Christine LeGrow - Saltwater Classics from the Island of Newfoundland: More than 25 favourite caps, vamps, and mittens to knit

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Title: Saltwater classics from the island of Newfoundland : more than 25 caps, vamps, and mittens to knit / Christine LeGrow and Shirley A. Scott.

Other titles: More than twenty-five caps, vamps and mittens to knit

Names: LeGrow, Christine, 1953- author. | Scott, Shirley A., 1947- author.

Identifiers: Canadiana 20190130865 | ISBN 9781989417010 (softcover)

Subjects: LCSH: KnittingNewfoundland and LabradorPatterns. | LCSH: KnitwearNewfoundland and Labrador. | LCSH: KnittingNewfoundland and LabradorHistory.

Classification: LCC TT819.C32 N49 2019 | DDC 746.43/20432dc23

Print: 978-1-989417-01-0

ePUB: 978-1-989417-15-7

Mobi: 978-1-989417-14-0

PDF: 978-1-989417-13-3

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The written instructions, photographs, designs, patterns, charts, and projects in this volume are for the personal use of the reader and may be reproduced for that purpose only. Any other use is forbidden without express written permission of the copyright holder.

Excerpts from this publication may be reproduced under licence from Access Copyright, or with the express written permission of Boulder Books, or as permitted by law. All rights are otherwise reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, scanning, recording, or otherwise, except as specifically authorized.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation.

We acknowledge the financial support for our publishing program by the Government of Canada and the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Canada Book Fund.

To those who lived here always
To those who had to leave
To those who came from away

CONTENTS

Tradition is a curious thing.

It comes from the past, but it lives in the present, carrying ideas into the future. It is shared knowledge passed down from hand to hand and heart to heart. The oral transmission of ideas across generations is at the centre of tradition, and what keeps things such as knitting skills and techniques alive. But that very informality in the way that skills are passed along is potentially also the thin spot where tradition is likely to unravel. If one generation fails to pass their know-how on to the next, what happens to centuries worth of accumulated expertise?

In the old folktales of Newfoundland and Labrador, the hero or heroine often sets off on a journey not really knowing much at all. Along the way it is not uncommon for them to be aided by a wise woman who provides the enchanted object or prudent counsel they need to complete their quest. Without that persons knowledge and assistance, nothing would ever get done in fairy tales.

So it is with tradition, and over the past decade Christine LeGrow and Shirley Anne Scott have emerged as fairy godmothers in the local knitting scene. They magically seem to be everywhere, sharing their knowledge, teaching skills, preparing patterns, publishing, giving sage advice on radio phone-in shows, and darning the odd sock. They are enthusiastic supporters of our culture, always working to keep our textile traditions alive, current, and colourful.

In their previous volume in this series, Saltwater Mittens, they expertly and painstakingly recreated more than 20 heritage patterns. Recognizing that heritage sometimes needs a little push, they have continued their work to safeguard this beloved Newfoundland and Labrador art form, and in this volume expand upon their previous efforts, adding further designs for caps, vamps, and mittens. If you dont have a Nan to help you on your adventure, Christine and Shirley have you covered, including tips your grandmother would have been sure to pass along.

They arent bad storytellers themselves either, and this book is proof of that. These patterns speak to the people, history, landscape, and music of this place. Youll meet some old familiar faces, from Harry Hibbs to mile Benot. You might lose your heart to the Star of Logy Bay, and maybe come face to face with one of the Mockbeggar spooks or the spirit of a long-vanished Norseman. Watch out for that thin ice on Tickle Cove Pond as you journey along.

Enjoy this book, and happy knitting. Remember that you are now part of this tradition. Pass along what you know, and keep this story alive for future generations.

Dale Gilbert Jarvis, Folklorist,

Clarkes Beach, Newfoundland.

It is once again our pleasure to tell through knitting a little of the story of life in Newfoundland.

Writing our first book, Saltwater Mittens, was like casting our bread upon the waters and having it come back with butter and molasses on it. That book spoke to experienced knitters, career knitters, returning knitters, and beginning knitters. For a short while we foolishly believed we had said all there was to say, but, as time went by, we realized there were still many stories to tell. Ideas began to sprout and bloom in our minds like hyacinths in winter. New designs for classic Newfoundland garments foamed off the needles. We dusted off our big computers and got back to work. The projects in Saltwater Classics touch on our history and geography, our weather and music, and our strong love of home and family.

You leave a bit of Canada behind when you wash ashore here. After all, where else do vamps, a type of footwear, still form part of a winter wardrobe? Our place names ring with expression. Caps with names like Noggin Cove and Tickle Cove come with smiles from home in them. Vamps from Little Hearts Ease offer a sense of security and protection. To bless with food, clothing, and, above all, with love is the Newfoundland way. To provide good warm garments for confronting harsh, ungovernable elements and shocking hardships is the work of the saltwater knitter.