The history of the aran sweater the sweatershop, ireland. 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. It is 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. A myth about the aran sweater is that the stitches are linked to family names the legend has it that each stitch represents a family second name so that is the fisherman was lost at sea the family would be able to identify the body by the stitch on the sweater although an interesting story, it has not been proven at a fact. The characteristic, almost tubular, shape of the fishermans gansey was dictated by practicality. That is why the book is also full of stories and interesting facts about the daily life of fishermen with a few fishy stories as well. The introduction details the history of sweater knitting while each sweater pattern begins with a history of the techniques and patterns the design employs. Free shipping on due to covid19, orders may be delayed. Fishermans merino ribbed turtleneck sweater our classic fishermans sweater is a musthave garment for the modern man. At the sweater shop, we have a unique selection of 100% irish wool products, from crew neck and vneck sweaters to mens fisherman sweaters, aran cardigans and grandfather shirts. From fisherman s sweaters to cabled hats and scarves named after small towns in north england, these knits will have you fantasizing about woodstoves and stone walled cabins in the forest, woodland animals and rustic knits.
How to put a spin on a fishermans sweater part ivv. I designed this toddlers fishermans sweater to use traditional stitch patterns from orkney, scotland based on elizabeth lovicks book patterns for north ronaldsay yarn and yarn from a local primitive breed sheep on the island of papa westray holmie oo, which is only available on the island. The exposed part of the sweater is textured for extra warmth. The submariners fishermans roll neck sweater jumper. Gents aran sweaters, mens wool sweaters, irish fisherman. What the gansey sweater can teach you about utility knitting. A typical fishermans sweater is a bulky garment with cable patterns on the chest. The english fishermans sweater is much more understated than what we think of as a traditional irish fishermans sweaterthe heavily cabled aran sweater. Beginning of a dialog window, including tabbed navigation to register an account or sign in to an existing account. We chose denselyknit cotton yarns to give this crewneck sweater threeseason appeal. Vintage 60s irish knits fishermans sweaters pattern book. See more ideas about knitting, knitting patterns, sweater pattern. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options.
Known and prized around the world in the form of the irish fisherman s sweater, aran knitting originated generations ago in the chilly, windswept islands of galway bay. Everything is made at its factory in kilcar, county donegal using only the finest 100% natural, luxury fibre yarns extra fine merino wool. This completely revised and update version of the perennial bestseller includes 100% new photography, new patterns, and more. I was worried about ordering a small because i accidentally forgot to select medium. Irish fisherman sweater, irish sweaters aran sweaters by. The guernsey sweater was traditionally knit lovingly i imagine by fishermans brunel generally sports a sort of guernsey sweater, which im surprised to find is not an anachronism. Dec 09, 2015 most new knitters start by making a scarf. Made in ireland of 100% soft merino wool, you can be assured of its high quality and craftsmanship. I knew it was coming from ireland and figured id take my chances. Knitting from the netherlands, traditional dutch fishermen. Womens fisherman sweaters the sweater shop, ireland.
Fishermans crew neck cable jumper 100% british wool. See more ideas about sweaters, knitting and hand knitted sweaters. Jun 28, 2012 the honeycomb is a symbol of the hardworking bee. And, its the home and inspiration for the contemporary irish knitwear brand fisherman out of ireland. Aran sweater fishermans pullover with shawl collar knitting.
The aran islands lie at the mouth of galway bay, at the mercy of the relentless atlantic sea. Knitting from the netherlands, traditional dutch fishermens. Mens merino wool fishermans roll neck moss stitch jumper. Gansey or guernsey knitting patterns in the loop knitting. The wool was also unwashed to retain the natural sheep lanolin, which would ensure the woven garment would be waterrepellent, a must for anyone out on the waters off irelands atlantic coast. Vawn corrigan author of irish aran, history, tradition, fashion while. Irish fisherman sweaters fisherman out of ireland blarney. The book contains some wonderful historical information and background, as well as some detailed knitting instructions. Fishermans sweater, vintage irish wool cable knit sweater, cream chunky knit aran sweater, large rustbeltthreads.
Aran sweater fishermans pullover with shawl collar. Liisi jaatsguernsey, gansey, fisherman sweater discover the. Theres some inconsistency as to whether the motifspatterns are given in charted or written form i prefer charts and its a little challenging to decipher the sweater instructions, but this the enclosed documentation of sweater patterningconstruction is fascinating, and ive already worked. Batsford ltd, london uk first edition in 1981, this is a reprint dated 1985 hardback with dust jacket 142 pages. Thanks to the cabling the aran pattern the fit is trim and neat but still has room to wear a long sleeve shirt. A traditional aran jumper usually is offwhite in colour, with cable patterns on the body and sleeves. Aran sweater fishermans pullover with shawl collar knitting this multipage knitting pattern, complete with photographs, provides detailed instructions to create a small size aran style pullover sweater for women or young girls. See more ideas about sweaters, hand knitting and hand knitted sweaters. The seafaring aran islanders developed a distinctive method of crafting heavy wool into snug garments resistant to the stormiest weather. Historical documentationpatterns of the famous fisherman and aran sweaters of the british isles. Both unconventional and frugal and always up for a challenge he sources. The diamond is a wish of success wealth and treasure.
