Celtic Engagement Rings

Irish Cable Sweater

Irish Cable Sweater

Irish sweaters are also known as Aran sweaters and fisherman's sweaters. Easily recognized by the variety of knitted stitches, patterns, and comfortable styles, these Irish wool sweaters are known for their warmth. Prominent cables on the front accompany designs and symbols. Success can be wished with a diamond. The basket stitch wishes a good day's fishing. It is told that certain patterns represent the wearer's clan, with the pattern learned by young girls from their mothers and grandmothers.

The Aran Islands are located off the west coast of Ireland, with fishing and farming are the two basic industries. The cold Atlantic wind and temperatures inspired the warm pullover Irish sweater. Once created from natural cream-colored wool, the unwashed yarn retained lanolin from the sheep, giving water-repellant features. Until perhaps 1970, Aran women spun their own yarn to create the cable patterns which added bulk, insulation, and warmth to knitwear.

It is estimated that the typical Irish sweater has close to 100,000 stitches. Patterns are listed as moderately challenging.

Whether referred to as a jumper, or sweater, Irish sweaters have quite a bit of folklore attached. It may never be settled if the patterns in the sweater actually have been created for thousands of years, or the patterns were just adapted during the last century or two. The most common belief is that the Irish sweater is an adaptation of the Gansey, or Guernsey, sweater, which has been created around the British Isles for centuries.

Irish wool sweaters are incorporated in the myth of being a fishing sweater. That idea is renounced because of the difficult motion the stiff, unyielding wool sweater presents. The clan design, as well, is more than likely a selling feature rather than fact. Irish knit sweaters, however, have unique regional designs.

When export trade started with the Aran Islands during the 1950s, the islanders were taught international sizing. Quickly, knitting Irish sweaters became a vital economic export. By the 1960s, all three islands and more knitters from Ireland found it difficult to keep up with the orders. Today, most products are a result of machine knitting, which uses a finer yarn.

Hand-looming gives more intricate designs. Hand-knit <a target="_new" href="http://www.bushmillscrafts.com/">Irish Sweaters</a> have tighter stitches, with well-set and recognizable designs. They also have longer lasting power. Purchasing an heirloom means a higher price.

A Fair Isle sweater uses colored wool yarns to create designs. The method is common throughout the British Isles, and uses the basic knit stitch. The unused pieces of yarn are carried across the back of the project until needed again.

Color added to the appeal of Irish sweaters and other knitwear. Women and teens discovered the comfort and style, and embraced Irish culture and heritage. The beautiful designs of Irish jewelry began to appear in pendants and rings around the world. A claddagh, the Irish symbol of love and loyalty, is often seen on rings and pendants. Shamrocks adorn rings and pins, as well as necklaces.

Some of the best gifts in the world come in the form of Irish sweaters and Irish jewelry. The Mystic Isle claims legends built of hardship, cold and untamed seas, and the strength of a people destined to survive by using the tools at hand: skill, imagination, precious stones and metals, and some of the best wool in the world.

Bushmills Crafts provides a fantastic range of traditional Irish products, based over in Ireland. For a complete range of their products and Irish Fashion, including Irish Sweaters, please click here: Irish Sweaters

Holiday Irish Sensation Sweater $51.99 Exquisite Christmas wreath hand beaded sweater is adorned with sparkling crystals and dazzling sequins. A real eye catcher for the holidays! Imported.

* Pure Wool Sweater Caspian $84.99 * Pure Wool Sweater Caspian

Irish Toasty Toes $12.99 Cozy up on a cold winter night with this very Irish water bottle covered with an Aran sweater! Ireland. 11 x 6 1/2.

Merino Wool Aran Sweater - Ba?n?n $99.99 Knit of luxuriously soft merino in classic Aran stitches, this traditional Irish sweater is one you'll treasure for years. Ideal for men and women. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. Sizes S (36), M (38), L (40), XL (42), 2XL (44). Ba?n?n.

Men's Classic Crewneck Sweater $34.99 With a handsome embroidered shamrock in green, orange, and white, this stylish sweater is sure to become a wardrobe staple. It's fully fashioned, with ribbed hem and cuffs and a colorful dark green band across the chest. USA. 100% acrylic. Sizes M (38), L (40), XL (42), 2XL (46), 3XL (48), 4XL (50).

Merino Wool Keyhole Aran Sweater $79.99 Knit with a feminine style this sweater will become one of your favorites. Made in Ireland of extra soft merino wool and in a color that will go with everything. Sizes S, M, L, XL.

