An exceptional Aran jumper, executed with the highest level of craftsmanship. Made from Merino wool, a natural fibre that is thinner and softer than normal wool making it easy to wear next to the skin. The stitch is a highly intricate cable stitch and inspired by the Aran jumper, named after the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland.
Most historians agree that far from being an ancient craft, Aran knitting was invented as recently as the early 1900s. Fisherman and their wives arrived from the British Isles at this time to help islanders with their fishing industry. They also brought with them an existing tradition of knitted guernsey jumpers. The Aran subsequently developed using a thicker local wool, all-over patterning and a different construction. Myths grew up that every family on the island had their own stitch, to help identify men lost at sea. These myths have since been debunked.
By the 1950’s Vogue magazine carried articles about the jumper and the first exports from the West of Ireland to the United States began. In 1961 the Clancy Brothers, an Irish folk band on tour in America appeared in Aran jumpers to a television audience of 40 million. They had received them from their mother who had read of ice storms in New York. Sales were alleged to subsequently increase by 700%.
These days the Aran is having a renaissance, but it rare to find one hand knitted and of such craftsmanship. Hand knitted Arans are noted for more intricate designs and lasting longer. We hope you will enjoy yours forever.
