Theres some lovely background history about the seamen who created the designs and photos of them. Aran crafts authentic collection of irish aran sweaters for. The definitive history of the aran sweater shamrock craic. Aran jumper myths debunked it is said the stitches in aran jumpers were like unique family crests. Each knitting pattern comes in a word document complete with the meaning of the aran stitches, stitch glossary and instructions. Sweater shop has been the home of quality irish woolen knitwear for over 20 years. A classical fishermans sweater is a bulky garment with prominent cable patterns on the chest, often creamcolored. Learn how the aran sweater evolved as a knitting tradition. The fame of the aran sweater spread further with new york villages folk scene during the 1950s and 1960s. The erin wedding dress from don oneills fall 2015 bridal collection for theia is a cozy and glamorous spin on the aran jumper. 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. Sweaters can be defined by many characteristics, most notably the cut or style, the pattern, or the knit.
There are books and stories on the stitches and designs. The iconic white aran jumper is a 20thcentury invention. The history of the aran sweater blarney woollen mills. West end knitwear is conscious of its roots in the past. In 1967 kiewe published his book the sacred history of knitting, which didnt quite get.
The aran islands lie at the mouth of galway bay, at the mercy of the relentless atlantic sea. However i was really looking for a book of patterns. 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. I have been knitting for eons but never followed a cable chart, so this is a great help.
The aran sweater takes its name from the set of islands where it originated many generations ago, off the west coast of ireland. N ow you can enjoy the deep satisfaction of knitting your very own clan sweater for all the family with our clanaran knitting patterns. The backstory to irish knitting on the west coast is filled with history, politics, social struggles, art and film. The patterns are charted and there is a section on how to read the charts. Subscribe to our newsletter and well give you a free pattern download for our gansey fingerless mitts. All in black and white, some images grainy and the patterns assume knowledge. Contemporary irish knits is a delicious book for knitters. 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. The history of the aran jumper 18902015 center for knit.
This is an excellent text book on the history and also knitting techniques of aran knitting even if a bit dated. The most famous of irish sweaters is the aran sweater. Even a trusted authority, anthony bluett, writes in his book things irish that. They are distinguished by their use of complex textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined in. Aran is a style of sweater that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. A distinctive style of knitted jumper with prominent cable patterns on the chest, traditionally creamcolored. 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. Galway was the first to export the aran sweater to the usa. Get the best deals on aran knitting contemporary sweaters patterns when you shop. It has twenty araninspired patterns and provides a history of irelands aran islands and aran knitting. 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.
The aran sweater is an iconic and beautiful traditional irish item. Knittingirelandaran islandspatterns, knitting, books barnes. The aran sweater is enjoying something of a revival after some lean times, thanks to fashion designers and irish balladeers, writes catherine foley. Mens wool sweaters, irish sweaters home of the aran sweater. Aran isle sweaters how a dropped stitch gave rise to a popular. The aran sweater, also known as a fisherman irish sweater, the famous original since 1892. Fishermens sweaters from the british isles thompson, gladys on. This book gives a wonderful history of knitting in small villages in england and scotland with an abundance of historical photographs and pattern charts. 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. It is good to know the history of aran sweater history myth. Ladies sweaters, cable knit, cardigans aran sweater market. Mar 05, 2018 of course, theres a history to those sweaters. The best knitting books can provide guidance on a project you are tackling.
The aran jumper was having a big highendfashion moment. This icon of irish design has its roots in galway bay at the edge of the atlantic. The stitches that create the aran knitting patterns are complex and the knitted goods are timeconsuming to create. See more ideas about sweaters and sweaters for women. Aran knitting patterns, irish sweater pattern aran. The aran jumper university of the highlands and islands. Patricks day, and we can both arrive in our genuine handknit 100% wool irish aran sweaters.
I was transfixed by the story that garments for husbands and sons were knit in a. 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. 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. Then the book goes on with an ample selection of complete patterns and charts for making fair isle, guernsey, and aran sweaters and garments. 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. He even believed that an aran sweater appeared in the book of kells. For those who are interested, these are the meanings most often associated with commonly found stitch patterns in aran knitting. The aran sweater is an important part of irelands heritage and represents an exceptional era of craftsmanship in irish history. I decided that it would be a great idea to bring back aran sweaters for our. 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. The first commercially available aran knitting patterns were published in the 1940s by patons of england. The author does explains the maths involved,but it is finished within 4 pages. If you go back far enough, these three aran islands were strategic islands along the mouth of galway bay and.
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. But it is a case of buyer beware, as not all aran is created equal. Using traditional patterns, find your very own irish sweater here. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Originally the jumpers were knitted using unscoured wool that retained its natural oils which made the garments waterresistant and meant they remained. 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. Celebrity revival of aran jumpers and a solid future for the industry. They are distinguished by their use of complex textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined in the creation of a single garment.
Certainly, when the film man of aran drew the worlds attention to the islands in 1934, irish knitwear of this style was not featured. Learn more about the rich history behind aran sweaters including traditional stitches like the cable stitch, and their meanings. Clan knitting patterns and kits, aran sweater patterns. Actually, the clothes produced at inis meain knitting co are truer to the spirit and traditions of the islands than the souvenir sweaters. 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. Each stitch carries its own unique meaning, a historic legacy from the lives of the island community many years ago. The aran sweater market, the famous original since 1892. The first entry in our aran sweater series, all about the origin and rise to international fame of the style, can be found here. Jumper patterns were zealously guarded and kept within the same clan throughout the generations. For example, a typical aran sweater will have over 100,000 stitches, and may take several months to finish. So it is rather dated and the jumpers shown look like oversized hotwater bottle covers.
