Steve McQueen also wore the famous Irish Aran Sweater. In fact, knitting was a communal activity for the women, likely done after the day’s chores had been completed. From shop HoneyCombPatterns. The Aran Sweater takes its name from the set of islands where it originated many generations ago, off the West coast of Ireland. 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. It was in this environment that the Aran sweater was born as something that both united and differentiated the inhabitants of the … We hope you enjoy MyrealIreland.com. It’s a perfect choice considering the history of the style. The Aran Sweater is one of the most iconic and historical clothing items associated with Ireland. The Aran sweater is often referred to as the Fisherman’s Sweater or Geansai Arrann in the Irish language, is commonly spoken in the Islands that are home to this iconic sweater. As time went on, these sweaters began to take on complex patterns. The guernsey is the mainstay of Guernsey's knitting industry which can be dated back to the late 15th century when a royal grant was obtained to import wool from England and re-export knitted goods to Normandy and Spain. If you want to buy a sweater today, you can find which patterns are historically related to your clan or simply select the pattern and style you enjoy the most. 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. The Aran sweaters were thought to be a way Fishermen could be identified by their family patterns if they lost their lives to the wild Atlantic waters around these Islands. Hundreds of women were employed by the family and knitted these wonderful sweaters. The original Irish Fisherman’s sweater was boxy with saddle sleeves. Blackberry Stitch: Symbolises the rich bounty of Nature. - Cardigan Sweater History A cardigan is a type of sweater or jumper that typically buttons down the front. The print above left, showing a fisherman running through the streets of a small northern fishing village shouting "All hands man the Life-Boat!" Veronica Baas is a senior at Colorado State University studying media and technical communication and business administration. Álafoss Wool Store: Álafossvegur 23, 270 Mosfellsbær. The Tree of Life stitch has to do with the importance of family. Office: Lækjargata 2, 101 Reykjavik. Give the gift of Aran sweater this Valentine’s Day Aran Sweater History Sweaters Featured in Fill Your Heart with Ireland Campaign Aran sweaters are on trend for fall/winter The Tweed Project for Aran Sweaters The Aran Fisherman Sweater takes its name from Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer – the Aran Islands, on the West Coast of Ireland. 100% Official Irish Clan Aran Sweaters - find your family Clan Aran sweater with over 500 Irish names registered. The Islanders were fishermen and farmers … They are usually made from finer wool and do not incorporate the more complex stitches traditionally used in Irish wool sweaters. Finding the perfect fisherman sweater requires a fusion of shopping for this season’s best picks and seeking out brands who use traditional fisherman sweater styling. Some of the traditional patterns were made up of different combinations of cable, honeycomb, diamond, basket and zigzag stitches. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need something answered. The patterns that were used are extremely complicated and could took between 40 -50 hours to knit by hand. Lanolin is naturally water repellent so a great deal of seawater or rain wouldn’t bother the wearer. Traditionally, they were knitted by wives and daughters to protect, comfort and … Since 1991, Fisherman Out of Ireland has been dedicated to creating premium Irish knitwear which incorporates a modern flair to traditional styles and colors. Enter the fisherman sweaters. Some of our favorites include the Saint James fisherman sweater collection and smaller Irish clothing companies. Later the fisherman sweater would be stripped of lambswool, making it lighter and less water repellent. Basket Stitch: Represents the fisherman's basket and the hope of abundant catches. The sad reality of the hard life at sea is many of these men faced meant that many lost their lives. Now you can get Irish roll necks, grandfather cardigans, wool wraps, scarves, throws, shawls and funnel necks, An Aran sweater is water repellent, absorbing 30% of its weight in water before feeling wet. Located off the West coast of Ireland where the wild wind and waves of the Atlantic Ocean have craved out this wonderful landscape, gods hand carving one of the worlds most beautiful areas. is dated 26 November 1887. These magnificent sweaters are a work of art, their identifiable color of a creamy off white and cable patterns. They are available for purchase at Carraig Donn an Irish franchise that is in towns all over Ireland. Then VOGUE magazine featured a photo of Grace Kelly wearing the fisherman’s sweater while sailing and sweater demand took off. The Aran Sweater was first created on the Aran Islands where fishermen and farmers battled harsh living and weather conditions. In fact, the sweaters could absorb about 30% of its weight before the wearer felt any moisture on their skin. Originally, these sweaters were made with lambswool that left the natural lanolin oils of the animal intact. Machine knit sweaters are the least expensive option. The Aran Islands lie at the mouth of Galway Bay, at the mercy of the relentless Atlantic Sea. Irish Girls Names & How to Pronounce Them, The History of the Irish Fisherman’s Aran Sweater, The Ultimate Guide to New