Although I love the new shapes and colors featured on Aran Sweater Market, I am still drawn to the traditional cream. They last for generations if cared for properly, and the coziness is hard to beat.
I recently read that O'Maille's, the long established family owned woolen store in Galway, Ireland, is closing it's doors as the owners retire. O'Maille's was known as the outfitters of the film "A Quiet Man" and I cherish the beautiful Aran turtleneck (can still smell the lanolin) poncho I bought there. It was a beautiful old shop and they carried a small selection of handmade sweaters, etc. made by women in the Aran islands . Sadly, as it was reported in their closing announcement, this handcraft and tradition is dying out as the younger generation has not been as interested in continuing the work.
Fifty years ago when I was a student in Ireland I hitched a lift from the Donegal coast into Donegal town. The driver said he hoped I wouldn't mind a few stops along the way. There were only a few but they involved delightful drives up into the hills to cottages to collect handmade Aran jumpers from knitters. I fear most Aran jumpers are machine loomed these days.
I have a nice collection of Irish sweaters, agree completely! I'm always impressed when I think about how long I've had some of these and how well they've held up.
As it should be!🍀
ReplyDeleteThe best sweater ever. I have some that are forty or fifty years old and still are worn frequently.
ReplyDeleteWhere should one best order an Aran in the EU?
ReplyDeleteAran Sweater Market
DeleteWe still have an Aran knitted by Granny Hernon bought on our honeymoon on Aranmore forty eight years ago. It is still perfect. In traditional blue.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I love the new shapes and colors featured on Aran Sweater Market, I am still drawn to the traditional cream. They last for generations if cared for properly, and the coziness is hard to beat.
ReplyDeleteI recently read that O'Maille's, the long established family owned woolen store in Galway, Ireland, is closing it's doors as the owners retire. O'Maille's was known as the outfitters of the film "A Quiet Man" and I cherish the beautiful Aran turtleneck (can still smell the lanolin) poncho I bought there. It was a beautiful old shop and they carried a small selection of handmade sweaters, etc. made by women in the Aran islands . Sadly, as it was reported in their closing announcement, this handcraft and tradition is dying out as the younger generation has not been as interested in continuing the work.
ReplyDeleteFifty years ago when I was a student in Ireland I hitched a lift from the Donegal coast into Donegal town. The driver said he hoped I wouldn't mind a few stops along the way. There were only a few but they involved delightful drives up into the hills to cottages to collect handmade Aran jumpers from knitters. I fear most Aran jumpers are machine loomed these days.
ReplyDeleteI have a nice collection of Irish sweaters, agree completely! I'm always impressed when I think about how long I've had some of these and how well they've held up.
ReplyDelete