It can be traced back as far as the 3rd century bc. It has twenty aran inspired patterns and provides a history of irelands aran islands and aran knitting. There is even a claim that aran stitch patterns appear in the book of kells. During the 8th century, christianity was widespread on the island. Dec 21, 2008 the aran stitches are very distinctive and traditionally aran sweaters will incorporate as many as eight patterns in a sweater. Aran isle sweaters how a dropped stitch gave rise to a. A list of the aran stitches which can be seen in aran. Perhaps the most frequent stitch on irish sweaters, a plain cable depicts the ropes of our fishing ancestors and promises safety and good luck while at sea. Life on these islands could be challenging, and their isolated location and unpredictable climate meant that the islanders had to be resourceful and largely selfsufficient. The stitches have a symbolic meaning, and the most noted authority on teh mystery of the symbols is the eminent knitting historian, heinz edgar kiewe. We are the largest aran sweater and jacket producer in the world. Kiewe, a prussianborn, selfstyled anthropologist, is responsible for much of the resulting international fame of the aran sweater, as well as the fables surrounding it.
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 sweater history aran sweaters aran sweater society. Aran crafts authentic collection of irish aran sweaters. When it comes to the history of aran knitting, the story goes that the original aran knitters developed their own stitch patterns which were closely guarded from clan to clan. The cookie settings on this website are set to allow all cookies to give you the very best experience. It is world renowned for its intricate patterns and craftsmanship. While its now often pristinely portrayed as a luxurious commodity such as when seen on the back of chris evans character in the 2019 big screen blockbuster knives out, the aran knit was born from a.
The history of the irish sweater irish traditions fine. Aran knitting tradition, history and the inishmore bella. Some have suggested that the jumper is an ancient design that has been used on the island for hundreds of years. Celebrity revival of aran jumpers and a solid future for the industry. Irish gifts and crafts from the heart of county kerry. 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. Heinz kiewe liked a good story and while researching the sweaters history, he concluded it was an ancient craft dating back centuries. Some meanings attributed to aran stitches for those who are interested, these are the meanings most often associated with commonly found stitch patterns in aran knitting.
He later went on to write books like the sacred history of knitting 1971 in which he makes dubious claims about the history and origins of the. Inside you will find a short history of the aran islands, and a concise overview of the history of. A list of the aran stitches which can be seen in aran sweaters. Explore our collection of traditional irish knitwear online now including stunning hand knit aran sweaters and cardigans. Kerry, we love to find and share the stunning crafts and gifts designed and created in kerry and the rest of ireland. An existence was eked out by fishing and collecting seaweed, and the annual harvests were critical to the wellbeing of the islanders.
Geansai arann were traditionally knit in the natural colour of sheeps wool, an offwhite or cream colour with cable patterns on. A history of the aran sweater, which was created and developed on the aran islands off irelands west coast. Jun 28, 2012 there is debate about when island residents first started making the jumpers. Back in the 1950s on the aran islands, many of the men were fishermen by trade and, out of necessity to combat the cold and tough conditions of the sea, the women handmade their husbands aran sweaters to keep them warm, hence the. Aran knitting patterns knitting stitches knitting designs hand knitting sewing patterns irish symbols honeycomb stitch irish moss types of stitches. The best work on the history of aran is a book by alice starmore, who picked. Socks and stockings were the most common garments made. The history of the aran jumper 18902015 the aran jumper is synonymous with the aran islands, off the west coast of ireland. Aran jumper knitting patterns did circulate in ireland from the 1960s on, but as hugo hamilton suggests in the speckled people, his memoir of growing up in 1950s dublin as the son of a german. On the aran islands, sweater patterns were zealously guarded, kept within the same clan throughout generations. There is a lot in the culture and history in the aran islands.
Patrick francis aran scarf with pom poms cream color 65. Irish sweaters aran sweaters fisherman sweater usa delivery. Aran sweaters, which are also often times known as cable knit sweaters and aran. How to wear an aran sweater introduction to the aran sweater. Aran sweaters are highly soughtafter, and still, make quite a fashion statement many years after their creation. 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. Overall, the significance of the aran sweater and its history cant be denied. Aug 12, 2016 a photograph of the sweater was later published in mary thomass book of knitting patterns 1943, the first book ever to publish an image of an aran sweater. Sweaters from 40 villages by stella ruhe knitting books, knitting for. He even believed that an aran jumper appeared in the book of kells. Aran islands aran jumpers knitting travel knitting. The aran knit sweater is having a renaissance in the worlds of film. Here at the skellig gift store, a familyrun shop in waterville, co.
