Aran sweaters, which are also often times known as cableknit sweaters and aran isle sweaters, have always been symbols of the lives of their wearers as. It seems the world just cant get enough of our most famous garment so this week im going back to where it all began to explore the history of the aran sweater. Celebrate the beautiful world of aran knitting and classic cables in this irish knits. He wrote a book on his suppositions, the sacred history of knitting, which provides most of the mythology surrounding the aran jumper. In 1967 kiewe published his book the sacred history. In the early 1900s, the aran islands are the place to be. The aran sweater market is the home of irish cable knit sweaters and ladies cardigans. Apr 12, 2020 irish knitting is synonymous with the history of aran knitting and aran sweaters. The origins of the aran jumper lovecrafts, loveknittings. Popularity was growing and when grace kelly appeared in vogue wearing an aran sweater in 1950, worldwide fame was inevitable. 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 first known example of aran knitting appeared in the 1930s. This type of sweater is more commonly referred to as a fisherman sweater. But it was only a year later that the first aran sweaters. Many famous people have donned our favorite sweater including marilyn monroe, steve mc queen, elvis and gwyneth paltrow. 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. The aran jumper just got a stylish new makeover and heres. Baby aran knitting patterns lovecrafts, loveknittings. Aran sweaters quintessentially irish aran is a style of sweater that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. The complete book of traditional aran knitting hollingworth, shelagh on. No wardrobe is complete without a classic aran jumper, that failsafe, goto garment that will never let you down even on the chilliest of days.
Wearing an aran sweater with a pair of jeans on a crisp fall day is a great look, or if youre going out to dinner wearing a white aran sweater with a pair of khakis and a dress shirt underneath will be a great casual and classy look. Aran sweaters, hats and scarves are a popular purchase in ireland, with their fascinating history and intricate patterns. Stylecraft special aran sweaters knitting pattern 4175. Aran sweaters are one of the most soughtafter knitting patterns, but just. He even believed that an aran jumper appeared in the book of kells. But it was only a year later that the first aran sweaters went on sale in the country shop in dublin. A couple of weeks ago, i wrote about the recent international spotlight on the aran sweater after its appearance in the movie knives out. Aran jumpers are one of the most soughtafter knitting patterns, but just where did these jumpers come from, and how long have they been around. Fishing was a huge part of life, and so these jumpers quickly became a staple of the aran. The aran sweater is named after the set of islands off irelands west coast where it was first created many generations ago. He even believed that an aran sweater appeared in the book of kells.
Ladies sweaters, cable knit, cardigans aran sweater market. Aran sweaters mens mens irish wool sweaters the irish store. The history of the aran sweater blarney woollen mills. The iconic aran sweater takes its name from the trio of islands at irelands most westerly point, just off the coast of county galway.
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. Hollywoods love for the aran jumper helps it sail into us. The history of aran knitting, and the photographt are gorgeous. Aran crafts is home to an authentic collection of aran sweaters for men, women and children. Learn a bit of knitting history and discover our perfect pattern inspiration. Irish knitting is synonymous with the history of aran knitting and aran sweaters. Aran knitting was always a commercial enterprise and the attribution of meaning to stitches greatly increased interest in the sweaters.
Aug 27, 2010 there is a new preface to the book, and the first chapter deals with the history of aran knitting. The mens sweaters are timeless, but the womens sweaters are a bit dated. All our aran sweaters are made in ireland by skilled craftspeople. Those producing them realised that and played up to it in promotional literature. I like this book as it explains cable charts in a nice way. The aran islands are located off the west of ireland, in galway bay. Aran woollen mills irelands largest home based knitwear. In 1967 kiewe published his book the sacred history of knitting, which didnt quite get the. History of knitting in ireland encompasses the intricate patterns that were created on the aran islands. Such traditions have tended to survive longer in more remote areas where there is less outside influence. One of the jumpers will be transported to moma from the national folklife. Collects patterns for knitting shirts, sweaters, jackets, coats, and other clothes in. Check out our selection of knitting patterns below, from stylish cardigans, jumpers.
