And now it’s time for a text-based post in which we make a recommendation.

While searching for an affordable copy of Richard Rutt’s A History of Hand Knitting (which, along with a few other out of print titles, is the current authority on, well, the history of hand knitting) Michaela happened upon an intensely interesting blog called A Fisherman Knits. Authored by Aaron Lewis (who actually is a fisherman, amongst other things), this blog is a general overview of the gansey as a garment and a socio-archaeological artifact. (I think I just coined a word.) Knitting sheaths? He explains them. He’ll also sell you one on Etsy. Curved needles as levers? He goes after that too. In some ways, his exhaustive discussion manages to take the fun out of knitting, and occasionally becomes overly precious in its adherence to traditional craft tools, however, Lewis is such an unapologetic geek about perfect construction through the pursuit of the perfect tool that each post is an absolutely fascinating read. He also loves a good gansey—for himself, for friends, for history. If you want a fluffy discussion about the spirituality of social knitting, he’s not your man. We’re OK with this.