Many people wonder about the many different stitches for Aran sweater patterns and what they mean. To really understand the symbolism and meaning of the sweaters it is important to learn about their origin. The Aran Islands lie off the west coast of Ireland. They are beautiful but remote and can experience very harsh conditions. Living on the islands is a challenge even today. Over one hundred years ago fishing for a living off this windswept shore was often a life and death struggle.
There are many wonderful and romantic stories associated with the patterns used in the sweaters. Most of these go back to 1938 when a German man named Heinz Keiwe wrote a book that described the meanings of many of the patterns. Interestingly he had never actually visited the Aran Islands or talked with anyone who knitted one of the traditional fisherman's sweaters.
The Islands are very beautiful, but also harsh. Each year many of the fishermen would loose their lives in a sudden gale or rough sea. The dense fogs could descend without warning, leaving the boats to float for hours hoping to find their way home. It was a very difficult life that created a strong and superstitious people who surrounded themselves with symbols of good luck and hope.
Cable stitch is the most popular and recognizable element of any Aran sweater. Although it looks wonderful and very complex, cable stitch is actually surprisingly easy. The knitter uses a special cable needle that has a point at both ends. As they work their way across the stitches, they slip a set number onto the cable needle and pass them across the front of the work. This is done every fourth row and forms the basis of the cable pattern. This is said to symbolise the fisherman's rope and is a very popular theme.
Diamond shapes are often found on the sweaters. These are thought to represent the fishing nets. They can also be associated with wealth and abundance. Moss stitch was often used as a filler in the diamonds as it was also symbolic of abundance and growth. The fishing families had to struggle to survive and these patterns were another part of their appeal to the elements to provide for them.
The Blackberry stitch represents nature and the harsh rugged life of the fishing families. Their entire existence depended on the whim of the elements and they had to hope and pray before every voyage that they would return safely. The Blackberry also has religious symbolism and is often called the Trinity stitch. The fishing folk of the Aran Islands were very religious and tried to incorporate their feelings into their crafts.
The ladder of life stitch is said to symbolise the stages of life. It has much religious significance and can be associated with the pilgrims on the path to salvation. The honeycomb is considered lucky and the fishermen like to think of it as a good omen as they went out in their boats.
A pattern called the ladder of life or tree of life is said to represent the stages of life. It has strong religious significance and is connected to the pilgrims path of salvation. The many different stitches for Aran sweater patterns is not only beautiful but also symbolic. The harsh and remote existence fostered a deep connection with nature and the elements.
There are many wonderful and romantic stories associated with the patterns used in the sweaters. Most of these go back to 1938 when a German man named Heinz Keiwe wrote a book that described the meanings of many of the patterns. Interestingly he had never actually visited the Aran Islands or talked with anyone who knitted one of the traditional fisherman's sweaters.
The Islands are very beautiful, but also harsh. Each year many of the fishermen would loose their lives in a sudden gale or rough sea. The dense fogs could descend without warning, leaving the boats to float for hours hoping to find their way home. It was a very difficult life that created a strong and superstitious people who surrounded themselves with symbols of good luck and hope.
Cable stitch is the most popular and recognizable element of any Aran sweater. Although it looks wonderful and very complex, cable stitch is actually surprisingly easy. The knitter uses a special cable needle that has a point at both ends. As they work their way across the stitches, they slip a set number onto the cable needle and pass them across the front of the work. This is done every fourth row and forms the basis of the cable pattern. This is said to symbolise the fisherman's rope and is a very popular theme.
Diamond shapes are often found on the sweaters. These are thought to represent the fishing nets. They can also be associated with wealth and abundance. Moss stitch was often used as a filler in the diamonds as it was also symbolic of abundance and growth. The fishing families had to struggle to survive and these patterns were another part of their appeal to the elements to provide for them.
The Blackberry stitch represents nature and the harsh rugged life of the fishing families. Their entire existence depended on the whim of the elements and they had to hope and pray before every voyage that they would return safely. The Blackberry also has religious symbolism and is often called the Trinity stitch. The fishing folk of the Aran Islands were very religious and tried to incorporate their feelings into their crafts.
The ladder of life stitch is said to symbolise the stages of life. It has much religious significance and can be associated with the pilgrims on the path to salvation. The honeycomb is considered lucky and the fishermen like to think of it as a good omen as they went out in their boats.
A pattern called the ladder of life or tree of life is said to represent the stages of life. It has strong religious significance and is connected to the pilgrims path of salvation. The many different stitches for Aran sweater patterns is not only beautiful but also symbolic. The harsh and remote existence fostered a deep connection with nature and the elements.
About the Author:
For more advice on Aran Sweaters designs and styles you should look at Donegal Shop website. Donegal Shop is 100% Irish owned, based in Dublin who sell a range of goods such as Irish knitwear for men, women, kids, musical instruments, Irish linen to name but a few.
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