Famous FW knitting pattern jumpers handed down to next generation

A Farmers Weekly woollen jumper design from the 1970s is enjoying a new lease of life for one Somerset family, with the originals now passed on to the next generation.

The knitting pattern, which features a red tractor, was first printed in the 1978 edition of the magazine, where it caught the attention of the Bult family, from Drakes Farm in Taunton.

Andrew, Richard and Michael Bult, pictured at the age of six, three and nine months respectively, were lucky enough to each receive one of the knitted sweaters from their grandmother.

She had followed the pattern printed in the Farmlife section of the magazine.

See also: How to make the most of wool in a depressed market

© Andy Bult

Their picture was featured in an edition that year, and they were captured again wearing the same jumpers two years later in 1980, when the pattern was reprinted due to popular demand.

Now, the original jumpers, which are still in perfect condition, are worn by the three brothers’ eldest children – Sophie, Freya, and Josh.

“My mum put the jumpers away somewhere safe and looked after them,” said Andy. “They don’t get worn very often, otherwise they wouldn’t have lasted this long.”

© Andy Bult

The brothers are still based on the family farm today, and are the third generation to farm there.

It was originally owned by their grandparents, who ran a mixed livestock enterprise and grew crops such as wheat and barley, and broad beans and peas, which were picked by hand.

Since then, the brothers have taken over the running of the farm, and work together to grow 93ha of potatoes and 200ha of cereals.

They also run several diversifications, such as fishing lakes and a machinery sales business.

Though the Farmers Weekly archive edition of the knitting pattern has suffered wear and tear over the years, a pristine copy, sent in by reader Katie Summerfield, has enabled it to be digitised.

It is available to download as a PDF.