Aaron and Mirjam
Just to add to this conversation. Guernsey fishermand sweaters are still available. Yes they are special items, and you have to go to special sailing outfits to buy them. Otto and I both came from families who were sport sailors. After we were married Otto build two boats ( just to illustrate that we were serious about sailing..LOL) The Guernsey as well as the home knitted Sajet fisherman sweaters were the norm in our family, and circles. I gave my last Guernsey white one, away when we sold our boat a couple of years ago. ( it was one, my sister bought when she went on a cycling trip in England). I found it just way to hot for wearing on Vancouver Island, and passed it on to a sailing friend. I do think though that indeed some newer fibers may have taken over for wearing while skiing and sailing. The old ways, of spinning, and knitting of wool was great and is still great today. However having said that, we do not live a live like we did even as late as in the 1950 and 1960. The newer manmade fibers, do keep you very warm, as well as when they do get wet they do dry mush faster and easier. Wool tends to become very heavy when wet (although it will still keep you warm) but it takes much longer to dry. We live in the fast lanes ("We", standing for most of the folks around us) Today, Both parents in a family are working (most of the time that is the norm) and taking care of woolen garments is much more work, than can be had in the time available for todays families. Yes it is sad to say good buy to the good old days, but that is how life works. Aaron, keep on spinning and knitting the sweaters you like and keep you warm, but if you want to find them in the stores in the local malls, you will be out of luck. You have to go futher afield, you can find them in speciality stores and do get your wallet out, the prices are much higher than what you have to pay for a man made fiber contents sweater in you local mall. Each generation that comes along will be bring changes along as well, and not always for the worse either. I love the natural fibers, but have also learned that there is a good place for the newer man made fibers as well. If I ever see a Guernsey sweater I will think of you Aaron
Have a great Sunday, with lots of sunshine and Spring flowers
Els