Proponents of this theory often point to a picture in the book of kells that appears to depict an ancient aran jumper. Aran sweaters are one of the most soughtafter knitting patterns, but just where. A history of the aran sweater, which was created and developed on the aran islands off irelands west c. Excellent patterns, good history, lots of extra helps regarding knitting in general. 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. The aran sweater is often referred to as the fishermans sweater or geansai arrann in the irish language, is commonly spoken in the islands that are home to this iconic sweater. The history of the aran sweater blarney woollen mills. Knittingirelandaran islandspatterns, knitting, books barnes. Tom hollandcornish fishermans jersey from mary wrights book instructions on.
For the past 82 years, the omaille family has developed a thriving business working closely with the knitters who spend long hours knitting at home, putting finishing touches to. At aran islands knitwear we specialise and stock a wide range of traditional aran hand knitted and aran hand loomed sweaters and cardigans. Patterns of the aran sweater, stretched all the way back to celtic ireland. Life on the aran islands, where the garments we now call irish sweaters originated from, was precarious for our ancestors. The aran is a style of sweater, also known as a fishermans sweater. Aran sweaters women stylish irish aran knitwear for women, made from 100% pure wool and featuring classic aran patterns and stitches in a modern fashion context. It gives help in casting on stitches for all newcomers. Mens wool sweaters, irish sweaters home of the aran sweater.
The history of the luxurious and fashionable irish aran sweaters. In the forward to the now outofprint book, the complete book of traditional aran knitting by shelagh hollingworth, knitting historian heinz edgar kiewe says that he discovered an image in the book of kells in which daniel was wearing aran knits stockings, breeches, and a sweater. Aran sweater market is your one stop shop for mens wool sweaters and the famous irish fisherman sweater also know as the aran sweater. The aran collection madigan cashmerepurveyors of irish luxury. 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. Irish sweaters aran sweaters fisherman sweater usa. He even believed that an aran sweater appeared in the book of kells. Explore our list of knittingirelandaran islandspatterns books at barnes. Aran islands knitwear buy aran sweaters free shipping. Despite the huge increase in fashion goods available in ladies aran knitwear, mens aran knitwear and childrens aran knitwear, the aran sweater remains an item of timeless beauty, synonymous.
Traditional stitch patterns in aran sweaters include the wonderfully named tree of. Aran crafts authentic collection of irish aran sweaters for. With the development of celtic art spanning from about 500bc to ad800, including the pagan and christina eras, and no written language as such, the celts created powerful, evocative, sophisticated images. Rutter, author of knitting history book this golden fleece tells vogue. Initially, the jumpers were knitted with unscoured wool that retained its natural lanolin, which made them wearable when wet. Aran knitting can be traced back to the book of kells, where a picture of an. The complete book of traditional aran knitting hollingworth, shelagh on. A traditional aran jumper is made from undyed creamcolored bainin sheeps wool. The more likely explanation is that aran knitters were inspired by. His thesis has, however, been thoroughly debunked by many historians of knitting, including richard rutt, alice starmore and vawn corrigan.
Vintage jumper, aran jumper, ladies, 80s clothing, made in uk, blue, vintage sweater, navy, aran sweater, wool jumper, cable jumper, 80s blossombluevintage 5 out of 5 stars 291. See more ideas about aran sweater, sweaters, knitting. A superb book that explains and illustrates the fundamentals and stepbystep creation of aran stitches and patterns, then provides complete instructionsfor you to stitch some superb, modernfit sweaters. Aran crafts is the biggest knitwear manufacturer in ireland, its a modern company with a young, energetic workforce. The best work on the history of aran is a book by alice starmore, who. Oct 02, 2020 aran jumper knitting patterns did circulate in ireland from the 1960s on, but as hugo hamilton suggests in the speckled people, his memoir of growing up in 1950s dublin as the son of a german. He wrote a book on his suppositions, the sacred history of knitting, which provides most of the mythology surrounding the aran jumper.
The history of the aran knit jumper irish at heart. The sweatershop became so popular with locals and visitors that the business quickly expanded and now there are stores all over ireland including dublin, kilkenny, and galway city. The first is all about the history of aran knitting and debunking some myths, the second section is the beautiful patterns and the the third is a stitch dictionary with guidelines to design your own. See more ideas about knitting, fisherman sweater, knitting patterns. The patterns are charted and there is a section on how to read the charts. The story goes that each jumper knit for fishermen in the aran islands had a different combination of patterns. Womens irish sweaters womens aran sweater shamrockgift. Aran sweaters and irish sweaters irish sweaters aran sweaters. As a craft the aran sweater continues to fascinate audiences around the world. They also developed various crafts, aran knitwear, baron playing, experts at dry stonewall building. Aran sweaters are named for the aran islands, a group of three small islands which lie six miles from the mouth of galway bay on irelands west coast.