Grey Merino Wool Zip Sweater $139.99 This Sweater is knitted from durable 100% Shetland wool. It offers an additional layer of insulation with a 100% cotton lining. Enjoy the soft fleece collar, generous pockets and side draw strings. Ireland.

Childs Ireland Embroidered Cricket Sweater $39.99 This emerald green medium-weight v-neck cricket sweater is made of soft, 100% acrylic. Embroidered shamrocks and Ireland on left chest. Contrasting trim in white and navy stripes. Available in 4-5 years (24 chest), 6 yrs (26), 8 yrs (28), 10 yrs (30), and 12 yrs (32). From Ireland. Web Exclusive!

Men's Irish Donegal Tweed Sweater $249 Local Irish wool makes a cozy natural sweater.

Adults Ireland Embroidered Cricket Sweater - Navy $49.99 This emerald green medium-weight v-neck cricket sweater is made of soft, 100% acrylic. Embroidered shamrocks and Ireland on left chest. Contrasting trim in white and emerald green stripes. Available in S (36 chest), M (42), L (44), XL (46), and 2XL (47). From Ireland. Web Exclusive!

Merino Wool Sweater $109.99 Knit of luxuriously soft merino in classic Aran stitches. Ideal for men or women. From Ireland.

Personalized Chevron-Stitch Sweater $62.99 Distinctive chevron stitching with embroidered name and Celtic knot. 100% cotton in a year-round weight, crew neck and ribbed hem. USA. Please state name. Shipped separately; allow 3-4 weeks. Exclusively Ours! Sizes only available in L and XL $59.99, 2XL $62.99. We apologize this item can not be shipped outside the U.S. Women's Sizes M (8-10), L (12-14), XL (16-18), 2XL (20). Men's Sizes M (34-36), L (38-40), XL (42-44), 2XL (46-48)

Bouquet Of Shamrocks Sweater $69 Exclusively Ours! Hand knit by Bolivian artisans of soft 100% cotton. Lovely detail on each sleeve. Sizes S (4), M (6-8), L (10-12), XL (14-16) 1XL (18), 2XL (20), 3XL (22)

Irish Aran Belted Sweater Jacket $159 This belted cardigan mixes today's style with time-honored handcrafted technique in a cable and trellis pattern.

Shamrock Sensation By Berek $89 Created by Berek of New York, this stunning sweater will celebrate all things Irish. Exquisite appliqu?, sparkling crystals and hand applied beadwork adorn this cotton / ramie sweater. Imported.

Ireland Cricket Sweater Vest - Navy $24.99 This navy medium-weight v-neck cricket vest is made of soft, 100% acrylic. Embroidered shamrocks and Ireland on left chest. Contrasting trim in white and emerald green stripes. Available in S (32 chest), M (36), L (40), XL (48), and 2XL (54). From Ireland. Web Exclusive!

Ireland Cricket Sweater Vest - White $34.99 This white medium-weight v-neck cricket vest is made of soft, 100% acrylic. Embroidered shamrocks and Ireland on left chest. Contrasting trim in navy and emerald green stripes. Available in S (32 chest), M (36), L (40), XL (48), and 2XL (54). From Ireland. Web Exclusive!

Handknit Merino Wool Crewneck Sweater $179.99 Merino wool is highly prized for its supple and gentle hand. Hand knit in classic Aran stitches and luxuriously soft for men and women. Ireland. Sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL.

Aranware Pitcher $68.99 Cast from the clay of Co. Derry this jug evokes the spirit of the Irish countryside. Patterned after the famous Aran sweater, designed for everyday use, and dishwasher and microwave safe. 8 ??W x 7?H. Ireland.

Sensational Holiday Flair $109.99 Designed by Berek Sweaters of New York this flattering sweater celebrates the holidays with Irish style. Exquisite applique, sparkling crystals and hand applied beadwork. 55% ramie 45% cotton.

Cable Sweater $22.99 This pampering sweater makes you feel good all over. Front cable detailing, sweater ribbed crew neckline, sleeve hems and bottom. Approx. 26"L. Soft acrylic knit. Machine wash/dry. Import.

Hand Knit Merino Wool Zip Front Aran Cardigan $179.99 Authentic and unique Aran stitches in this luxruiously soft sweater. Aran sweaters are renowned for their longevity and this one is ideal for men and women. Ireland.

