We went by sea. En route, we discussed the boat yard scuttlebutt. Roger Williams University is preparing to present this Sunday at noon the results of a five year study of sunken vessels in Narragansett Bay. This allegedly includes one of the most famous vessels of all time, Captain James Cook's Endeavor. The conversations turned to where, such as in this area, with water over 200 feet deep.
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| The details are specific and symbolic. Quoting www.theislandwiki.org: a rib at the top of the sleeve represents a sailing ship’s rope ladder; a raised shoulder seam represents a rope; and the garter stitch panel represents waves breaking on the shore. |
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| Discussing the fit: The British wear them a bit tighter while Americans prefer a more loose fit. |
We enjoyed looking at a few more of their beautiful sweaters.
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| There is nothing quite like 6 ply cashmere |
Dudley, the Royal Male dog, inspects the 4 ply Brussels Cashmere Corgi as well..
It is a Men's jacket, but I had to feel the lightness.
We left with the purchase of the Guernsey sweater. I have a love of sweaters, obviously. And Guernsey Sweaters are my favorite. The Royal Male price of $225 is very reasonable for a garment of this quality. And what is so great about getting these items from Royal Male is that the family does the buying. They visit the workshops. They know how to identify garments made with skill. I worry that at any time, new sweaters of this quality will not be available. But thankfully, that day has not yet arrived.
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| Their seasonal store at Bannister's Wharf is open as well. And the sweaters can be shipped. |
I always leave the Royal Male smarter than when I entered. And I got a call this morning from our Captain, now out in the Atlantic, wearing his new Guernsey. He reported that the garment was outstanding, beating back not only the wind, but the spray as well, all while enabling him to freely move his arms.
15 comments:
Beautiful sweaters. My grandpapa has one in new natural and another in navy. He purchased them both almost 30 years ago in the UK! Beautiful, almost like fabric art.
Dear Muffy:
I buy most of my Barbour merchandise and Guernsey sweaters directly from the UK usually at a quarter less ( or more at times) than the price we find here in the USA.
For me, waiting a week for it to arrive by RM and knowing that it ships directly from where it's made is a much better deal in a variety of ways than what can be had here via retailers.
As always, thanks for sharing your rarefied life.
w.g.
Are wool sweaters practicable in the summer? Do you have to worry about moths?
Are wool sweaters practicable in the summer? Do you have to worry about moths?
I've been thinking about getting a Barbour Storm sweater for a long time now, but now I'll have to check out these Guernsey sweater. Of course, I'm always looking for an excuse to visit Newport and Royal Male. Thanks!
I bought something there over the phone three or four years ago. They were knowledgeable, helpful and awesomely efficient.
Highest marks.
Hey Muffy,
I just noticed you wore a Guernsey sweater on your March 29 visit to the Royal Male. The circle is now complete!
There is no correct front of the Guernsey sweater or a backside of the Guernsey. my G has no tag and i was confused about whether or not i was wearing it properly. I emailed folks in Guernsey and they laughed at me and said "Hey Yank, you're SUPPOSED to wear the sweater whcihever way you want to, there is not front or back, this way makes it last longer!"
Love my Guernsey sweater in navy, just perfect.
@Bernie - I guess it would depend on where one lives. One friend wears them all summer, with khaki shorts and the sleeves rolled up (but that is the Maine coast). It usually comes off for a few hours in the afternoon. I have never had a problem with moths, but I tend to handle my clothing regularly and don't pack things away. Whether or not that matters, I don't know.
@Anonymous (Yank) 9:58 - I have heard (and agree with) the 'wear' argument as well. I have also heard that it makes them easier to don below deck while at sea.
Royal Male looks like a nifty shop to me. That Barbour Betty quilted vest has my name on it and at $99.00 I'm buying it in both colors. I'd prefere it in navy rather than black though.
Question: I see you wearing your wool sweaters in your photos. Is it still cold enough for wool in your neck of the woods? How hot does it get at your place during the summer?
@Susan R. - It depends on where I am. When I am on the Maine coast (or in Northern Maine) frequently. (Today it is 50 degrees and raining.)
When in Rhode Island or Connecticut in the summer, I never wear wool. On the Vineyard - hardly ever. On the lake in New Hampshire, occasionally.
This in all on land. Being on the water changes everything!
Who IS the hottie in the last photo?! OMG! Smokin!
Muffy, Thanks for putting me onto these sweaters. I've picked up two LeTricoteur sweaters (because I've found as I get older clothing quality declines, so now I buy multiples when I find something I like). Interestingly, when I was UN the navy back in the mid-90's we were issued a sweater very similar to this but it wasn't nearly as thick; in fact it was typically worn beneath our chambray shirts.
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