Ross Town and History. How To Include A White Tennis Skirt in Your Next Outfit, 10 Great Things To Do During The Fall In Colorado. The patterns on the sweaters symbolize various meanings. When VOGUE printed an Aran sweater pattern, people began knitting their own and more shops took up production. It also went from only being available in classic cream to a variety of different colors. With the frigidly cold seas and gloomy, often rainy weather on land as well, these workers needed something to keep them warm. We're visiting the top locations in Ireland to help visitors understand a little more about our historic, scenic, and adventurous country. This warm 100% Merino Wool Irish Fisherman Sweater from Boyne Valley Knitwear is the perfect antidote to the frigid cold of fall and winter. Wear our wonderful sweater on a cool morning to work, a night out with friends, lounging around the house, or doing chores. The Aran jumper (Irish: Geansaí Árann) is a style of jumper that takes its name from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. The Ultimate Symbol of Irish Heritage. The women who created these had to be extremely skilled because each sweater can take up to two months to complete and can have 100,000 stitches. The fisherman’s sweater, or the Aran sweater, originated between the late 1800s and early 1900s off the west coast of Ireland. The Aran Islands are located at the mouth of Galway Bay on the Atlantic Sea and are where fisherman and farmers dwelled and worked together. The Aran sweater is often referred to as the Fisherman’s Sweater or Geansai Arrann in the Irish language, is commonly spoken in the Islands that are home to this iconic sweater. Aran sweaters are now available in most good stores throughout the island of Ireland. Grace Kelly would famously wore the iconic Aran Sweater on the cover of Vogue in 1950. The Islanders were fishermen and farmers … Named after the 7th Earl of Cardigan, James Thomas Brudenell, a British military commander during the Crimean War, the cardigan sweater is normally manufactured by … Cable Stitch: 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. 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. Blarney Woolen Mills and Carroll’s Irish Gifts are also major suppliers of our prized piece of Irish clothing and all have online stores. The wool used is traditionally unscoured, which ensures that they kept the natural oils within the wool and as a result made them water resistant and very warm. Far from being merely a fashion statement, the sweater served a serious purpose for both fisherman and farmers back in its day. The cookie settings on this website are set to 'allow all cookies' to give you the very best experience. It isn’t certain when these sweaters were first invented, but historians generally agree that the first Aran sweater was created around the late 1800s or early 1900s. History of the Aran Sweater The majority of the island’s inhabitants were either farmers or fisherman whose lives were deeply intertwined. The Aran Sweater takes its name from the set of islands where it originated many generations ago, off the West coast of Ireland. These beautiful sweaters are traditionally made from 100% merino wool. The sheep reared on this wild Atlantic landscape were raised and used for their wool. This was a way for the Irelanders to make extra income, which was badly needed in this area of Ireland. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”, © My Real Ireland - Cian Murphy / Trading as High Up Marketing Ltd, Watch The Spiritual Journey of Ireland on Amazon Prime, The Harp – Traditional Instrument of Ireland. A documentary which was called “The Man Of Aran” was produced and as a result of this created a market for the Aran sweater. An area associated with myths and legends, wild vistas and magical tales. The Aran sweater is a symbol that has long been associated with Ireland and the historic fishing communities that have made this item a worldwide success. The Aran Sweater is named after the set of islands off Irelands West coast where it was first created many generations ago. Wool was used for both its warmth and the naturally occurring lanolin in its fibres, this oil gave the wool a natural water resistance that would protect the wearer at sea. The Easter Rising 1916: Ireland’s Fight for Freedom. The wives and mothers of the families knitted Aran sweaters for the male member of their families. It may also have religious connotations. Most are not produced by hand but by machine, both in part to those who knew how to make them dying off and because machines can keep up with production. Knitting Patterns for Men & Women: Irish Fisherman Sweaters - PDF Downloadable E Pattern - 60's Cable Sweater Pattern - Cable Knitting HoneyCombPatterns. Families on the Aran Islands had their own patterns that were associated with their Aran sweaters. Store phone: +354 822-9100 Office phone: +354 445-8080 Fishermen in the north Atlantic have long worn woollen garments, likely introduced by the vikings when they settled the coasts of Ireland, Scotland and northern France. