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Thread: Tristan da Cunha Gansey

  1. #1
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    Tristan da Cunha Gansey

    I have been thinking about ordering a bespoke gansey from Tristan da Cunha:

    https://www.tristandc.com/hand37degreessouth.php

    I am looking at the cable style crew neck in local grey wool.

    Should I? Has anyone here ordered from Tristan DC? Or have you visited there? Or what other sweaters or cardigans would you recommend?

  2. #2
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    No idea if they are good but I’m all for supporting such an isolated community

  3. #3
    Grand Master Foxy100's Avatar
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    Le Tricoteur Guernseys are the best jumpers I've ever had.

    https://letricoteur.co/collections/m...ernsey-jumpers
    "A man of little significance"

  4. #4
    Have you seen Flamborough Marine Ganseys? That’s where I’d be buying from if I was going to get one.

  5. #5
    Grand Master number2's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Foxy100 View Post
    Le Tricoteur Guernseys are the best jumpers I've ever had.

    https://letricoteur.co/collections/m...ernsey-jumpers
    Yeah they're the ones we have, warm as toast.
    Last edited by number2; 16th March 2021 at 17:57.
    "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."

    'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.

  6. #6
    No help really but an uncle of mine was Administrator there. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Hu...t,_3rd_Baronet

  7. #7
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by notnowkato View Post
    No help really but an uncle of mine was Administrator there. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Hu...t,_3rd_Baronet
    That is fascinating. It must have been a remarkable experience to be posted there for three years in the early 1950s as a relatively young family man. They must have worn the local woolens, too. Thanks for sharing.

  8. #8
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    Tristan da Cunha Gansey

    Le Tricoteur looks great; I will keep that in mind. Flamborough Marine, too, though most likely out of my price range. If I am reading the Tristan DC site correctly, their locally made-to-order ganseys are £88.50 to £120.00. I am emailing an inquiry to them to confirm.
    Last edited by williemays; 17th March 2021 at 00:50.

  9. #9
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RustyBin5 View Post
    No idea if they are good but I’m all for supporting such an isolated community
    This is what is so compelling, that it is the remotest inhabited island supposedly, with about 250 souls. Even more isolated with COVID travel restrictions.

    I like this bit from their website:

    “The tradition of knitting on the remotest inhabited place on earth spans more than two centuries. Knitting to this day remains a very important part of Tristan life.”

  10. #10
    Grand Master Sinnlover's Avatar
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    I had no idea these garments even existed but now I want one.
    I have been after a traditional Aran Sweater for years, (not been there for a while and am wary of online versions) now these. I don’t need another collection. Thanks for sharing.

  11. #11
    Grand Master thieuster's Avatar
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    This is great! And what a price for a handmade item and a completely local production chain. (I must admit, I haven't looked at the shipping costs).

  12. #12
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    I can’t find prices for the sweaters. Can see everything else though! Where are the prices hiding ?

  13. #13
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    Tristan da Cunha Gansey

    Quote Originally Posted by RustyBin5 View Post
    I can’t find prices for the sweaters. Can see everything else though! Where are the prices hiding ?
    On this page:

    https://www.tristandc.com/handwoollensbespoke.php

    Guide prices, depending on wool type, design and size:
    Sweaters/'Ganseys': £88.50 - £120.00
    Sleeveless Pullovers: £60.50 - £67.50

    I wonder if those prices are current, or what other costs or fees may be added. I don’t see shipping, either.

    I sent an inquiry and will share their response here.
    Last edited by williemays; 17th March 2021 at 08:40.

  14. #14
    Grand Master number2's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by junglebert View Post
    Have you seen Flamborough Marine Ganseys? That’s where I’d be buying from if I was going to get one.
    Saw those online a few months ago, as Flamborough isn't too far away we intend looking at those when when lockdown is over.
    "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."

    'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.

  15. #15
    Master arthurDALEY's Avatar
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    What a interesting thread ... Is there a website for traditional Arran Jumpers ?, also what's the returns policy on the TDC Gansey Jumpers, time you sent it back and got the a different size you probably put the weight back on

    Cheers

  16. #16
    Grand Master Carlton-Browne's Avatar
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    I have one from Guernsey Woollens

    https://www.guernseywoollens.com/

    At the time it was a toss up between these and La Tricoteur and I went with these because I'd read some positive stuff on some military contracts they had delivered. I'll be looking to buy another for the coming winter but some of the La Tricoteur colours look more interesting.

    I know somebody who did some work on Tristan da Cunha a few years ago (as does Mr Curta) - with no airstrip I think you'll be waiting a while for delivery and I hope you don't have to send it back. Make sure to keep us updated.
    Last edited by Carlton-Browne; 17th March 2021 at 19:30.
    In the Sotadic Zone, apparently.

  17. #17
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    I suppose there’s always Sales Corner for irregular nonreturnables from the ends of the earth.

  18. #18
    Grand Master
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    When i was looking for a Guernsey I went with guernseysweaters, mainly because they were a tad quicker delivery for what I was after, namely traditional cream.

    who knew I was so stylish lol.

