Even a trusted authority, anthony bluett, writes in his book things irish that. A distinctive style of knitted jumper with prominent cable patterns on the chest, traditionally creamcolored. The elaborate design of the aran sweater was established on the aran islands, passed down from generation to generation and is truly a timeless beauty. It has become the ultimate symbol of irish history and heritage. A classical fishermans sweater is a bulky garment with prominent cable patterns on the chest, often creamcolored.
The aran sweater is enjoying something of a revival after some lean times, thanks to fashion designers and irish balladeers, writes catherine foley. The aran sweater, also known as a fisherman irish sweater, the famous original since 1892. This is an excellent text book on the history and also knitting techniques of aran knitting even if a bit dated. Aran crafts authentic collection of irish aran sweaters. If you go back far enough, these three aran islands were strategic islands along the mouth of galway bay and. John millington synge spent five summers on the islands at the behest of william butler yeats, and his 1907 book, the aran islands is a. This book gives a wonderful history of knitting in small villages in england and scotland with an abundance of historical photographs and pattern charts.
Clan knitting patterns and kits, aran sweater patterns. The aran jumper university of the highlands and islands. The aran islands lie at the mouth of galway bay, at the mercy of the relentless atlantic sea. The book is a little bit of a letdown if you compare it with other books on the same subject. N ow you can enjoy the deep satisfaction of knitting your very own clan sweater for all the family with our clanaran knitting patterns. However, the locals were so pleased with the commercial interest the aran islands received that they never corrected kiewe, and many of his tales live on today. The best work on the history of aran is a book by alice starmore, who picked though all this fog of made up stuff and got to the truth in her book, aran knitting. Aran isle sweaters how a dropped stitch gave rise to a popular. He even believed that an aran sweater appeared in the book of kells. Each knitting pattern comes in a word document complete with the meaning of the aran stitches, stitch glossary and instructions. The first entry in our aran sweater series, all about the origin and rise to international fame of the style, can be found here.
Aran knitting contemporary sweaters patterns for sale ebay. As of 2015, new natural fibres and design innovations are continually being introduced so that traditional aran jumpers rub shoulders with contemporary versions of the classic look in stores around the world. Theres some lovely background history about the seamen who created the designs and photos of them. Learn how the aran sweater evolved as a knitting tradition. The history of the irish sweater mixed with home grown flavor and an artists life long love of the craft sets the premise for this show clip. Well be expanding on some of these in future skellig gift store blogs. This was a christmas present to replace one we brought on orkney. Dec 28, 2018 in this weeks podcast, i show you how i approach designing an aran sweater, and also the progress ive made on an edwardian sweater pattern from 19041906 that i couldnt resist knitting. Each stitch carries its own unique meaning, a historic legacy from the lives of the island community many years ago.
Get the best deals on aran contemporary sweaters patterns when you shop the largest online selection at. Originally, aran sweaters were knitted using unscoured wool that retained its. Aran crafts collections are manufactured to the highest standards using the finest quality materials. Vogue magazine carried articles on the garment in the 1950s, and jumper exports from the west of ireland to the united states began in the early 1950s.
Theres cable, moss, honeycomb, blackberry, diamond and basket, as some of the most. The aran or arran jumpersweatertakes its name from the aran islands, was popular in the fishing villages on and islands off the west coast of ireland, or from the isle of arran off the west coast of scotland. Authentic irish aran sweaters the sweater shop, ireland. The knitting traditions newsletter is published once and occasionally two times per month and is chock full of tips, ideas, and gorgeous knitting projects from beth. It is good to know the history of aran sweater history myth. Aran knitting patterns, irish sweater pattern aran sweater. Certainly, when the film man of aran drew the worlds attention to the islands in 1934, irish knitwear of this style was not featured. The history and impact of the aran jumper will be explored in items. The aran jumper just got a stylish new makeover and heres how you can wear it expand.
The first known example of aran knitting appeared in the 1930s. Enjoy the art of knitting your own unique family garment, in your own home and carry on the tradition of passing on the pattern to. Oct 18, 2008 aran sweaters, hats and scarves are a popular purchase in ireland, with their fascinating history and intricate patterns. The aran jumper was having a big highendfashion moment.
All our aran sweaters are made in ireland by skilled craftspeople. Sweater shop has been the home of quality irish woolen knitwear for over 20 years. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Aran sweater market is your one stop shop for mens wool sweaters and the famous irish fisherman sweater also know as the aran sweater.
