Infinitely variable, gansey-style pullovers can use as many or as few traditional details as you care to include. This one, worked in just knit and purl stitches, was inspired by many of the sweaters worn by those fishermen who braved the wild oceans and the women who knit the sweaters to keep their menfolk warm and dry.

I used the undulating lines at the sides of the yoke to represent ocean waves while the panels next to them represent the trees of home. The zig-zag lines, next in from the armholes, resemble the ropes so essential not only to the fishermen’s livelihood but to their safety as well. The star in the center panel represents the pole star that was the guide in their travels. Then, the band of OXOX across both the chest and sleeves are the hugs and kisses that awaited them when they returned safely home.

The washed-out color of the yarn, as well as its tonal shading, made me think of a well-worn piece that’s been around for a long time and seen the unfolding of many events.