Every year the Freshwater Independent Lifeboat (FILB) runs a Grand Draw raffle and 3 local independent shops have joined forces to donate a specially made original Isle of Wight Gansey as one of the main prizes.
A Gansey is a traditional fisherman’s jumper. The piece has been developed and designed by artisan gift shop and craft studio Whistle and Hound, alongside knitwear designer Gail Middleton of Mrs Middleton’s Bookshop & Rabbit Hole Tea Room. J B Fisheries generously sponsored the Rowan yarn whilst West Wight resident Sandra Pigott knitted the heritage jumper in a traditional seafarers style.
Worth over £200, the prize is a one of a kind design featuring detailed patterns of waves, flags and the Isle of Wight and knitted from 100% recycled cotton.
Marianne Cheung, Owner of Whistle and Hound, says:
“We are thrilled to support the FILB in its Grand Draw where over £700 in prizes have already been donated by Island businesses. With tickets only £1 each and available from our shop now and general release from 25th August we hope there will be lots of support for this fantastic fundraiser before the draw takes place on 7th December.”
Variations of the unique Whistle and Hound Isle of Wight Gansey design are being taught by Gail in the shop studio every week. Since opening in April, 5 jumpers have already been completed with a further 10 underway.