And if you dont already own an aran sweater, visit for our complete collection. He even believed that an aran jumper appeared in the book of kells. The author also delves into history, visiting the national museum and the aran islands as well as other places to delve into the history of knitting in ireland and doesnt perpetuate the aran jumpers myth, she does detail some of the myths that have built up around it, but clearly stating that these myths have. From the style worn by fishermen in the aran islands in the west of ireland. Weve compiled our favourite free fishermans jump top 5 free aran sweater knitting patterns for men the iconic fishermans jumper, replete with all sorts of cables and stitch patterns, is the aspiration of many a knitter. Each stitch carries its own unique meaning and because there are very few hand aran sweater stitchers left they. The aran sweater is an iconic and beautiful traditional irish item. But it is a case of buyer beware, as not all aran is created equal. There is a lot in the culture and history in the aran islands. Tune in next week for a comprehensive guide on wool. Famous fans included marilyn monroe, elvis and the ultracool steve mc queen.
Whether handmade or machinemade, what all aran jumpers have in common are the stitches used in the knitting. The story goes that each jumper knit for fishermen in the aran islands had a different combination of patterns. If you go back far enough, these three aran islands were strategic islands along the mouth of galway bay and is perhaps why people came to even live on the aran islands. There are books and stories on the stitches and designs. We are the largest aran sweater and jacket producer in the world. In 1967 kiewe published his book the sacred history of knitting, which didnt quite get the facts 100% correct. The aran sweater takes its name from the set of islands where it originated many generations ago, off the west coast of ireland. Fishermens sweaters from the british isles thompson, gladys on. Well, come down here on the low road and lets listen to old finn tell about the day his grannie told him the story. They also developed various crafts, aran knitwear, baron playing, experts at dry stonewall building.
Knitters who never thought of themselves as designers have created wonderful custom sweaters using janets book as a guide. Aran crafts is home to an authentic collection of aran sweaters for men, women and children. Aran knitting patterns, irish sweater pattern aran. History of the islands the aran sweater doolin ferry. Aran sweater market the home of irish aran sweaters. Aran sweaters, hats and scarves are a popular purchase in ireland, with their fascinating history and intricate patterns. Examined in detail are the history of european knitting before 1500, knitting in britain from henry viii to the commonwealth, from the restoration to. Often known as a fisherman sweater, they are distinguished by their use of complex textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined in the creation of a single garment. As an internationally recognised symbol of irishness, the aran jumper carries emotionally charged ideas about kinship and nativeness. However i was really looking for a book of patterns. He wrote a book on his suppositions, the sacred history of knitting, which provides most of the mythology surrounding the aran jumper. Having the best knitting books on your book shelf or in your ereader library, is essential.
The author does explains the maths involved,but it is finished within 4 pages. He makes knitwear for the modern market while taking his inspiration from the distinctive. Gigi hadid wearing a black aran jumper on the streets of manhattan on. Abcs of the spaces and places of europe free stories.
The sweaters are distinguished by their use of complex textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined. Using traditional patterns, find your very own irish sweater here. Aran is a style of sweater that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. Make your very own irish fisherman sweater with our easy to follow guide and informative kit. I like this book as it explains cable charts in a nice way. Mar 05, 2018 of course, theres a history to those sweaters. Grace kelly pictured in an aran jumper in monaco in the 1950s. Knittingirelandaran islandspatterns, knitting, books barnes. All in black and white, some images grainy and the patterns assume knowledge. Jun 28, 2012 the aran or arran jumpersweatertakes its name from the aran islands, was popular in the fishing villages on and islands off the west coast of ireland, or from the isle of arran off the west coast of scotland. I was transfixed by the story that garments for husbands and sons were knit in a. A sweater, or a jumper or a pullover depending on where you are from, is a knitted garment that covers the upper body and arms. Irish knitting patterns and kits, aran stitch patterns.
In this weeks podcast, i show you how i approach designing an aran sweater, and also the progress ive made on an edwardian sweater pattern from 19041906 that i couldnt resist knitting. The stitches that create the aran knitting patterns are complex and the knitted goods are timeconsuming to create. But it was only a year later that the first aran sweaters went on sale in the country shop in dublin. The aran is a style of jumpersweater 1 that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. The aran sweater was born of this environment, passed down from generation to generation, and has since become the ultimate symbol of irish clan heritage.
Aran crafts is the biggest knitwear manufacturer in ireland, its a modern company with a young, energetic workforce. The backstory to irish knitting on the west coast is filled with history, politics, social struggles, art and film. For those who are interested, these are the meanings most often associated with commonly found stitch patterns in aran knitting. Oct 08, 2018 as summer turns to fall, take a leaf from an aran fishermans book or a fashion designers. See more ideas about sweaters and sweaters for women. Geansai arann is a style of jumper that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland.
Sweaters can be defined by many characteristics, most notably the cut or style, the pattern, or the knit. The history of the aran sweater blarney woollen mills. Learn more about the rich history behind aran sweaters including traditional stitches like the cable stitch, and their meanings. While many believe this culturally significant design to have medieval or even prechristian origins, it was actually developed in a canny act of marketing during the 1930s. Mens wool sweaters, irish sweaters home of the aran sweater.
