Celtic Engagement Rings

Irish Hand Knit Sweaters

Irish Hand Knit Sweaters

Aran Sweater

The Aran (or Arran) is a style of jumper/sweater that takes its name from the Aran Islands off the West Coast of Ireland.

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The sweaters are distinguished by their use of complex textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined in the creation of a single garment. The word choice of "jumper" or "sweater" (or indeed other options such as "pullover" and "jersey") is largely determined by the regional version of English being spoken.[1] In the case of Ireland and Britain "jumper" is the standard word with "sweater" mainly found in tourist shops. The word used in Irish Gaelic is geansa, a gaelicization of guernsey which has been re-Anglicised to gansey in Hiberno-English.

Originally the jumpers were knitted using unscoured wool that retained its natural oils or lanolin which made the garments water-resistant and meant they remained wearable even when wet. It was primarily the wives of Island fishermen who knitted the jumpers.

Some stitch patterns have a traditional interpretation often of religious significance. The honeycomb is a symbol of the hard-working bee. The cable, an integral part of the fisherman's daily life, is said to be a wish for safety and good luck when fishing. The diamond is a wish of success wealth and treasure. The basket stitch represents the fisherman's basket, a hope for a plentiful catch.

Traditionally an Aran jumper is made from undyed cream-coloured (pronounced "bawneen"), a yarn made from sheep's wool, sometimes "black-sheep" wool. They were originally made with unwashed wool that still contained natural sheep lanolin, making it to an extent water-repellent. Up to the 1970s the island women spun their own yarn on spinning wheels.

The jumper usually features texture patterns each of which is about 5-10 cm in width, that move down the sweater in columns from top to bottom. Usually the patterns are symmetrical to a centre axis extending down the centre of the front and back panel. The patterns also usually extend down the sleeves as well. The same textured knitting are also used to make socks, hats, vests and even skirts.

There is debate about when island residents first started making the jumpers. Some have suggested that the jumper is an ancient design that has been used on the island for hundreds of years.Proponents of this theory often point to a picture in the Book of Kells that appears to depict an ancient "Aran jumper". Also, many megaliths around Europe depict similar patterns to those used in the knitting, which are carved into the stone, and date back several thousand years. However it is more likely that the knitting stitches were modelled on these than that they evolved contemporaneously.

Most historians agree[7] that far from being an ancient craft, Aran knitting was invented as recently as the early 1900s by a small group of enterprising island women, with the intention of creating garments not just for their families to wear but which could be sold as a source of income.

The first Aran knitting patterns were published in the 1940s by Patons of England. 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.

The development of the export trade during the 1950s and 1960s took place after P.A. organised an instructor, with the help of a grant from the Congested Districts Board for Ireland, to go to the islands and teach the knitters how to make garments to standard international sizings. He commissioned the Irish artist Keating, who had spent much time on the islands, to design and illustrate marketing brochures. Knitting became an important part of the island's economy and during the 1960s, even with all available knitters recruited from the three islands and from other parts of Ireland he had difficulty in fulfilling orders from around the world.

Aran jumpers are often sold as a "fisherman sweater", suggesting that the jumper was traditionally used by the islands' famous fishermen. It is sometimes said that each fisherman (or their family) had a jumper with a unique design, so that if he drowned and was found maybe weeks later on the beach, his body could be identified. There is no record of any such event ever taking place, nor is there any evidence to support there being a systematic tradition of family patterns.

This misconception may have originated with J.M. Synge's 1904 play Riders to the Sea, in which the body of a dead fisherman is identified by the hand-knitted stitches on one of his garments. However, even in the play there is no reference to any decorative or Aran type pattern. The garment referred to is a plain stocking and it is identified by the number of stitches, the quote being "it's the second one of the third pair I knitted, and I put up three score stitches, and I dropped four of them".

There is also some doubt about whether Aran jumpers were ever widely used by fishermen and many argue that the original jumpers with their untreated yarn would not have been suitable for this use. They were quite thick and stiff, which would probably restrict the movements of a fisherman. On the other hand these garments were the only form of hardy clothing they had to weather the Atlantic Ocean storms in. Islanders can be seen wearing them in photographs taken early in the twentieth century.

Arising from the myth above is a widely believed misconception that Aran patterns have clan associations. The idea of clan Aran sweaters has widespread appeal to the Irish diaspora and is often used as a marketing tool. Most research concludes that there is no definitive evidence to support the concept of clan patterns, though it is possible that variations in design may have occurred in different families and regions. Anecdotal evidence varies on this point with some older knitters saying that family patterns existed and others denying it.

