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.

What I'm Working On

I'm developing online courses and workshops to teach knitters how to design and create their own knit-to-fit ganseys. In the meantime, I'm creating mini-gansey patterns and a booklet about gansey history and construction.

Read More About Ganseys