Aran knitting can be traced back to the book of kells, where a picture of an aran island sweater is depicted meaning aran island sweaters style clothing was established before c. Aug 12, 2020 anne omaille owns omaille, a shop in galway selling handknitted aran sweaters that was a favourite of actors john wayne and maureen ohara. West end knitwear is conscious of its roots in the past. Learn a bit of knitting history and discover our perfec. They are highly sought after for their quality, their history, and the clan heritage they represent. In 1890, local knitters began selling their produce through initiatives such as the congested districts board for ireland. How taylor swift is bringing centuriesold knitting traditions back.
Aran coat long line jacket aran knitting pattern cable sweaters jumpers 34 42 inch aran wool knitting patterns pdf instant download thecutepatternshop 4. Irish knit sweaters dont get any better than our clan aran sweater. Knitting is one of the oldest forms of clothes making. The story and style of celtic knitting has many sources. The history of the aran jumper 18902015 center for knit. The definitive history of the aran sweater shamrock craic. The rise, fall and rise again of the aran jumpers fashion appeal. Irish sweaters direct from the aran islands authentic aran. Buy the aran sweater 1st edition by mcquillan, deirdre, fox, des isbn. This makes it perfect to design the sweater, cardigan, long jacket. The book of kells makes references to elaborately designed garments similar to the aran sweater. The history of the irish fishermans aran sweater my real.
The iconic aran sweater takes its name from the trio. How taylor swift is bringing centuriesold knitting. The history of the luxurious and fashionable irish aran. 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. Aran sweater market the home of irish aran sweaters. Hand knit aran sweaters have become rare and valuable. Oct 18, 2008 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. Sep 22, 2019 the first vogue spread featuring the aran sweater vogue knitting 1957 grace kelly on a yacht in an aran jumper the clancy brothers in their signature aran sweaters. Dview history of the aran sweater for more quills woolen market is also your one stop shop for mens woolen sweaters and the famous irish fisherman sweater. In this video, i talk about my trip to the island of inis mor off the west coast of galway in ireland the birthplace of the popular aran jumper. A short history of the aran sweater the irish store. The more likely explanation is that aran knitters were inspired by ancient celtic artwork. It starts with the history of aran sweaters and goes into depth on this subject which i really enjoyed. Represents the fishermans basket and the hope of abundant catches.
This is an excellent text book on the history and also knitting techniques of aran knitting even if a bit dated. Each knitting pattern comes in a word document complete with the meaning of the aran stitches, stitch glossary and instructions. 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. However i was really looking for a book of patterns. N ow you can enjoy the deep satisfaction of knitting your very own clan sweater for all the family with our clanaran knitting patterns. Christian manuscripts such as the famous book of kells, make references to elaborately designed garments similar to the figure sporting an aran sweater. This book adds more patterns and shows how to make aran panels with different patterns. The aran jumper was having a big highendfashion moment. The aran sweater, also known as a fisherman irish sweater, the famous original since 1892.
The modern aran sweater as we pass the turn of the 21st century, handloomed and machine loomed knitwear has changed the industry in a multitude of ways. Aran sweaters originated in the aran islands in connemara, off the west coast of ireland in gawlay bay. Aug 07, 2020 the aran sweater is one of the most iconic and historical clothing items associated with ireland. Aug 12, 2020 from the boats of local fishermen, to the steps of the moma in new york the aran knit jumper has developed from a functional staple to a fashionable statement in just years. Contemporary irish knits is a delicious book for knitters. History of the aran sweater irish gifts and sweaters. The rise, fall and rise again of the aran jumpers fashion.
Utilising traditional manufacturing techniques and beautiful and fashionable designs, these aran jumpers are a must for anybody who loves the warmth and comfort of a real woollen sweater. Pin by toni lorenz on knitting aran sweater, knitting, sweaters. The sweatershop boasts a large selection of superb quality irish aran knitwear including the finest selection of authentic irish sweaters at reasonable prices. 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. In 1967 kiewe published his book the sacred history of knitting, which didnt quite get the facts 100% correct. 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. The book includes patterns from the channel islands, patrington and withernsea, flamborough, filey, scarborough, robin hood s bay, runswick bay, whitby, staithes, northumberland, sheringham guernsey, caister, musselburgh, fife.
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