While in the past the majority of jumpers and other Aran garments were knit by hand, today the majority of items on sale in Ireland and elsewhere are either machine knit or produced on a hand loom. There are very few people still knitting jumpers by hand on a commercial basis.

Machine knit jumpers tend to use finer wool and have less complex patterns, since many of the traditional stitches cannot be reproduced this way. They are the least expensive option. Hand looming allows more complicated stitches to be used, will have fewer stitches to the inch and be thicker. The best quality hand loomed sweaters are almost indistinguishable from hand knit. Hand knit jumpers tend to be more tightly knit, to have more complex stitch patterns and to be longer lasting and they attract a significant price premium. By holding them up to light the difference between the machine knit and hand knit is evident.

About the Author

Himfr is a scholar, focusing his research on Chinese cultures. If you are interested in purchasing China goods, please visit www.himfr.com

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.

Children's Aran Sweaters From Ireland - Cardigan $64.99 Crafted of extra-soft 100% merino wool, these child-size versions of the Irish classic are cozy and warm. Knit in traditional Aran stitches. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. Sizes S (18-24 mos), M (2-3 yrs), L (4-5 yrs), XL (7-8 yrs), 2XL (10-11 yrs).

Children's Aran Sweaters From Ireland - Crew $62.99 Crafted of extra-soft 100% merino wool, these child-size versions of the Irish classic are cozy and warm. Knit in traditional Aran stitches. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. Sizes S (18-24 mos), M (2-3 yrs), L (4-5 yrs), XL (7-8 yrs), 2XL (10-11 yrs).

Shamrock Knit Cotton Cardigan $64.99 For almost 100 years this USA company has been knitting sweaters. One of their most popular styles is this 100% natuaral cotton cardigan. They made it for us with an all over shamrock design for pure comfort.

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.

Newborn Knit Hat with Shamrock $9.99 Welcome your little Irish fan with this newborn knit hat. 50% polyester, 50% cotton. Imported. 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.

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 To The Bone Shirt $49.99 These well-accessorized, glittering gals celebrate with an Irish jig! Soft, 100% cotton knit, with side slits. USA. Exclusively Ours! Sizes S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14), XL (16), 1XL (18-20), 2XL (20-22), 3XL (24).

Personalized Irish Fisherman's Throw $64.99 Cozy and sumptuously patterned with an artful mix of the classic Aran stitches found in traditional fisherman's sweaters. This soft throw is personalized with the family name embroidered in satiny taupe-colored thread. 100% all-natural cotton. USA. 48 x 68. Ships separately; allow 3-4 weeks.

Lucky Irish Penny Watch $54.99 Unique Irish penny watch that is a collector's piece as the penny is no longer in circulation. Trinity knot designs around the 1 1/2 face, a four leaf clover on the second hand and a leather band. Arrives in black pouch. Imported. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity.

Irish Peat Turf Fire DVD $27.99 There are few things that evoke Ireland as much as a real peat fire. With this unique and original DVD you and your family can experience the wonderful atmosphere that a real peat fire creates. Filmed in a 15th century Irish castle and using only hand cut peat from Co. Galway. 1 hour and 25 min.

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.

Enya The Irish Dancer Porcelain Doll $199 This genuine Crolly Doll was lovingly hand finished by the award-winning team in beautiful North West Donegal, Ireland, using only the finest of Irish Linens and velvet, in the best traditions of design and manufacture, which have been synonymous with Crolly Dolls since 1939. Enya is Ireland with her flawless porcelain face, deep green eyes, and soft auburn hair. Embroidered velvet and satin dress edged in ivory eyelet. 18 tall. Stand and sturdy collectors' box included, along with signed Certificate of Authenticity. From Ireland. Web Exclusive!

Shamrock Knit Beanie $11.99 This is sure to keep you warm! Ever popular beanie is 100% jacquard knit. Imported.

Ireland Knit Skull Caps $13.99 Chase away the chill with our cozy cotton/acrylic knit skull caps. One size fits most.

Irish Man Cave Plaque $47.99 What man wouldn?t love this sign outside his own domain. This 14?W x 18?H wood plaque, silk screened by hand and featuring a hand cut, hand painted 3-D resin beer mug is the perfect addition to his own domain. Keyhole hanger. Please state name up to 14 characters. Shipped separately, allow 3-4 weeks. Made in USA.

Personalized Irish Countdown Sign $89.99 The perfect sign for counting down the days until St. Patrick's Day in your home bar, kitchen, rec room, or public bar. Handcrafted in the USA of furniture grade wood and professionally hand silk screened the old fashioned way! Steam bent, hand striped milled poplar molding. Use your own chalk on the real 6 x 3 chalkboard section. Keyhold hanger on back for easy door or wall mounting. This plaque makes a treasured gift that will last a lifetime. Please state name, not to exceed 18 characters including punctuation. Ships separately - allow 3-4 weeks. Web Exclusive!

