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The genuine
Guernsey Sweater is undoubtedly the most outstanding item of
knitwear you could own today.
It is knitted
only from pure new British oiled wool, or 100% pure American
cotton.
The long history
of knitting these sweaters dates back to the sixteenth century,
when Queen Elizabeth The First was on the throne of England.
The New World of the Americas was being opened up and the courageous
fishermen of Guernsey began to develop the Cod Fisheries of
the Grand Banks, off the coast of Labrador, Canada.
To pursue this
perilous occupation, they needed warm and windproof clothing
for protection. The good folk of Guernsey, who were already
skilled knitters of hosiery, developed the Guernsey Sweater,
which since it was knitted with oiled wool, in other words wool
which retained the natural lanolin, was able to "turn water".
This tradition,
starting around the time that Sir Walter Ralegh was founding
the State of Virginia, has survived to this day.
At the time
of the Napoleonic Wars, Admiral Lord Nelson ordered that the
Guernsey be adopted as part of the uniform of the Royal Navy
and it was worn at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
The Guernsey
has justly become famous for its warmth giving quality, due
to the tight twist of the yarn with which it is knitted and
also for its durability.
It is not surprising
that many members of our Royal Family have owned and cherished
a Guernsey!
It is not advisable
to wash your Guernsey too often and it is a good idea to pour
half a teaspoonful of hazelnut oil or similar in with the final
(hand) rinse. This helps to preserve the oil in the wool.
It is said
that given a certain amount of "Loving Care" a Guernsey will
give good service for up to 30 to 40 years. In this day and
age of built in obsolescence, such a life span certainly sets
it apart. We have indeed proved this with our Guernsey Sweaters
and invite you to do the same!
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