    Cheers,

    Ben



    ..... for I have become the Jedi of flippers


    " an extravagance is anything you buy that is of no earthly use to your wife "

  19. #19
    I've still got a Guernsey made by my Mother (she is from the island) which must be 40+ years old. Amazingly still fits me, and in excellent condition because never thought it was very 'cool' so hardly wore it.

    Don't think cream was ever a traditional colour BTW!

  20. #20
    Master Yorkshiremadmick's Avatar
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    A genuine Gansey has no seam. It is knitted in the round. (Think tube/sock) they take in excess off 100 hours of knitting and range in price from £375 upto £900 depending on pattern chosen etc. Made for fishermen along the east coast each with a unique pattern and meaning. WindProof and long lasting.


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  21. #21
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Carlton-Browne View Post
    I know somebody who did some work on Tristan da Cunha a few years ago (as does Mr Curta) - with no airstrip I think you'll be waiting a while for delivery and I hope you don't have to send it back.
    Indeed. I've now found myself looking at the shipping schedules with a view to collecting one in person.
    Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH

  22. #22
    Grand Master Carlton-Browne's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    Indeed. I've now found myself looking at the shipping schedules with a view to collecting one in person.
    Can't be many destinations where you can do your quarantine while you're getting there.
    In the Sotadic Zone, apparently.

  23. #23
    Grand Master thieuster's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    Indeed. I've now found myself looking at the shipping schedules with a view to collecting one in person.
    If and when you go: please post a lot of pics. Not many of us will or can travel that route! Personally, I would love that (*Walks away muttering. Jealous.)

  24. #24
    Master TimeThoughts's Avatar
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    This bloody website....

    Just bought a plain navy Le Tricoteur Guernsey from Flambourough Marine.

    They seem like genuinely nice people. You have to ring to place the order and I'm glad I did, good chat. Just a few quid over £100 but I reckon these are quality. I had one when I was younger.

    Last edited by TimeThoughts; 19th March 2021 at 18:37.

  25. #25
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ben4watches View Post
    who knew I was so stylish lol.
    There goes a gentleman who is laird of his clan!

    Were you wearing a watch in that photo?

  26. #26
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by thieuster View Post
    If and when you go: please post a lot of pics. Not many of us will or can travel that route! Personally, I would love that (*Walks away muttering. Jealous.)
    Yes, I doubt I will ever have this opportunity in my lifetime. That would be quite an adventure!

  27. #27
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    I received a reply from Tristan da Cunha. Rachel there confirmed a cable style sweater in island grey wool in XL would be about £99.50, but they would need my specific measurements, which I have now sent. I am still not sure about shipping costs or timeframe, but will report back here when I learn more.

  28. #28
    Grand Master thieuster's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by williemays View Post
    I received a reply from Tristan da Cunha. Rachel there confirmed a cable style sweater in island grey wool in XL would be about £99.50, but they would need my specific measurements, which I have now sent. I am still not sure about shipping costs or timeframe, but will report back here when I learn more.

    Keep us (me) posted. I'm getting more and more interested.

  29. #29
    Grand Master Carlton-Browne's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ben4watches View Post
    When i was looking for a Guernsey I went with guernseysweaters, mainly because they were a tad quicker delivery for what I was after, namely traditional cream.

    who knew I was so stylish lol.


    I can't help thinking that man about town...



    ...has a slightly better ring to it than man about the Taunton Bypass.
    In the Sotadic Zone, apparently.

  30. #30

    Tristan da Cunha Gansey

    Quote Originally Posted by thieuster View Post
    Keep us (me) posted. I'm getting more and more interested.
    Yes please do, local spun wool, hand knitted in a small community, considering the hours involved, I bet every one is unique, £99 is a bargain and will last a lifetime.


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  31. #31
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    Indeed. I've now found myself looking at the shipping schedules with a view to collecting one in person.
    That’s my kind of trip. Have done the Atlantic on a container ship and the Chilean coast on, surprisingly, a coaster.

    (I didn’t work as a cabin boy and my name isn’t Roger.)


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  32. #32
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    Quote Originally Posted by Carlton-Browne View Post
    I can't help thinking that man about town...



    ...has a slightly better ring to it than man about the Taunton Bypass.
    As much as I would love to live in Mayfair, sadly Alan thats not going to happen
    Cheers,

    Ben



    ..... for I have become the Jedi of flippers


    " an extravagance is anything you buy that is of no earthly use to your wife "

  33. #33
    Grand Master magirus's Avatar
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    Interesting that it's called a gansey. When I was a bairn in a Durham mining village, we'd get our home knitted ganzies out when the colder weather set in at the back end of the year.
    F.T.F.A.

  34. #34
    Grand Master Carlton-Browne's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ben4watches View Post
    As much as I would love to live in Mayfair, sadly Alan thats not going to happen
    I know what you mean but, to be honest, whilst there was a time when a set in Albany would have been the perfect abode I think Covid (and perhaps a bit of maturity) has cured that.
    In the Sotadic Zone, apparently.

