Rose Cottage Ltd

Yesterday we looked at some beautiful Alpaca sweaters and a solid, heavy-duty WWII Military sweater with patch elbows. Free shipping has been extended through December 15th so, now’s a great time to finish that Christmas shopping. Time is running short…

Today we’ll see what the world of Aran has to help us keep warm this winter…which believe it or not, hasn’t even started yet!! Below are 3 of many available from National Geographic Online!

Women’s Irish Aran Turtleneck Sweater

Available in black, natural or red and at just under $150, this 100% Merino wool sweater is made in Ireland and will certainly keep you warm!

For hundreds of years, women in the rural villages of the Aran Islands off the western coast of Ireland have knit natural wool sweaters for their fisherman kin. Although the myth that you can identify island families by the stiches in their sweater—like a Scottish tartan—isn’t true, every knitter does have her own special patterns, passed down through generations of mothers and grandmothers. At weekly gatherings, they continually invented intricate new stitches.

Women’s Irish Aran Merino Wool Long Cardigan

I like a long sweater – this is a great option. In natural at $159.00.

Stay cozy indoors or out with this thigh-length Aran knit sweater. These iconic symbols of Ireland’s northern Aran Islands are well known for their intricate stitches and symbolism. In this flattering cardigan, the honeycomb stitch symbolizes the hard work of the honeybee and the rewards of an industrious life. The cable stitch stands in for the fishing rope that was so essential to livelihood on the islands. Knit from 100% merino wool, with a button front.

Irish Asymmetrical Cardigan

Here’s a sweater option with a bit of asymmetrical style! In natural or blue – for $149.00.

In a contemporary twist on traditional Irish Aran knitting, this cardigan has an asymmetrical wrap style with a single button that creates a cowl-like neck. The textured wool sweaters of the Aran Islands have become a worldwide symbol of Irish culture. The patchwork of different stitches speaks to the ingenuity of generations of knitters.

A week and a day until the first day of Winter 2013 which starts December 21st – and only TWELVE days left until Christmas. Great news for kids – shop online and those twelve days won’t seem to fly quite so fast for those with long and unfinished gift lists!

YEAH!

Still a bit warmer than average for this time of year in North Carolina but with a low of 40 degrees yesterday morning and highs in the mid to upper 60s for the rest of the week – it IS sweater time.

Here are a few choices for Fall/Winter 2012 – some with a bit of international flair…

For hundreds of years, women in the rural villages of the Aran Islands off the western coast of Ireland have knit natural wool sweaters for their fisherman kin.

Although the myth that you can identify island families by the stitches in their sweater—like a Scottish tartan—isn’t true, every knitter does have her own special patterns, passed down through generations of mothers and grandmothers. At weekly gatherings, they continually invented intricate new stitches revealed in this Women’s Irish Aran Turtleneck Sweater

Comes in various sized and colors. Men’s Aran Turtleneck Sweater also available.

This Men’s Grecas Alpaca Sweater is made by the Indigenous Bolivian craftsman (grecas: repeating geometric patterns) from the traditional garments of the Tarabuco region in this 3/4-zip pullover. The design is an interpretation of barroco mestizo style, in which indigenous and Spanish cultures have struck an aesthetic balance. This lightweight and cozy 100% alpaca sweater is handknit by artisans in Bolivia.

If you’re only going to buy one new sweater for this season, this Norwegian Wool Crewneck Sweater will be a toasty, excellent suggestion!

Enjoy the timeless style, durability, and warmth of pure wool in this Norwegian sweater by Devold, the oldest manufacturer of knitted goods in the country, in business since 1853. Farmers and fishermen, hikers and skiers have all prized Devold’s thick and hardwearing design. They’ve even outfitted pioneering Norwegian explorers including Fridtjof Nansen, who led the first inland crossing of Greenland in 1888, and Roald Amundsen, who let the first Antarctic expedition to the South Pole and was the first person to have visited both the North and South Poles.

This oatmeal-colored wool sweater is knit of three-gauge Norwegian wool and features a thick and insulating crew neck.

Can’t finish a sweater discussion without a link to a traditional Scottish Tartan Wool Sweater!

A red, green, and yellow intarsia plaid decorates the chest of this Scottish wool-blend sweater. The heathered brown background is inspired by the rich texture of traditional Scottish wool tweed. Made in Lothian, Scotland, of 90% wool and 10% silk for extra softness.

Available in Blue or Brown tone.

Over 50 sweater options available for men, women, and children from…