![]() This decreased the amount of time it took to knit a sweater, thus increasing the arans production. Before long, commercial interest took hold, and the aran sweater began to really grow in popularity.Īs it evolved, the modern Aran sweater was manufactured with thicker yarn, the sweaters were knitted flat and seam is sewn together, and the stitching became looser. Various types of cable stitches were used: diamond lattices, plates, ropes, and the Celtic Knot design.īefore long the stitch patterns covered the entire sweater, creating an even more aesthetically pleasing garment. Over time, the stitches became more complicated.Īs the popularity of the Gansa grew, knitters further developed the stitching, with noticeable differences seen in Ireland and Scotland. Its dark navy color was stain-resistant to a number of liquids, and the knitting was tight to keep the wearer dry. The Gansa was a simple design, allowing for free movement. Much of Guernseys trade relied on fishing, and the clothing requirements of fishermen were quite demanding.Ī sea-faring laborer's clothes needed to be durable, easy to mend, stain resistant, easy to move about in, be able to provide warmth to the wearer, and if possible, keep out water. The origin of the Aran sweater can be traced back to Guernsey, an island 400 miles South-East of the Aran Islands. Back then, handknitting an aran sweater took between 3 to 6 weeks to complete. They are challenging to knit, lend aesthetic appeal to the apparel, and add warmth and thickness. The intricate cables, bobbles and stitch patterns make these garments popular for a number of reasons. Back in the 1950s on the Aran Islands, many of the men were fishermen by trade and, out of necessity to combat the cold and tough conditions of the sea, the women handmade their husbands aran sweaters to keep them warm, hence the name fisherman sweaters we're all familiar with today.ĭue to their popularity with the local Irish fishermen, they were also sold on the island which helped provide a living for some of the families, and a booming new grassroots economy was born. It is still very popular today in many knitting circles and is also worn by those who appreciate its origin and symbolism.Īran sweaters are highly sought-after, and still, make quite a fashion statement many years after their creation. ![]() The traditional Irish Aran sweater was fashioned in this environment and has since been passed down through generations to be considered the ultimate Irish Clan Heritage symbol. The Aran Islands are located at the mouth of Galway Bay on the Atlantic Sea and are where fishermen and farmers dwelled and worked together. The Aran Sweater is named after the set of islands off Ireland's West coast where it was first created many generations ago.
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