Shamrock Bear with Hoodie $14.99 Cuddly and soft and so popular in his hoodie sweater. Embroidered design. 8. From John Hinde, Ireland.

Black Merino Wool Shoulder Wrap $99.99 This soft wrap offers a fresh interpretation of the Aran Sweater, rich in intricate stitch-work, and has two front pockets. From Ireland. One Size.

Pipka Santa 10124 Irish Christmas Santa Miniature $27.3 The Irish Christmas Santa carries a very special Christmas sign reminiscent of the beautiful old ironwork signs that prevail in Ireland which reads Nollaig Shona Dhuit and means Happy Christmas Day the most common Christmas greeting. A cape to ward off blustery Irish winds keeps warm as does his cable knit Irish sweater. In Santa s sack we find some Irish goodies. This jolly Irish man with a twinkle in his eyes will make sure that everyone has a Nollaig Sona Dhuit.

Black Watch Plaid Shawl $34.99 This is an easy - wearing alernative to a sweater with two front pockets. It is environmentally friendly, made with eco - yarns 100% recycled acrylic fibers. Imported. 25 from back neck to hem.

Merino Wool Shoulder Wrap $99.99 Nothing matches the comfort and warmth of merino wool. This soft wrap offers a fresh interpretation of the Aran sweater, rich in intricate stitchwork, and has two front pockets. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. One size.

Women's Irish Aran Turtleneck Sweater $149 Traditional Irish Aran knitting in a cozy turtleneck.

Hello Friends Deirdre Figurine $19.99 A new introduction of Friends from around the world. Ours is of course from Ireland and clearly represents her country. Nestled inside a decorative suitcase is our red haired 7 1/4 tall beauty, dressed in an Aran sweater. Also inside, a passport, passport stamp, and fun facts to learn. Boxed. Imported.

Aran Coat $179.99 The classic Aran sweater has been transformed into a stylish versatile coat to warm body and spirit. The easy, unconstructed fit is expertly knit of 100% merino wool in a captivating array of stitches. Length 39? Ireland. Sizes S, M, L, XL.

Women's Lined Wool Zip Cardigan Jacket $79.99 This soft, mid-weight jacket is made with comfort and warmth in mind. 100% pure new wool outer in a sweater-style knit, cotton lining, and polyester fleece collar, all in a beautifully coordinating wheat shade. Cuffs and collar knit with Aran design. Pull-cords at the bottom to keep in warmth. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. Available in Small (41), Medium (43), Large (45), or XL (47). From Ireland. Web Exclusive!

Irish Blessing $7.99 Irish Blessing

Plus Size Black Cable Tunic Sweater $42 Sleeveless cable front sweater tunic with split neckline.

Plus Size Cream Cable Tunic Sweater $42 Sleeveless cable front sweater tunic with split neckline.

Plus Size Wine Cable Tunic Sweater $42 Sleeveless cable front sweater tunic with split neckline.

Plus Size Teal Cable Tunic Sweater $42 Sleeveless cable front sweater tunic with split neckline.

Plus Size Khaki Cable Tunic Sweater $42 Sleeveless cable front sweater tunic with split neckline.

Pipka Santa 11385 Irish Christmas Santa $72.8 The Irish Christmas Santa carries a very special Christmas sign reminiscent of the beautiful old ironwork signs that prevail in Ireland which reads "Nollaig Shona Duit" and means "Happy Christmas Day"' the most common Christmas greeting. A cape to ward off blustery Irish winds keeps warm as does his cable knit Irish sweater. In Santa's sack we find some Irish goodies; lucky coins fishing boat a large shamrock jar of orange marmalade book of Irish proverbs and a sheep rocker. Santa stands before Irish stone fences which are prevalent all around the countryside. This jolly Irish man with a twinkle in his eyes will make sure that everyone has a "Nollaig Sona Duit.". 6.25 Height.

Pipka Santa 11485 Irish Christmas Santa $29.38 The Irish Christmas Santa carries a very special Christmas sign reminiscent of the beautiful old ironwork signs that prevail in Ireland which reads Nollaig Shona Duit and means Happy Christmas Day the most common Christmas greeting. A cape to ward off blustery Irish winds keeps warm as does his cable knit Irish sweater. In Santa s sack we find some Irish goodies; lucky coins fishing boat a large shamrock jar of orange marmalade book of Irish proverbs and a sheep rocker. Santa stands before Irish stone fences which are prevalent all around the countryside. This jolly Irish man with a twinkle in his eyes will make sure that everyone has a Nollaig Sona Duit.

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