THE NEWFOUNDLAND GUERNSEY

In December 2022, I stumbled across Mrs. Harpur’s sweater pattern “Newfoundland Guernesey” and asked her if we could bring this gorgeous pattern back to “life”.  With the knitting community growing far beyond the borders of Newfoundland and Labrador, there is no better time to showcase the Newfoundland Guerney and the story of how it came to be.

What is a “Guernesy”?  It is a word not often used.  The Newfoundland Guernsey was known to be a thick hearty sweater made from oiled wool worn by fisherman and was traditionally navy blue in colour.  It originated in the Channel Island of the same name.  The guernsey was traditionally knitted by the fisherman’s wives and the pattern was often passed down through the generations.  The original guernsey had dropped straight shoulders in the design pattern.  This pattern designed by Barbara features a slightly different design making it unique to Newfoundland.  Hence the name “Newfoundland Guernsey”.

In the year 2000, L’Anse aux Meadows and the Viking Trail focused on a significant international Viking celebration, as the 1,000^th anniversary of the Viking landfall at L’Anse aux Meadows.  Mrs. Barbara Harpur was asked to design and knit a sweater for this international celebration.  This stunning guernesy received national recognition and was featured in the March 2000 issue of Canadian Living magazine. 

Barbara learned to knit in kindergarten in Northern Ireland before coming to Newfoundland in 1970.  She lived in Lewisporte before moving to St. John’s in 1977.  In 1980 a friend of hers asked her to knit sweaters for an elite wool shop in Ottawa, Ontario.  In 1985, she decided to sell her own designs at the Newfoundland & Labrador Craft Development Association craft fairs.  In 1987, she opened a small store in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland selling yarns and knitting machines.  In 1994, she moved the shop to 284 Duckworth Street, downtown St. John’s near the Anna Templeton Centre.  It was there that Barbara taught classes in hand and machine knitting.  From 1995 to 1996, the Newfoundland government was retraining women after the cod moratorium, so for 13 of these months, Barbara trained 10 women in Mount Carmel to knit sweaters designed by Barbara Pratt.  The patterns would be drawn up by Barbara and the women would knit them on machines which were sold locally and shipped to the mainland.  Their designs were so popular that it was the fisherman’s sweater worn throughout the Hollywood movie “The Shipping News” (2002)!  Barbara closed her store in 2001 but still has a stash of wool to knit from her Duckworth shop.  She continues to knit, provide guidance, and share her patterns and progress with many knitters far and wide.   To say that she is an inspiration is an understatement.

I'm the owner of 'Cast On! Cast Off!', the local yarn shop in Triton, Newfoundland and I am grateful to have her mentor me on my own journey as I muddle through entrepreneurship in this industry.  I’m beyond humbled that she has trusted me with rewriting this amazing timeless pattern and honoured to bring this back to life.  Since we have rewritten the 'Newfoundland Guernsey', this pattern has been purchased and knit well beyond Newfoundland and Labrador!  Its popularity has surprised us so much that we have expanded the collection to include a children's version of the sweater, hats, mittens, cowl, scarf, headband and dog sweaters!

The sweaters featured here and modelled by Barbara and her husband Russell, showcase the two new versions.  Her willingness to help and friendship has meant so much to the knitting community far beyond all of us Newfoundland and Labrador not to mention my small but BIG local yarn/wool shop.

I can’t remember the first time I knit a stitch.  I also do not recall the first time I became fascinated with crafting talents both my grandmothers had.  What I do remember is sitting alongside both at a very young age mesmerized at their handy work.  My paternal grandmother passed away 23 years ago and never had the chance to finish the baby sweater she was working on for my daughter; it’s still on the needles.  My maternal grandmother is turning 92 years young this year and is still knitting and crocheting. 

I wouldn’t be on this business journey without my dear friend Barbara.  There is a special kindred spirit and mentorship in the knitting community of Newfoundland and Labrador.  These patterns are dedicated to everyone who has a love for the craft and remains inspired as much as we are!

With love and appreciation to you Barbara,

Lisa Chatzikirou