Welcome to The Wrinkled Thistle

"Let’s create something beautiful together!"

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Don't fancy a full gansey just yet? Try your hand at a free mug-warmer pattern — a gentle introduction to gansey motifs.

Stay connected: I send a weekly newsletter with progress updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. You can also find me on social media.

I'm Audrey. Knitting has been part of my story since childhood, taught by my mum and gran, whose hands showed me what careful craft looks like. Today, I knit commissioned ganseys and create teaching materials from my home in the North York Moors.

Ganseys are textile engineering. Designed for fishermen who needed warmth, durability, and freedom of movement, they showcase extraordinary skill in every stitch. They belong on modern shoulders, worn and reworn for decades.

If you're drawn to intricate stitch patterns, snug fits, or the challenge of working seamlessly from the bottom up, there's something here for you.

New blog

I've also just started writing a new blog. While I love checking in on social media to keep up with what everyone is up to, I find it's too fast, to instant and too throw-away.

So I've decided to take the time to tell the stories about, and what happens behind the scenes at, The Wrinkled Thistle. The first post is ready for you!