Heinz kiewe liked a good story and while researching the sweaters history, he concluded it was an ancient craft dating back centuries. The definitive history of the aran sweater shamrock craic. This reference provides a full history of hand knitting by tracing the development and refinement of the craft. The aran sweater market, the famous original since 1892. They are distinguished by their use of complex textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined in.
The aran jumper visit aran islands ferry accommodation. The idea that there are meanings associated with the stitches used in aran knitting derives from sacred history of knitting, an entirely fabricated book written by heinz edgar kiewe. This icon of irish design has its roots in galway bay at the edge of the atlantic. Celebrity revival of aran jumpers and a solid future for the industry. Get the best deals on aran knitting contemporary sweaters patterns when you shop. We hope you enjoyed the first in our aran sweater popup blog series. My wife was heartbroken when her prized jumper suffered a snag and ruined the sleeve, i even went as far as contacting the seller to see if they could send a new one but they were unable to make mail order sales so i was well impressed to discover this one on amazon, its 99% the same as the original in size, fit and colour. The erin wedding dress from don oneills fall 2015 bridal collection for theia is a cozy and glamorous spin on the aran jumper. Irish knitting is synonymous with the history of aran knitting and aran sweaters. The irish folk music group the clancy brothers, friends of bob dylan, wore their aran sweaters for their appearance on the ed sullivan show in the early 1960s, introducing it to millions of american homes. Originally the jumpers were knitted using unscoured wool that retained its natural oils which made the garments waterresistant and meant they remained. The best knitting books can provide guidance on a project you are tackling. It can cover parts of the neck as well, depending on the cut.
They are distinguished by their use of complex textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined in the creation of a single garment. The story of the aran jumper is full of widely believed myths and obscure facts. The most famous of irish sweaters is the aran sweater. Patricks day, and we can both arrive in our genuine handknit 100% wool irish aran sweaters. Aran jumper myths debunked it is said the stitches in aran jumpers were like unique family crests. To read about the history of yarn spinning and the process of turning wool into the aran sweater, click here. Jumper from 1974 vintage halter neck top from 1974 vintage ribbed jumper from 1973 vintage teddy bear balaclava. A unique selection of mens, womens and childrens authentic wool apparel. Kiewe, a selfstyled textile journalist who ran a yarn shop in oxford, purchased one of the first aranstyle sweaters and, noting a chance similarity between the. Then the book goes on with an ample selection of complete patterns and charts for making fair isle, guernsey, and aran sweaters and garments. Subscribe to our newsletter and well give you a free pattern download for our gansey fingerless mitts. The first commercially available aran knitting patterns were published in the 1940s by patons of england.
It has twenty araninspired patterns and provides a history of irelands aran islands and aran knitting. I have been knitting for eons but never followed a cable chart, so this is a great help. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Barry knitting kit this knitting kit is comprised of the finest traditional aran wool, together with your family crest, sweater history and your barry knitting pattern.
I was fascinated with the way the book is divided by contemporary irish knitting mills. The fame of the aran sweater spread further with new york villages folk scene during the 1950s and 1960s. Actually, the clothes produced at inis meain knitting co are truer to the spirit and traditions of the islands than the souvenir sweaters. I decided that it would be a great idea to bring back aran sweaters for our.
For example, a typical aran sweater will have over 100,000 stitches, and may take several months to finish. West end knitwear is conscious of its roots in the past. So it is rather dated and the jumpers shown look like oversized hotwater bottle covers. Jumper patterns were zealously guarded and kept within the same clan throughout the generations.
In 1967 kiewe published his book the sacred history of knitting, which didnt quite get. The patterns are charted and there is a section on how to read the charts. Aran crafts authentic collection of irish aran sweaters for. History of knitting in ireland encompasses the intricate patterns that were created on the aran islands. The aran sweater is sweater that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. Apr 12, 2020 irish knitting is synonymous with the history of aran knitting and aran sweaters.
As summer turns to fall, take a leaf from an aran fishermans book or a fashion designers. Ladies sweaters, cable knit, cardigans aran sweater market. Contemporary irish knits is a delicious book for knitters. The history of the aran jumper 18902015 center for knit. A traditional aran jumper usually is offwhite in colour, with cable patterns on the body and sleeves. About aran sweater market history of aran sweaters irish sweaters wool sweaters our collections st. The aran sweater market is the home of irish cable knit sweaters and ladies cardigans. A mountain range that forms germanys southern border with the countries of france, austria and switzerland c is for corniche.
Galway was the first to export the aran sweater to the usa. The iconic white aran jumper is a 20thcentury invention. Aran sweaters irish knitwear the sweater shop, dublin. A lot of misinformation surrounds the history of aran knitting it is a wonderful craft, but not as ancient a one as many people believe. So if you want some old aran sweater patterns,that are sure shot without any mistakes, go ahead with this book. The aran jumper just got a stylish new makeover and heres. The aran sweater is an important part of irelands heritage and represents an exceptional era of craftsmanship in irish history.
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