What Is “Aran?”
by admin on Aug.29, 2012, under Favorites
The Aran “jumper” is a style of jumper/sweater that takes its name from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. It is sometimes known as a fisherman’s jumper. A classical fisherman’s jumper is a bulky garment with prominent cable patterns on the chest, often cream-colored – the traditional white or off-white báinín.
The jumpers are distinguished by their use of complex textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined in the creation of a single garment. The word choice of “jumper” or “sweater” (or indeed other options such as “pullover” and “jersey”) is largely determined by the regional version of English being spoken. In the case of Ireland and Britain, “jumper” is the standard word with “sweater” mainly found in tourist shops. The word used in Irish is geansaí, a gaelicization of guernsey which has been re-Anglicised to gansey in Hiberno-English, and as we know them, our good old warm and cozy “sweater” in the US!
Originally the jumpers were knitted using unscoured wool that retained its natural oils (lanolin) which made the garments water-resistant and meant they remained wearable even when wet. It was primarily the wives of island fishermen who knitted the jumpers.
Here are some other fine examples…
Cozy, warm and versatile, this Merino Wool Aran Cardigan is sure to become your cool-weather favorite. Full zip.
Choose from two popular colors: Charcoal and Beige Fleck.
Sizes: M, L, XL, 2XL.
Now here’s a product that is always welcome on my sofa!
Knit in a stunning patchwork of traditional Aran stitches this throw and cover are sumptuously soft in 100% merino wool.
Made in Ireland.
Size: 42″x60″
Keep your legs warm on windy days, and the rest of you feels warmer too!
The Aran Coat transforms the class Aran sweater into a stylish versatile coat to warm body and spirit. The easy, unconstructed fit is expertly knit of 100% merino wool in a captivating array of stitches.
Length: 39”
Made in Ireland
Sizes: S, M, L, XL.
I’ve ordered two Aran sweaters from Shop Irish and I have my eye on a third for this coming Fall 2012…Great products and a great vendor – just FYI.
