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Aran sweaters are handmade, following the tradition of the people of the Irish coast who first created these sweaters many years ago.
Why are Aran sweaters so expensive?
They are very durable. There are Aran patterns so intricate that can only be done by hand. Because of such factors, hand-knitted Arans are expensive. Hand loomed Aran sweaters have a looser weave than the hand knit ones.
Where do Aran sweaters come from?
It is a style of sweater, also known as a fisherman’s sweater, which originated in the Aran Islands in Connemara, off the west coast of Ireland. These sweaters were traditionally knit in the natural colour of sheep’s wool, an off-white or cream colour.
Do Irish people really wear Aran sweaters?
With or without the dubious myths attached to them, it seems Aran sweaters and Aran knitting patterns remain a popular and practical symbol of Ireland and Irish craft.
What is special about Aran wool?
Unscoured wool retains its natural lanolin making it water resistant. Perfect for braving the harsh conditions of the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean and a far cry from the soft merino and pure wool yarns that are used today.
Are Irish sweaters handmade?
Aran sweaters are handmade, following the tradition of the people of the Irish coast who first created these sweaters many years ago. Every stitch has a meaning, representing the lifestyle and history of the people who lived on the island of Aran, and Aran sweaters are hand knitted to be unique and beautiful.
Are Aran sweaters worth it?
Hand knit Aran sweaters are knit usually by women at home as a part-time enterprise, are the best quality and the most expensive. They tend to be knit tightly and from heavier yarn, so the patterns are very well defined. Hand knit Aran sweaters are long lasting, keeping their shape and stitch definition for many years.
Is Aran Irish or Scottish?
Aran knitwear is synonymous with Ireland. It is more than just a product; it is almost a matter of national pride. No wonder they are passionate about it.
Why is Aran wool called Aran?
The Aran Sweater takes its name from the set of islands where it originated many generations ago, off the West coast of Ireland. The Aran Islands lie at the mouth of Galway Bay, at the mercy of the relentless Atlantic Sea.
Who owns Aran sweater market?
Headed by businessman Colm MacCarthy, Aran Sweater Market operates retail outlets at Grafton Street in Dublin, Quay Lane in Galway, Kilronan on Inis Mor — the largest of the Aran islands — and Killarney in Co Kerry.
Is Aran wool itchy?
We are delighted to confidently state that our 100% Merino Wool Aran Sweaters are NOT itchy! Typically Aran Sweaters are assumed to be itchy by most due to their rugged appearance and the fact that they are made from wool.
What do the stitches used in Aran knitting represent?
The most commonly seen Aran stitch is the cable, of which there are many variations. These are said to symbolise fishermen’s ropes. Plaited or braided stitches said to represent the interweaving strands of life. Diamonds to represent the shape of the fishing mesh, and wealth and success.
How old are Aran sweaters?
So the first Aran sweaters appeared in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This was due to an initiative by the Congested Districts Board. The Republic of Ireland was still under British rule at the time.
How are Aran sweaters made?
Traditionally, an Aran jumper is made from undyed cream-coloured báinín (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 the garment water-repellent.
What’s the difference between Aran wool and merino wool?
Aran Sweaters were knitted using unscoured wool that kept its natural oils which made the sweaters water-resistant and meant they remained wearable even in wet weather. Merino fibres are really fine making it way softer than traditional wool such as Irish wool which can be coarse to wear.
Is Donegal wool itchy?
The Donegal sweater is highly durable yet very soft to the touch. It feels wonderful on the wearer’s skin thanks to the unique properties of soft Merino wool. This wool is not itchy, doesn’t crease and it maintains its shape for a very long time if you take care of it properly.
Is Aran knitting difficult?
While Aran knit garments and household items may look very complicated to knit, they really aren’t all that difficult to do once you have mastered a couple new techniques. Anyone with basic knitting skills can learn to do Aran knitting and create wonderful heirloom items for their friends and family.
How should an Aran sweater fit?
Don’t be afraid of going for a looser, more comfortable fit here. Arans often look better when they’re not hugging the body. If you need to adjust the length, a tightly knitted and banded hem will allow you to position the sweater where you want it.
How do you wash an Aran sweater?
How To Care For Your Aran Garment Never put in a washing machine or tumble dryer. For best results we recommend a 5-10 minute soak in Woolie Cold Water Wash. Gently squeeze suds through. Squeeze gently and roll in a towel to remove excess water. Pull out carefully into natural sweater shape.
Are Aran jumpers in fashion?
The Aran knit sweater is in the midst of a revival in the worlds of film, music, and high fashion — one that could help bring this dying craft from the western Irish isles back from the brink of extinction.
How long does it take to knit an Aran sweater?
It requires on average more than 40 hours of knitting to complete each sweater and as this is a craft mainly carried out by women in their homes when they are sitting down in the evenings, this means that it could take up to 6 weeks to knit just one sweater! Each sweater is truly a labour of love for their craft.