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! The Aran sweater originated on the wild and beautiful windswept Aran Islands. During a tour in United States the brother’s mother sent them Aran sweaters, as she was concerned that the weather was freezing and snowing. These sweaters continue to be a very proud tradition for Ireland. The Best of Irish Craftsmanship Our designs are contemporary but the skills passed down through … You can purchase your sweaters at Aran sweater market, located in Kilronan, The Aran Isiand, County Galway. The cable stitch depicts fisherman’s ropes and a wish to catch many fish. The original sweater styles, with a “diamond” insert at the underarm for ease of movement, were worn primarily by Guernsey’s fisherman, the jumper later became popular throughout coastal Britain where each seafarer wore a “Gansey”. Local fishermen traditionally wore these sweaters. So the next time you wear a fisherman’s sweater, remember the proud cultural tradition related to it. Today most Aran sweaters are produced on the Irish mainland because Aran wool production isn’t adequate enough to keep up with demand. 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 islands were home to both farmers and fisherman. A zigzag stitch represents the winding paths through the tall limestone cliffs that the islands sit upon. Each pattern was unique to a clan and passed down from generation to generation. Aran sweaters are considered a national treasure and are displayed in the National Museum of Ireland. These sweaters were traditionally knit in the natural colour of sheep’s wool, an off-white or cream colour. Our Guernsey Jumpers are derived from the traditional sweaters developed in Guernsey in the 17th century. The most famous historical wearers of sweaters were fishermen, who needed warm and hard-wearing garments to protect themselves from the elements. Origins. We’re a family run information website with the goal of helping tourism in Ireland. The distinctive patterns that define the classic Aran sweater—a style favored by 19th-century Irish fishermen for its unparalleled warmth and hard-wearing construction—were originally knit to signify the wearer's family clan. Situated at the opening of Galway Bay with the Atlantic Ocean on their other side, these three islands only total about 18 square miles. You’re buying history, generations of Irish craftsmanship, design and manufacturing. 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.800A.D-view 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 . The Aran Sweater, A New Take On An Old Tradition. Our Norwegian Sweaters for Women, Men and Children are made of the finest quality Pure Norwegian Wool. 5 out of 5 stars (275) 275 reviews $ 3.11. Or at least that’s how we romantics at InsideHook like to think the fisherman sweater was born. The internationally acclaimed Irish musicians The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem wore Aran sweaters and this was to become a look that would forever be associated with them and their music. Far from being merely a fashion statement, the sweater served a serious purpose for both fisherman and farmers back in its day. We’re dedicated to helping visitors understand more about our history and traditions. Guernsey Woollens Ltd. manufactures and sells authentic Guernsey Jumpers from right here in the Channel Islands using a careful blend of traditional methods. The distinctive patterns that define the classic Aran sweater—a style favored by 19th-century Irish fishermen for its unparalleled warmth and hard-wearing construction—were originally knit to signify the wearer's family clan. Standun’s located in Spiddal Co. Galway are a supplier of Aran Sweaters all over the world. When you buy a Fisherman Out Of Ireland you’re buying more than just a sweater. Wool has an excellent insulating capacity due to the high volume of air. Like a secret recipe, women-only gave the patterns to those marrying into the family. The fisherman is clearly wearing a Gansey which, upon closer inspection, is almost certainly that of the Cullercoats Rocket Brigade (an example of this pattern is shown below). Authentic hand knit Aran wool sweaters direct from Ireland. Aran hand knitting patterns symbolised the daily life of these islanders and the stitches created by them were passed down from generation to generation. In the 1950’s the Standun family who were from Co Galway started to export this iconic piece of Irish Culture to the US. The Aran sweater is a symbol that has long been associated with Ireland and the historic fishing communities that have made this item a worldwide success. Fisherman’s gansey Like many garments, the history of the sweater is mostly a functional one. The wives of the fisherman and farmers got to work knitting cream-colored sweaters marked by intricate cable and Celtic knot-like stitching. In reality, Aran Jumpers, as they’re also called, originated in the Aran Islands off the coast of … Find more about me at my services website - Cianmurphy.ie. Shop online for Authentic Handmade Norwegian Sweaters produced by the same family since 1927 and shipped directly to you. A traditional Aran Jumper usually is off-white in colour, with cable patterns on the body and sleeves. Find out about the fascinating history of these sweaters... A gansey (or guernsey) is a hardwearing, hand knitted, woollen jumper which has been worn by fishermen around the coast of … She has spent her life traveling as a pilot's daughter and lived in the UK as part of a study abroad program. The cookie settings on this website are set to 'allow all cookies' to give you the very best experience. The sweater follows all the traditional Irish Aran stitching patterns that have been passed down from generation to generation, which in older days told stories of families and life in Ireland. The diamond stitches symbolize the farm fields of the islands. The sweaters take their name from the Aran Islands off the Irish coast. 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