The Aran sweater, an emblem of both the Aran Islands, and indeed of Ireland itself, is a unique fusion of art and practicality. From its origins, the sweater has been intimately linked to clans and their identities. The sweaters were, and remain, a reflection of the lives of the knitters, and their families.
There are two important elements that set a traditional Aran knit apart from all others. The first is the yarn itself. A proper Aran knit is made with rough, cream-colored wool, known as bainin (pronounced bawneen). The yarn comes from sheep that have coats that protect them from the rugged weather. When the wool is spun and prepared for knitting, part of the oil is left in the wool; as a result, it has both water-resistant and insulating properties.
The other difference between an authentic Aran and other intricately-knit sweaters is in the meaning of the stitches and the stitches themselves: The names of the traditional stitches write their own poem: blackberry, diamond, honeycomb, moss, lobster claw, ladder, plait, bobble, link, basketweave, tree of life. There are almost two dozen, and the combinations are infinite.
Today, the demand for the Aran Sweater continues to grow. Hands knit Aran Sweaters have become rare and valuable. They are highly sought after for their quality, their history, and the clan heritage they represent. Despite the huge increase in fashion goods available, the Aran Sweater remains an item of timeless beauty,
Find a wide range of beautiful, handmade, stitched Irish Aran sweaters in different styles, sizes and glorious colors at Murphy's. Keep yourself warm and cosy on chilly winter nights with these high quality Irish Aran Sweaters.
Visit Murphy of Ireland and find a wide range of men's Aran Sweaters made to the highest traditional standards in quality.
The Aran sweaters, an emblem of both the Aran Islands and, indeed, of Ireland itself, is a unique fusion of art and practicality. Perhaps no other sweater is as immediately recognizable; with its intricate patterns and handmade ruggedness it has forged a unique place for itself in the clothing world. Our high quality Irish aran & fishermen's sweater keeps you warm and cosy on chilly winter nights!
The tradition began long ago for women in the west of Ireland to hand-knit for their fishermen husbands and boyfriends Aran sweaters, with stitch designs often handed from generation to generation. Today, these beautiful sweaters from Murphy of Ireland - made right here in County Donegal - continue the Aran tradition. A natural wool sweater like this provides a warm and breathable layer. Aran sweater is also surprisingly water resistant. Aran sweaters designs are rich in symbolism.
Find a wide range of beautiful, handmade, stitched Irish Aran sweaters in different styles, sizes and glorious colors at Murphy of Ireland . Keep yourself warm and cosy on chilly winter nights with these high quality Irish Aran Sweaters. We will provide you wide range of beautiful, handmade, embroidered Aran Knitwear's, Donegal Tweed jackets, Irish nightshirts & christening products in different styles and sizes.
Visit Murphy of Ireland and find a wide range of mens Aran Sweaters made to the highest traditional standards in quality.