unisex item. A past director of The Chewonki Foundation in Wiscasset, Maine, Tim Ellis, was regularly seen in one of his many Guernsey sweaters, even with khaki shorts in September.
15 comments:
Love, love, love this sweater.
Growing up in the Ozarks and now living in Virginia near the water we're finding that we are definitely 'water' people. I can't imagine not living near the bay/ocean now.
Is there also a Guernsey pattern sweater with a boatneck finish?
Nice sweater, and loving the scrunchy white turtleneck underneath. That's one of those looks that always gives an authentic preppy away...it always makes me smile.
Kathie - I can't imagine living away from it either. Those moist winds can be biting and this sweater handles it surprisingly well. (Although my husband thinks I look like a Viking in the top picture, which of course he took.)
j.mosby - Not that I have seen, although, my exposure has really only been from two sources - my friend from Herm and the Granite Hall Store in Round Pond, Maine.
John - I went through a lot of white turtlenecks before I found the "right scrunchy-i-ness". Can't be too high; too low; or too loose. :)
Muffy, thank you for your advice on Bean tote sizing several weeks ago. I took your suggestion - thank you! - and am very pleased with the M with long handles.
Now, another question for you... I've been trying to figure out what size I would wear for Barbour. I live in the Finger Lakes region of New York and don't have access to any brick or mortar stores that carry Barbour jackets. What size is your Beaufort? I'm about your build and stand at 5'8".
You look FABULOUS. I love sweaters and own many, but not a Guernsey--yet!
Muffy: As you know, I am recent convert to your blog. As such, I have a request: is there any chance that you can pass along a couple of your favorite recipes? I am not much of a cook but I really fancy doing a three course for my wife on November 6th - our 23rd anniversary.
Viv - So pleased to hear that it worked out! I am also 5'8", and wear a size 10 in most items. In the Barbour waxed cotton jackets I wear a 36, and a small in the quilted jackets.
Carole - Thank you! Never enough sweaters!
Sam - Congratulations on 23 years! Unfortunately, I prepare more "farm food" than "high-end" meals, but that is a lucky woman.
Muffy, what are your favorite cookbooks to cook out of? I have a collection of cookbooks. My husband thinks it's funny that I can sit and read a cookbook like it's a novel. Some of my favorites are my vintage cookbooks. I have the Better Crocker Picture Cook book that you showed in a previous post. I made strawberry shortcake out of it as well. I also have the original first edition Betty Crocker Cook Book, not the reprint, the real deal. :)
Actually, I was thinking of doing a one-pot earthy dish - a good Irish stew perhaps? Followed by an apple crisp. Oh, for starters, a good soup.
Pink One - The picture cookbook came from my grandmother, and I use it all the time for desserts. I love that you have a Betty Crocker first edition. The two cookbooks I use the most are Jane Brody's Good Food Book and Rodale's Basic Natural Foods Cookbook. (Although I am not very adventuresome as I tend to make the same things over and over.)
Sam - Most of my "hearty" recipes come from the Jane Brody book I mentioned above. (She is The New York Times Columnist.) In fact today I will be making her Potato-Leek Chowder. I hesitate to recommend anything too specific because people's likes and dislikes are so personal. One "strange" ingredient can send me running.
You're so cool, Muffy! There really is an art to "scrunchiness."
Most people just don't get it.
You said you went through a lot of white turtlenecks before you found the right amount of scrunchiness. So, what kind of turtlenecks are they?
I just found and love your blog! I do wish you would include links for sites to purchase items you mention. I especially am yearning for one of those Guernsey sweaters. What size do you wear in that, and where can I get one? The Maine store you mentioned had no website.
Thanks!
Your sweater is too nice and suits you! I think guernsey has comparatively more cool weather than other English channel islands, does it? None of my friends, family members or me have gone to Guernsey but all of us want to go, this year in the end of my march, we have booked very cheap fare air tickets, we will be eight or nine including two kids, so going to enjoy this wonderful place.
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