  35. #35
    Grand Master Foxy100's Avatar
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    I can't speak for any other brand of Guernsey but the Le Tricoteurs never bobble. They go on for ever (I have my father's from 1977 and it's still going strong, albeit with a couple of repairs) and are wonderful things. I've been waiting to go back to Guernsey to buy one or two more!
    "A man of little significance"

  36. #36
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Foxy100 View Post
    ...I have my father's from 1977 and it's still going strong, albeit with a couple of repairs...
    That is impressive. What color and style is it?

  37. #37
    Grand Master Foxy100's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by williemays View Post
    That is impressive. What color and style is it?
    It's the standard dark blue one. I think I have six Le Tricoteur Guernseys.
    "A man of little significance"

  38. #38
    Grand Master SimonK's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by magirus View Post
    When I was a bairn in a Durham mining village, we'd get our home knitted ganzies out when the colder weather set in at the back end of the year.
    So, in July then.

  39. #39
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    An update on my order from Tristan da Cunha!

    The price, which includes packaging and postage:

    Large Sweater - £95.50
    Paypal Fee - £5.45
    Total - £100.95

    They also accept bank transfers.

    Timeframe: “A sweater may take several months before its completed.”

    Unless I hear anything in the interim, I will report again here after several months!

    I am chuffed!

  40. #40
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    Excellent. It looks quite a cheap price for what it is, regardless of the wait.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  41. #41
    Grand Master thieuster's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by williemays View Post
    An update on my order from Tristan da Cunha!

    The price, which includes packaging and postage:

    Large Sweater - £95.50
    Paypal Fee - £5.45
    Total - £100.95

    They also accept bank transfers.

    Timeframe: “A sweater may take several months before its completed.”

    Unless I hear anything in the interim, I will report again here after several months!

    I am chuffed!
    That's incredible good VFM for a handmade, bespoke item! And let's not talk about the (more-or-less) absense shipping costs!

  42. #42
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    An update! My gansey is complete and is awaiting ship to Cape Town.

    According to shipping schedules at https://www.tristandc.com/shipping.php departure should be on 25 June 2021. It is a 6-day 1750-mile voyage to Cape Town.

    With permission, here is the gansey with Tristan da Cunha knitter Catherine Glass:


  43. #43
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
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    That looks fantastic. Amazing value.
    Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH

  44. #44
    Lovely colour, cabling and neck. You’re a big chap Willie, or the lady is small.

    Isn’t the difference between a Gansey (I think more of an east or north east term, my dad called all jumpers Gansies) and a Guernsey the cabling?


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  45. #45
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BillyCasper View Post
    Lovely colour, cabling and neck. You’re a big chap Willie, or the lady is small.

    Isn’t the difference between a Gansey (I think more of an east or north east term, my dad called all jumpers Gansies) and a Guernsey the cabling?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Thanks, Billy. I am 6 feet tall and 174 pounds, but I took my own measurements, so I am hoping that lady is tiny. Maybe this is like the recent photo of the Bidens and Carters?

    Their website says gansey is a local variation of Guernsey, but it is not clear if it refers to a specific style or design of pullover sweater.

    They have been making wool clothing there for 200 years, but I think most islanders are British descendants, so I imagine they have adapted the northern term for their own use.

    Here is more about their history: https://www.tristandc.com/hand37degreessouth.php

  46. #46
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    According an email this morning from Tristan da Cunha, the gansey is leaving by ship in the next few days. I believe this is the vessel, the MFV Edinburgh:



    Photo from https://www.tristandc.com/shipping/n...-edinburgh.php.

    On arrival in Cape Town, the package could take approximately 2 to 4 months to arrive at my location in the US.

  47. #47
    Master
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    Geansaidh (Scots Gaelic) and geansai (Irish Gaelic) are the words for a jumper or swearer. There must be some distant etymology.

  48. #48
    I'd say a Gansey is a generic term for a fisherman's style jumper. A Guernsey is a specific pattern from the island of Guernsey (obviously).

  49. #49
    Grand Master thieuster's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by williemays View Post
    According an email this morning from Tristan da Cunha, the gansey is leaving by ship in the next few days. I believe this is the vessel, the MFV Edinburgh:



    Photo from https://www.tristandc.com/shipping/n...-edinburgh.php.

    On arrival in Cape Town, the package could take approximately 2 to 4 months to arrive at my location in the US.
    This picture is the best I've ever seen of a courier. This beats DHL, Fedex and all those white van deliveries. Hands down.

    I shipped a pair of clogs/wooden shoes to a friend in Ohio. I used the Dutch version of the Royal Mail. It a month for the parcel to reach is address. Word has it that US customs prefers shipping by boat.

    Menno

  50. #50
    Master jukeboxs's Avatar
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    Looks a cracking jumper and I love the tradition and personal touch. I really don't need more than one Guernsey though (having been persuaded by Foxy's thread years ago to buy a Tricoteur). I look forward to the unwrapping photos.

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