Twenty exclusive knitwear designs for all generations starmore, alice on. This book give detailed and precise instruction for each sweater. The sweater has the most beautiful cabling, its warm wool and soft to the touch. The original irish fisherman sweaters were made of wool that retained lanolin, making them waterresistant. To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern. See more ideas about sweaters, knitwear and hand knitting. Dec 25, 2017 the book on how to host the perfect ugly sweater party asserts that the first ever ugly christmas sweater party occurred in 2002 in vancouver. In this guide, we will explore how the sweater evolved to be the classic wardrobe staple it is today, and how to find a good one.
The definitive history of the aran sweater shamrock craic. They feature combinations of stitch patterns using just knit and purl stitches. I think as hes french i was picturing a breton fisherman jersey. Aug 31, 2017 my 2nd sweater ever was a penny straker fishermans sweater. A short history of the aran sweater the irish store. There s some inconsistency as to whether the motifspatterns are given in charted or written form i prefer charts and it s a little challenging to decipher the sweater instructions, but this the enclosed documentation of sweater patterningconstruction is fascinating, and ive already worked.
This type of sweater is more commonly referred to as a fisherman sweater. Fishermans ribbed sweater, irish sweater, aran sweater, aran. The classic diamond stitch, one of the most popular stitches on the original hand knit irish aran sweaters, wishes the wearer wealth and success. There is even a claim that aran stitch patterns appear in the book of kells. History of the irish fisherman sweater saint patricks guild.
Twenty exclusive knitwear designs for all generations. Geansai arann is a style of jumper that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. Ever wondered about the real origin of the aran sweater posts about guernsey written by tomofholland tom hollandcornish fishermans jersey from mary wrights book instructions ckfinspiration. You could always count on two things from a fishermans sweater. Far from being merely a fashion statement, the sweater served a serious purpose for both fisherman and farmers back in its day. Also known as aran sweaters, theyre insanely warm, comfy, and chic. The fisherman sweaters were usually knit by the fishermans wives. 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.
Peters basilica, combining risky excavations, oil discoveries and cataclysmic explosions in texas, the intrigues and adventures of world war ii, petty jealousy among vatican apparatchiks, scholarly diligence and carelessness, amazing heroism plus, above all, confirmation. 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. 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. Merino wool irish fishermans rib sweater with patches. Traditional aran knitting dover knitting, crochet, tatting. Heartwood is a collection of patterns inspired by nature, and the history of knitting. According to hearsay, so tight were the ganseys knitted for the unfor tunate children of one fisherman that, when the garments. Clay new york city in todays age of copies and knockoffs, where the original and fakes are often hard to tell apart, i am often cautious about buying things that claim to be real, but in fact are cheap lookalikes.
Not bad for a piece of clothing that began life as a humble fishermans sweater on a remote trio of islands off ireland. This is a progressive, irish owned company making great knitwear for men and women since 1991. The more likely explanation is that aran knitters were inspired by ancient celtic artwork. This book gives a brief history of the aran sweater, has many stitch patterns for you to choose from and patterns that anyone can do if they pay close attention. The complete book of traditional guernsey and jersey knitting. The combination of history and modern patterns make dutch traditional ganseys a unique book for knitters, and a great read for everyone interested in craft, culture and heritage. Aran jumpers are sometimes sold as a fisherman sweater, indicating that the jumper was traditionally used by the islands famous fishermen. The fisherman s tomb tells the story of the discovery of the tomb and bones of st.
Women would be able to coordinate each sweater easily with existing pieces of their wardrobe, so, to create their perfect outfit ensembles. From fishermans sweaters to cabled hats and scarves named after small towns in north england, these knits will have you fantasizing about woodstoves and stone walled cabins in the forest, woodland animals and rustic knits. Gansey patterns are inspired by the sweaters worn by fishermen around the coasts of the uk which were called ganseys or guernseys. This type of sweater when knitted with the right wool is very warm and wind showerproof. Unless you want it sitting in your closet sadly for 30 years. Several years ago, i found a pullover dark cranberry irish wool sweater very much like this, at a tiny local celtic gift shop. Its great book for those who love fishermens sweaters. The basket stitch represents the fishermans basket, a hope for a. Feel free to browse through our chunky crew neck jumpers or go for our authentic breton striped and plain sweaters with the shoulder opening. The basket stitch represents the fishermans basket, a hope for a plentiful catch.
The fisherman sweater, previously known as an aran jumper in ireland, has a long and unique history that is intimately tied to its native people. This is a wonderful book and well worth whatever you pay for it. The aran sweater is sweater that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. Clay new york city in today s age of copies and knockoffs, where the original and fakes are often hard to tell apart, i am often cautious about buying things that claim to be real, but in fact are cheap lookalikes. The guernsey is the mainstay of guernseys knitting industry which can be dated back to the late 15th century when a royal grant was obtained to import wool from england and reexport knitted goods to normandy and spain. Lightweight traditional aran mens wool sweater the aran sweater is a timeless wardrobe essential and a sweater for life.