He wrote a book on his suppositions, the sacred history of knitting, which provides most of the mythology surrounding the aran jumper. But it was only a year later that the first aran sweaters went on sale in the country shop in dublin. 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. I like this book as it explains cable charts in a nice way. Abcs of the spaces and places of europe free stories. Originally, aran sweaters were knitted using unscoured wool that retained its. 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. Heinz kiewe liked a good story and while researching the sweaters history, he concluded it was an ancient craft dating back centuries.
The book is a little bit of a letdown if you compare it with other books on the same subject. The history and impact of the aran jumper will be explored in items. Well be expanding on some of these in future skellig gift store blogs. History of knitting in ireland encompasses the intricate patterns that were created on the aran islands. Authentic irish aran sweaters the sweater shop, ireland. 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. Oct 08, 2018 as summer turns to fall, take a leaf from an aran fishermans book or a fashion designers. With special attention to the social aspects of knitting, it examines the changes in tools and techniques within different regions. A unique selection of mens, womens and childrens authentic wool apparel. This reference provides a full history of hand knitting by tracing the development and refinement of the craft. 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. Whether handmade or machinemade, what all aran jumpers have in common are the stitches used in the knitting. Jumper from 1974 vintage halter neck top from 1974 vintage ribbed jumper from 1973 vintage teddy bear balaclava.
Famous fans included marilyn monroe, elvis and the ultracool steve mc queen. 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. He makes knitwear for the modern market while taking his inspiration from the distinctive. Aran sweater market the home of irish aran sweaters. History of the islands the aran sweater doolin ferry. 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.
Aran jumper chosen as one of worlds most iconic fashions. The aran is a style of jumpersweater 1 that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. Aran knitting contemporary sweaters patterns for sale ebay. 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. Examined in detail are the history of european knitting before 1500, knitting in britain from henry viii to the commonwealth, from the restoration to. The aran jumper just got a stylish new makeover and heres how you can wear it expand. Make your very own irish fisherman sweater with our easy to follow guide and informative kit. 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. We are the largest aran sweater and jacket producer in the world. 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. They also developed various crafts, aran knitwear, baron playing, experts at dry stonewall building. Each stitch carries its own unique meaning and because there are very few hand aran sweater stitchers left they. Gigi hadid wearing a black aran jumper on the streets of manhattan on. The first known example of aran knitting appeared in the 1930s.
To read about the history of yarn spinning and the process of turning wool into the aran sweater, click here. Grace kelly pictured in an aran jumper in monaco in the 1950s. As an internationally recognised symbol of irishness, the aran jumper carries emotionally charged ideas about kinship and nativeness. So if you want some old aran sweater patterns,that are sure shot without any mistakes, go ahead with this book. Aran sweater market is your one stop shop for mens wool sweaters and the famous irish fisherman sweater also know as the aran sweater. 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. Irish knitting patterns and kits, aran stitch patterns. The sweaters are distinguished by their use of complex textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined. 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.
We hope you enjoyed the first in our aran sweater popup blog series. Aran sweaters irish knitwear the sweater shop, dublin. Irish knitting is synonymous with the history of aran knitting and aran sweaters. I was fascinated with the way the book is divided by contemporary irish knitting mills. 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.
Aran crafts is the biggest knitwear manufacturer in ireland, its a modern company with a young, energetic workforce. Aran crafts collections are manufactured to the highest standards using the finest quality materials. Aran crafts is home to an authentic collection of aran sweaters for men, women and children. Tune in next week for a comprehensive guide on wool.
Geansai arann is a style of jumper that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. As summer turns to fall, take a leaf from an aran fishermans book or a fashion designers. Get the best deals on aran contemporary sweaters patterns when you shop the largest online selection at. A traditional aran jumper usually is offwhite in colour, with cable patterns on the body and sleeves. This was a christmas present to replace one we brought on orkney. He even believed that an aran jumper appeared in the book of kells. 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.
And if you dont already own an aran sweater, visit for our complete collection. The story of the aran jumper is full of widely believed myths and obscure facts. It has become the ultimate symbol of irish history and heritage. Aran knitting patterns, irish sweater pattern aran sweater. Aran sweaters, hats and scarves are a popular purchase in ireland, with their fascinating history and intricate patterns. Well, come down here on the low road and lets listen to old finn tell about the day his grannie told him the story. The aran jumper visit aran islands ferry accommodation. Having the best knitting books on your book shelf or in your ereader library, is essential. Oct 18, 2008 aran sweaters, hats and scarves are a popular purchase in ireland, with their fascinating history and intricate patterns. About aran sweater market history of aran sweaters irish sweaters wool sweaters our collections st. The aran sweater is sweater that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland.
In 1967 kiewe published his book the sacred history of knitting, which didnt quite get the facts 100% correct. Theres cable, moss, honeycomb, blackberry, diamond and basket, as some of the most. The aran sweater market is the home of irish cable knit sweaters and ladies cardigans. The story goes that each jumper knit for fishermen in the aran islands had a different combination of patterns. Apr 12, 2020 irish knitting is synonymous with the history of aran knitting and aran sweaters. The aran jumper just got a stylish new makeover and heres. Aran crafts authentic collection of irish aran sweaters. It can cover parts of the neck as well, depending on the cut.