Many areas around the british isles and ireland have their own distinctive style of knitting or a particular garment for which they are known. You yanks already have the jumper page called sweaters. Sign up for our exclusive offers, promos and contests. I decided that it would be a great idea to bring back aran sweaters for our. Well be expanding on some of these in future skellig gift store blogs. From pure donegal wool sweaters to super soft merino mens zip cardigans. The honeycomb aran pullover, free pattern i had a whole different post in mind for today, but then this patons honeycomb aran pullover passed before my eyes and there was the deafening mental sound of screeching brakes, and visions of that. T he cable knit classic has become less playboy of the western world and more of a piece to be seen in an item you wear to stand out on your timeline. This digital collection features seven irish inspired knitting patterns from oversized sweaters to pullovers to coats. The garments, photographed on location in the aran. Aran woollen mills is irelands largest home based knitwear manufacturer offering the very best in both traditional and contemporary knitwear ranges and complementary products. This icon of irish design has its roots in galway bay at the edge of the atlantic. 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. We only stock the best aran garments from irelands top aran sweater craftsmen which means that your child will be dressed in elegant garments that are synonymous with a long tradition that continues to this day in on the aran islands.
The history of the aran jumper 18902015 center for knit. Geansai arann is a style of jumper that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. Its not a pattern book, exactly, but a history and reference book on aran knitting that also happens to include some patterns which are lovely, by the way, though definitely not beginner knits. The second chapter describes aran knitting patterns in general terms, how to read the charts, and goes into specific cables, patterns etc. Even a trusted authority, anthony bluett, writes in his book things irish that. Sirdarhayfield knitting pattern book 479 14 favourite aran. Beautifully made from the best aran yarns, our pieces are the hallmark of the traditions and craftsmanship for which this region, the aran. Aran jumpers are known as such in ireland, which is a mainly english speaking country. Browse our beautiful selection of free aran knitting patterns, from hats, bags, beautiful baby aran knitting patterns, free and easy designs for all. She opens with a dissertation of sorts on the aran. Browse our collection today and you are sure to find something that will suit your childs style. Aran sweater market the home of irish aran sweaters. But it is a case of buyer beware, as not all aran is created equal.
His thesis has, however, been thoroughly debunked by many historians of knitting, including richard rutt, alice starmore and vawn corrigan. Over 20 free childrens knitting patterns to download immediately for sweaters, cardigans, jackets and pullovers for girls and boys. The most famous of irish sweaters is the aran sweater. Home history 9 things you need to know about the aran sweater.
There is evidence for jumpers that resemble english coastal fishermans jumpers, garments that would have been practical and wouldnt have interfered with the job of fishing. Jumper patterns were zealously guarded and kept within the same clan throughout the generations. Overall, the significance of the aran sweater and its history cant be denied. The history of the aran sweater the sweatershop, ireland. The aran sweater is an important part of irelands heritage and represents an exceptional era of craftsmanship in irish history. In ireland only a tourist shop would refer to a jumper as a sweater as the article states. A lot of misinformation surrounds the history of aran.
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. Shop our large selection of authentic aran knitwear for men and women, including aran sweaters and cardigans made of the finest merino wool, aran ponchos and knitted accessories. 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. We sell the highest quality, handknit traditional aran sweaters. With special attention to the social aspects of knitting, it examines the changes in tools and techniques within different regions. Every stitch tells a story, rich in symbolism and island folklore. Aran isle sweaters how a dropped stitch gave rise to a popular.
The aran islands are located off the west coast of ireland in galway bay. Ladies and mens sweater jb2 knitting patterns from james c brett. The origins of the aran sweater lovecrafts, loveknittings new. Contrary to popular belief, the typical cablepatterned aran jumper is a 20thcentury invention. Womens aran jumpers ladies aran knitwear woolovers au.
Jan 01, 1987 this reference provides a full history of hand knitting by tracing the development and refinement of the craft. 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. Historically, the people of the aran islands were a close knit community, being either farmers or fisher. If aran jumpers were as prevalent as is suggested there would have been photographic evidence before the 1930s. Aran is a style of sweater that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. This was a christmas present to replace one we brought on orkney. A traditional aran jumper usually is offwhite in colour, with cable patterns on the body and sleeves. 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. Aran crafts authentic collection of irish aran sweaters.