The cable, an integral part of the fishermans daily life, is said to be a wish for safety and good luck when fishing. It also provides some basic information on reading her charts. Bekijk meer ideeen over trui, breien en mannen trui. A typical fisherman s sweater is a bulky garment with cable patterns on the chest. She can only wear it on the coldest days and it requires dry cleaning, but the drape of wool and the cable pattern cant be beat. He wrote a book on his suppositions, the sacred history of knitting, which provides most of the mythology surrounding the aran. He wrote a book on his suppositions, the sacred history of knitting, which provides most of the mythology surrounding the aran jumper. Known and prized around the world in the form of the irish fishermans sweater, aran knitting originated generations ago in the chilly, windswept islands of galway bay. Shop for cotton fisherman sweater womens online at target. The fisherman sweater is a style of sweater that takes its name from the aran islands off the west coast of ireland. Oct 08, 2018 the traditional fishermans sweater is made from bainin which takes its name from the irish word for white, bain, a yarn of undyed sheeps wool. My husband got this sweater as a hoodie substitute since he has been trying to dress a bit nicer. Alice starmore is the definitive designer of the fishermans sweater.
Represents the fisherman s basket and the hope of abundant catches. The aran sweater takes its name from the set of islands where it originated many generations ago, off the west coast of ireland. The ensuing media circus about these sweaters means that now more and more sweaters are being made with the specific goal of being ugly. The first thing this artist ever knitted was an irish fishermans sweater.
A rare book, well worth adding to any serious knitters library. Peter heylin described the manufacture and export of wastecotes during the reign of charles i. Dutch traditional ganseys, stella ruhe fishermans jumpers. In today s article, i will be sharing more about the history of the gansey sweater to inspire you to knit garments that are both beautiful and practical. In september 20 she launched her book dutch fishermen sweaters. I made it the summer of 1987 out of bartlett yarns. Suitable for novices as well as for experienced knitters, this guide offers more than 20 patterns, illustrated by 117 closeup photographs. Apr 09, 2018 a book titled fishermens sweaters by alice starmore has some beautiful gansey patterns including a childs sweater similar to ddls.
The classic diamond stitch, one of the most popular stitches on the original hand knit irish sweaters, wishes the wearer wealth and success, while. The aran sweater is an iconic and beautiful traditional irish item. Gansey knitted socks pattern youll love knitting daily. Excellent book with many patterns and their area stories, not for a novices knitters, only one pattern for the type of sweater, you add the patterns of your choice, could be confusing to a beginner. Prized around the world in the form of the irish fisherman s sweater, aran knitting features distinctive, highly textured patterns of cables and ropes. Great value in a beautiful, authentic sweater by r. 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. Intermediatethis beautiful, elegant and traditional looking fishermans pullover with a shawl collar. He liked the sweater so much he ended up wearing the sweater for our family photoshoot. Its not a pattern book, exactly, but a history and reference book on aran knitting. The best way to impress your friends and dazzle your foes. My dear friend wanted to make one of the patterns, she took her time and the sweater turned out great even though it was only her 2nd sweater ever. Traditional fishermans sweater family sweater, with round, polo, or vneck cardigans jackets and coats hat, mittens, and scarf set cushion covers traditional aran knitting also explains the history of the craft and the meaning behind the coded messages woven into the unique aran patterns. Originally released in 1993, beth brownreinsel s bestseller, knitting ganseys, is a classic in the hearts of traditional and modern knitters alike, bringing this historic tradition to your needles for 25 years.
Sep 10, 2015 the fishermans sweater ah, the fishermans sweaterone of the most classic, timeless pieces a guy or girl can have in his or her closet. Oct 17, 2010 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. Sweaters help dapper men transition between the seasons, add texture and layers to outfits, and stay warm in chilly environments. Originally the jumpers were knitted using unscoured wool that retained its natural oils which made the garments waterresistant and meant they remained. A guernsey, or gansey, is a seaman s knitted woollen sweater, similar to a jersey, which originated in the channel island of the same name, sometimes known as a knitfrock in cornwall. These types of fisherman sweaters are usually cream in color. Its closer fitting than traditional fisherman sweaters for style all its own.
Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. The iconic aran sweater takes its name from the trio of islands at irelands most westerly point, just off the coast of county galway every stitch tells a story, rich in symbolism and island folklore. 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. The first use of the name guernsey outside of the island is in the. This book contains historical and new photographs, sketches and charts for all the. I have suggested similar weight yarns for you to use, such as 4 50g balls of.
The first textbook published specifically about the aran sweater was deirdre mcquillans. The iconic aran sweater takes its name from the trio of islands at ireland s most westerly point, just off the coast of county galway. Knitting sweaters by susan simpson nook book ebook. The welt, neck and cuffs were knitted tight so as to keep out winter blasts. Vintage book on traditional scottish fair isle knitting includes charts, guidance on how to design patterns, historical background etc the complete book of traditional fair isle knitting by sheila mcgregor published by b. The history of the gansey sweater the gansey or guernsey sweater is a hardwearing, seamless sweater worn by fishermen who spent their days at sea. The history she provides regarding each design is also interesting.
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