Did You Ever Hear Tell…

There is a lot of myth-making out there about ‘traditional’ Irish knitwear. The supposed symbolism behind various Aran cables and stitch motifs. The notion that each family had their own distinct sweater design, by which drowned sailors were identified. The idea of cable knits as ‘family crests.’

Quite often we get questions about such things. And with over 40 years of experience in the industry, of course we could tell you the facts…. But to paraphrase Mark Twain, why let facts get in the way of a good story?

If you want our advice: Why not enjoy Irish knitwear for its aesthetics, its practical benefits, and for what it means to you?

But for the insistently curious and the academically minded out there, this scholarly article by Siún Carden will tell you everything you’ve ever wanted to know on the topic, and more:

Cable Crossings: The Aran Jumper as Myth and Merchandise

And for those who prefer a lighter read, the book Aran: History, Tradition, and Fashion by Vawn Corrigan offers a good overview.

Enjoy!