The planned book was a major, multifaceted undertaking a complete stepbystep howto workshop on knitting cables, including a dramatic new step. The end result was waterproof, breathable, warm and barely needed to be washed although the smell wasnt the best. Our store is located at 16 high st, galway and is famous for its selection of handmade traditional irish clothing and crafts. Did you scroll all this way to get facts about aran jumpers. As a textile archaelogist, she has been interested in the history of the sweaters and those who knit them ever since her the main character is rebecca moray, who is traveling to an island based on the aran islands, according to the authors notes off the west coast of ireland, to do research on a book. Lets step back in time and take a look at key events which make the aran sweater the iconic fashion statement of today. Each stitch carries its own unique meaning, a historic legacy from the lives of the island community many years ago.
Sweaters from 40 villages by stella ruhe books to read, my. Heinz kiewe liked a good story and while researching the sweaters history, he concluded it was an ancient craft dating back centuries. There are books and stories on the stitches and designs. Aran sweaters were borned from life at the edge of the atlantic ocean off galway bay. Hollywoods love for the aran jumper helps it sail into us fashion history books. The aran sweater, also known as a fisherman irish sweater, the famous original since 1892. Well, come down here on the low road and lets listen to old finn tell about the day his grannie told. Aran crafts authentic collection of irish aran sweaters for.
At aran islands knitwear we specialise and stock a wide range of traditional aran hand knitted and aran hand loomed sweaters and cardigans. See more ideas about aran jumper, sweaters and sweater shop. How to wear an aran sweater introduction to the aran sweater. In 1967 kiewe published his book the sacred history of knitting, which didnt quite get the facts 100% correct. Certainly, when the film man of aran drew the worlds attention to the islands in 1934, irish knitwear of this style was not featured.
Womens aran knitwear quality ladies irish knitwear from. Beautifully made from the best aran yarns, our pieces are the hallmark of the traditions and craftsmanship for which this region, the aran islands, is renowned worldwide. Give him the quintessential irish look with one of our gorgeous mens irish wool sweaters. Top 5 free aran jumper knitting patterns for men lovecrafts. The first aran sweater patterns were published by patons of england in the 1940s. Our expertly curated range of knitting and crochet supplies promises the best yarn and patterns from all your favourite brands. Authentic irish aran sweaters the sweater shop, ireland. Like everything at woolovers, our textured aran knits are made from allnatural wool of the highest standard, with free delivery available. Using traditional patterns, find your very own irish sweater here. The stitches that create the aran knitting patterns are complex and the knitted goods are timeconsuming to create. History of the irish fisherman sweater the fisherman sweater is a style of sweater that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. Aran wool is the ideal choice of wool to use if you are looking to create a truly thick, warm and cosy knitted item for the colder winter months. A short history of the aran sweater the irish store.
The definitive history of the aran sweater shamrock craic. Free aran knitting patterns lovecrafts, loveknittings. Dublin live webcam enjoy a stunning roof top view of oconnell street dublin from one of our stores. Oct 18, 2008 aran sweaters, hats and scarves are a popular purchase in ireland, with their fascinating history and intricate patterns. I have been knitting for eons but never followed a cable chart, so this is a great help. Aran knitting for beginners aran sweater by dawn f race and a lesson book with illustrations and a beautiful sweater pattern jan 1, 1999 5. Handknitted aran jumpers are, of course, the most expensive kind, although most of the jumpers sold commercially in tourist outlets are machineknit and not all of them knit in ireland either. And with so many to choose from in our baby aran knitting pattern collection youll be spoilt for choice. Synge and the aran jumper myth during the early 1900s, a myth arose that each islander or his family had a jumper with a unique design, so that if he drowned and was found. The sweaters that alice starmore designed are wonderful. The first aran jumpers were made using unscoured wool which retains its natural oils to make the iconic fishermans garment.