Sweet Lavender Shower Gel & Hand Cream Gift Set $34.99 Enjoy the soft scent of Irish lavender in this boxed set of 2.5 oz Hand Cream and 6.8 oz Shower Gel. From Ireland. Web Exclusive!

Guinness Reversible Knit Cap $14.99 This in fashion and comfortable cotton/acrylic cap handily reverses from a stripe to a print. Designed in Ireland.

Guinness Knit Scarf $29.99 Celebrate the legendary brew with this cold-weather classic. Designed in Ireland and embroidered with the Guinness harp logo. The scarf is made of soft 100% acrylic. SORRY, CAP IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Connemara Walking Socks Men's Or Women's $14.99 For all walks of life! Expertly knit in Connemara, reflecting the colors of the Irish countryside, these wool socks offer superior comfort, breathability and warmth. Ireland. Available in men's or women's

Welcome to God's Family Wee One Plaque $18.99 This lovely Baptism gift in soft shades of beige and green and a heartfelt prayer. And fashioned with favorite Irish designs ? Aran knit, sheep and a Celtic Cross. Hangs from a ribbon hanger. 8 x 6?.

Connemara Walking Socks Women's Or Men's $14.99 For all walks of life! Expertly knit in Connemara, reflecting the colors of the Irish countryside, these wool socks offer superior comfort, breathability and warmth. Ireland. Available in women's or men's

Women's The Gift Of Time Watch $119 Elegantly Irish. Swarovski crystals surround the Trinity knot face and accent the band of freshwater pearls. Sweep second hand. From Ireland. Boxed.

Sister Folk Figurine $14.99 It?s obvious she?s proud to be Irish green tap shoes and all! Hand painted resin. 3 ??H. Gift box.

Rayon Blend Sweater Knit Heather Violet $6.98 This lightweight sweater knit fabric features a soft, slightly fuzzy hand and a fluid drape. Perfect for cardigans, pullovers, sweaters, and scarves.

Rayon Blend Sweater Knit Heather Charcoal $6.98 This lightweight sweater knit fabric features a soft, slightly fuzzy hand and a fluid drape. Perfect for cardigans, pullovers, sweaters, and scarves.

Celtic Cottage Bread Warmer $12.99 An Irish blessing to hand in your kitchen but also functional. Heat this porcelain warmer in oven or microwave and place in breadbasket to keep busn and bread warm. Also used as trevet. USA. 6 1/2.

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.

Blown Glass Basket $74.99 Hand made and mouth blown this basket draws its color inspiration from the Irish countryside. Created by an artist in his Killarney studio, each basket is uniquely made of 100% recycled glass. 5 x 3 ??.

Personalized Coat of Arms Ceramic Mug with Crest $19.99 A proud salute to your family name and Irish heritage! Our Personalized Coat of Arms mug is ceramic and holds 11oz. Hand wash recommended. Imported. Web Exclusive!

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.

Tis Herself and Tis Himself Hand Towels - Herself $9.99 Cheerfully announce who you are! Expertly embroidered in the USA on 100% cotton towels. 16 x 30.

Tis Herself And Tis Himself Hand Towels - Himself $9.99 Cheerfully announce who you are! Expertly embroidered in the USA on 100% cotton towels. 16 x 30.

Personalized Celtic Name Plaque with Claddagh $99 Give your guests a warm Irish welcome! Hand-cast and hand-painted aluminum, this plaque is inscribed with your family name. Choice of black or green. Shipped separately; allow 3-4 weeks. 16 3/4 x 9 1/3.

Declan's F.B.I. Finnians Undercover $36.99 This whimsical Irish trio is dedicated to the pursuit of fun and laughter. Each Finnians has its own piece of real Blarney Stone bringing you the gift of the gab and the luck of the Irish. F.B.I. Finnians Undercover measures 5 3/8 tall and 4 wide. Hand-painted resin figurine comes boxed for you from Ireland. Web Exclusive!

Personalized Door Plaque with Bell $129 Give your guests a resounding Irish welcome! Hand-poured aluminum, this plaque is inscribed with your family name. Bell has a leather thong pull. USA. 15 1/4 x 10 1/2 x 9. Please state name. Shipped separately; allow 3-4 weeks.

Young College Girls Wearing Wool Knickers and Bulky Knit Sweaters $79.99 Yale Joel Young College Girls Wearing Wool Knickers and Bulky Knit Sweaters - Premium Photographic Print

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