Kat with a K: Are you my Aran?

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January 11, 2005

Are you my Aran?

Knitting

(Congratulations to Jessie for being visitor 500!)

Today I feel like the little guy in Are You My Mother? I'm looking for an Aran pattern. I have a bunch of Bartlett's Fisherman Yarn in Natural that I'd like to use, and I'd like to make a fairly traditional pattern. I want a slightly oversized pullover I can wear sort of instead of a jacket in the fall. I love cables and complicated stitch patterns, and I like Celtic-looking things (but that's not an absolute requirement). I'm fine with buying a pattern or finding a free one online, or even buying a book if there are other things I like. (I'd particularly like a good resource book about Aran knitting, actually, if anyone has suggestions.) Ideas, anyone?

One thing I'm loving is this one from Clan Arans. It seems like a sign or something that I really love the one attached to my name. Of course, it's a kit, not just a pattern, and it's slightly expensive (although not too bad, really) and it would have to be shipped from Ireland so who knows how much shipping and all would end up costing. Has anyone ordered from this company? Impressions?

I also like a few from Abbey Yarns, especially Celtic Dreams and Halcyon Aran. I'm also considering the following books:
220 Aran Stitches and Patterns (Harmony Guide)
Patterns for Guernseys, Jerseys, and Arans by Gladys Thompson
Opinions on either of those?

Posted by Kat at January 11, 2005 11:02 PM

Comments

Being the non-knitter that I am, I don't have any advice except to ask, the two craft catalogs I get usually sell the pattern separately from the kit if you want it. Will the Irish site do that?

Posted by: Rachel at January 12, 2005 10:23 AM

It looks to me like the Clan Arans sweaters are sent to you fully made, not as kits, although it's entirely possible that I just missed that link somewhere.

Posted by: Rachel at January 12, 2005 10:26 AM

Last post. :) If I didn't find knitting an exercise in humility, I think I would love this book: http://www.herrschners.com/products/product.aspx?sku=716634&tab=

Posted by: Rachel at January 12, 2005 10:28 AM

Alice Starmore's "Aran Knitting." I love her "history" of this genre.
Since Alice is the designer, the patterns are, of course, awesome.

Posted by: judith at January 12, 2005 02:33 PM

I just emailed you a message about the son of aran pattern online, hope this helps. My daughter used to live in Peterborough, by the way. Great town.

Posted by: betty at January 12, 2005 10:12 PM