It has been known for a long time that we express our style, views and mood through our clothes. Colors, slogans on T-shirts, materials, composition, size, length - everything carries a more or less clear message. For centuries, appropriate outfits have been assigned to appropriate offices, occasions and people.
Nowadays, all boundaries are naturally blurred and no outfit or color is reserved for one occasion, but certain patterns remain in consciousness.
Meanwhile, far beyond it, there are messages that we may not know about. If you have been with us longer, you have certainly noticed my passion for classic knitting weaves: from delicate rice weaves, through variously braided braids, diamond stitches, honeycomb stitches, to simple stocking stitches. Often, we create individual sweaters, hats or scarves, thanks to which I can test new compositions and create something even more unique.
These classic weaves appear most often in the history of knitting and are currently the most frequently ordered ones. I can't find a more accurate term (unfortunately much overused) than classics beyond time. Such a sweater worn today, 30 years ago or in 2 decades will not lose any of its relevance, so it remains attractive despite changing trends.
I now invite you on a journey to the homeland of Aran sweaters, the source of my classic inspirations.
We are in the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of Ireland, there are the Aran Islands. Most of their territory was inhabited by fishing families, and the cool, moist wind from the ocean that blew almost all year round made the men willing to wear thick woolen sweaters that the women knitted for them.
This is where the famous Aran Sweaters were and still are made. Nothing will protect against cold and excess moisture better than 100% wool from local sheep. And this one, made of various weaves, brings not only warmth, but also nice associations and even messages.
Why the famous sweaters? First of all, their workmanship is a knitting masterpiece - wool from sheep bred in these regions has special thermal properties, in addition to its fancy weaves.
In 1938, the German Heinz Keiwe - who, surprisingly, never visited the Arana Islands - tried to give meaning to the weaves that were most often repeated in these locally made knitwear. And even though we know that this is his own interpretation, many people picked up Keiwe's idea and this specific alphabet of meanings has become a permanent part of the dictionary of classical virginity.
The topic still arouses extreme emotions, especially among Irish artists who had such symbolism imposed on them. However, I personally accept it very positively, because the message of the symbols is very optimistic and does not carry any bad wishes. What's more, in our new projects you will find references to this symbolism, which miraculously combines languages from around the world into one globally transmittable message.
So what do the sweaters say? How are classic Irish weaves interpreted and what values do they convey to their owner? Describing all knitting weaves would be quite a feat, so we will focus on the basic ones. However, if you would like to go to the land of handicrafts for a moment and learn the ABC's of knitting, please visit this website - a treasure trove of knowledge (click) .
Let's move on to the language of knitwear. Instead of a dry theory, we will describe the weaves in a slightly perverse way. Imagine that by making a sweater for someone, you could wish them well and send them an encrypted message. It's a bit like giving the right type of flowers for a specific occasion. Beautiful, right?
For example, when ordering someone a knitted fabric with a honeycomb weave ( Honeycomb ), you can express your admiration for their hard work, which is reflected in the weave resembling a honeycomb made by hardworking bees. Apparently the ones on the Aran Islands are special.
If I am a fan of not only fauna, but also flora, you will definitely like the stitch called Blackberry stitch (in Poland we call it various things: raspberry, popcorn [we], knot, shell...). Its other name in Ireland is Trinity stitch and it has religious references in some knitting works. The name and appearance of the weave refer to the richness of nature and the abundance of blackberry bushes growing on the islands.
Since we're already in the woods, let's focus on the stitch called Irish Moss (in Poland called Double Rice). This stitch, reminiscent of the structure of Irish lichen, is said to bring broadly understood fertility to the wearer of the knitted fabric in this pattern. Why? This is because the clever Irish fertilized the soil with seaweed, making it a fertile ground for cultivation.
If the interpretation of this wish were to be focused on creativity and artistic fertility, it would be worth investing in a sweater that would bring the recipient financial settlement and success. According to our research, nothing could be simpler, because the message of wealth and success is woven into the diamond stitch, which is often combined with the double rice ( Irish Moss ) I described a moment earlier. This is also one of my favorite motifs in classic "grandma" sweaters. I like the predominance of this rhombus weave in straight-cut unisex cardigans and sweaters. This pattern is intended to evoke associations with the view of fields and at the same time reflect good fishing lines, without which no catch would be successful. The tartan weave ( Trellis ) was also supposed to be associated with the ideal bird's-eye view of farmland and the Irish landscape. Personally, I associate it more with the characteristic Tudor Windows, so let's leave some space for free associations, because why not?
If I mentioned ropes, I couldn't forget about the classic cable stitch ( Cable ). The braids woven into the sweater were supposed to ensure safety and hope for a successful catch. Nowadays, I would read this message similarly and would probably wear it on a date or a job interview ;)
If someone didn't like diamond stitch and wanted to remain blessed with the wish of wealth, I would recommend investing in a braid - and I'm not advocating buying our basket. Basketwave is a very traditional weave that is also associated with fertility; it is something like a basket of plenty in which the Irish farmer or fisherman was supposed to be able to bring home his harvest and catch.
Last but not least, i.e. I left the most important for last.
After all, what good is it all for ourselves? This is where the twig or ladder weave comes to our aid ( Tree of Life, Ladder of Life ). It was supposed to refer to the ladder of life or the tree of life, to refer to the clan, the generation, and in general the family and its health. Another interpretation is the path of salvation followed by pilgrims, which is again a religious message.
Naturally, Aran sweaters are characterized by a wealth of weaves, so the more of them in one design, the more messages and wishes, and therefore the better!
Finally, I send you energy and encouragement to create your own piece, even the smallest one, for your loved one. You will see how satisfying it is. However, if you lack the time and skills, go shopping on our website and read what each sweater "says". You can find our sweaters HERE .
I send you warm greetings,
Marta