Irish Sweaters
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The Irish sweater, also known as the Aran sweater, gets its names from the Aran Islands, off the Western Coast of Ireland. Aran sweaters are highly popular all around the world, especially in Ireland, of course, other European countries, and in the United States, where people need to bundle with many layers and warm, cozy fabrics to stay warm in the winter months.
The Aran sweater is unique from other sweaters in their use of complex stitching patterns, many of which have traditional cultural, and sometimes religious significance. For example, the honeycomb stitch is a symbol of the bee - a symbol of hard work and dedication. The cable-knit sweater is symbolic for the cables fishermen use in their craft, and knitting a cable knit sweater is a gesture of good luck and love for the fisherman about to set off for months of grueling work and freezing days and nights. In conjunction with the cable knit, the basket stitch is also for the fisherman - a wish of good luck and a bountiful catch.
Aran Irish sweaters are typically made from undyed sheeps wool, often naturally cream-colored, which to this day, still gives the sweater it's unique and distinguishable look. Originally, Aran sweaters were made with unwashed wool, which contained natural oils that made the sweater water repellent - a wonderful feature for all the Irish fishermen shipping off for work.
The characteristics of an Irish sweater, in addition to the heavy, cream-colored wool, also include a uniquely symmetrical pattern of stitching. A true Aran sweater will have patterns that are symmetrical to the centre axis, running both down the front and back. In addition to traditional pullover Aran sweaters, or cardigan Aran sweaters, this same unique stitching pattern can be applied to hats, scarves, socks and other garments, thus deeming them "Aran" as well.