So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Traditional And Different Stitches For Aran Sweater To Knit At Home

By Susan Graham


There are many different stitches for Aran sweater patterns. These hand made sweaters were designed by the fishing families of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland well over a century ago. Yet today their designs are still as popular as ever. Many families have continued their beautiful hand work and passed the patterns down from mother to daughter.

The challenging conditions led to the people becoming very religious and also extremely superstitious. They knew that every time they went out in their small fishing boats they were risking their lives and may never come back. The ocean is both unpredictable and unforgiving. Sudden fogs can descend without warning and the men could drift lost for hours or days.

Keiwe's stories became a huge part of the folk lore and tradition attached to the romance of the fishing heritage. Yet there is still some dispute over the authenticity of the stories, they have remained popular and certainly add a significant element of interest to owning a hand knitted Aran sweater.

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.

Moss stitch is thought to represent abundance and growth. It is often used as a filler in a diamond pattern. It is another simple but effective way to add patterns and designs to a sweater. Diamond shapes represent the fisherman's mesh nets and are also associated with wealth and success. In the harsh island life people were very superstitious and actively sought out any lucky omens they could find.

Due to the harsh nature of their lives the people of the Aran Islands were also very religious. They incorporated much of their religious beliefs into their daily activities. The Blackberry stitch represented nature and its offerings that could be found in their immediate environment. Many people also see the blackberry stitch as having religious meaning. It is often referred to as the Trinity stitch and worked into the sweaters as a form of protection from the elements.

Religion was a central part of life for the island families and was woven into every part of their day. Moss stitch is a very simple yet effective design that was used frequently. It was often seen as a filler pattern in diamonds and other shapes. Another lucky stitch is the Honeycomb. It was thought to be a sign of a good catch and wealth.

The different stitches for Aran sweater patterns are still very popular today. Experienced knitters in Ireland make these beautiful garments by hand. Many are still using the designs that have been in their family for generations.




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