Comfortable, cosy, warm, woollen, knitted, patterned, intricate, authentic, stylish, designer and textured are but a few words that can be used to describe an Irish Aran sweater but what is an Aran sweater? 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. These sweaters were traditionally knit in the natural colour of sheep’s wool, an off-white or cream colour. The natural sheep's wool retained their oils making these sweaters waterproof and perfect for the Irish weather. Originally these sweaters were knit by mothers and wives for the islander men who worked as farmers and fishermen but they have since become a fashion statement and a global symbol of Irishness.
The Aran sweater was born from the starkly self-sufficient lives of the islanders who lived off the sea but raised a few sheep for knitting. Knitting was communal for the wives and daughters of the fishermen and a forum for education and stories. Their work was arduous with a single sweater taking 40 to 50 hours to produce.
There are few sheep on the Aran Islands today and fewer knitters. Modern Aran sweaters are generally machine knit with soft Merino wool though there is a limited production of hand-knits. The patterns, designs and embossed decoration in every garment still reflect the loves, lives, losses and defiance of community at the edge of the Atlantic.
Aran sweaters from the 30's and 40's are displayed at the Irish National Museum. They are rightly regarded as a national treasure.
With every stitch comes a story:
Blackberry - Represents the thickets of blackberry bushes around the islands. A reminder of nature’s riches.
Diamond - Frequently, matched with moss stitching. This represents the hope of future wealth.
Basket - Represents the angular squares of a fisherman's basket and the hope of bountiful baskets of fish to come.
Tree of Life - This depicts the tendrils of family and clans and past generations.
Moss - Represents the carrageen moss which lines the stone walls of the islands. Often knitted as a diamond 'filler!
Honeycomb – Represents hard work. A testament to the busy bees of the island.
Cable - Represents the fisherman's ropes and hopes for the day's catch
Zig Zag - A half a diamond. It represents the cliffs of the islands.