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#ARAN HEDGE SCHOOL #MADE TO LAST
#ARAN HEDGE SCHOOL #MADE TO LAST
(Please get in touch for the kit in tweed or merino options )
In 2014 I first designed this style as part of a collection for the Japanese store Isetan Mitsukoshi. Talking about Aran handknits at a Showcase Ireland exhibition in Dublin the buying team saw cultural similarities.
Family, Good-Luck and Love were inspiration sources for folk -craft and creativity. Universal themes, while the origins of the folklore and symbols may vary. Aran or Irish knitting was firstly workwear, predominantly dark navy with white introduced for boys first communion attire.
This First Design called 'SUCCESS' combines the honeycomb, the moss filled diamond and the link cable or feather. A unisex crew neck with a set in sleeve that is slightly drop shouldered.
The design is very traditional in Aran character while the silhouette is contemporary.
****This Kit comes with a new and private group on Facebook for support, updates and useful tips from Edel, ****
Nerissa modelling the bainin wears a SIZE 3 here (44ins chest)
IN THE KIT:
Enough yarn to complete the sweater comfortably,
The pattern written in EIGHT SIZES, ONLY on release as a kit, the pattern is not distributed on it's own.
A small tension swatch in moss stitch to compare your own tension.
Needles and notions are not supplied but you may add straight needles to your basket separately, sold as a set of 4.5mm and 5mm, 35cm long steel.
(You may use circular needles if you prefer, we do not currently supply them. Other notions needed are a tapestry needle for sewing up, a cable needle if you choose to use one, stitch markers if you find them useful)
SIZING in the Traditional Aran Wool
These are actual sweater measurements, see notes further along on measuring your subject and allow that everyones knitting is a little different, consider buying one size up from your needs. Aran enclosed is a generous allowance. All patterns have 8 sizes included.
Sizes 1-2
Chest below underarm 42 ins (size 1) 44ins (size 2)
Length from centre shoulder line to hem
Sleeve underarm length before shaping
Sizes 3-4
Chest below underarm 44 ins (size 3) 46ins (size 4)
Length from centre shoulder line to hem
Sleeve underarm length before shaping
Sizes 5-6
Chest below underarm 48 ins (size 5) 50ins (size 6)
Length from centre shoulder line to hem
Sleeve underarm length before shaping
Sizes 7-8
Chest below underarm 52 ins (size 7) 54 ins (size 8)
Length from centre shoulder line to hem
Sleeve underarm length before shaping
About the yarn:
A worsted 3 ply Spun in Donegal at Donegal yarns. We have used this yarn since the 1980's and passionately love it's rugged authenticity. It is now spun from 60% Irish sourced fleece and 40% Aus New Wool.
Stockinette gauge of 15sts on 5mm needles. Machine washable with a recommended wool soap (no tumble dry), see our 'how to care for me' with our knitwear for sale online
160 yards per 100g weight. YARN IS IN HANKS OF APPROX 250g EACH UNLESS you request in the order 'NOTES', for it to be supplied pre-wound into cakes. (This is a free service but we know some folks like to wind their own too)
About the stitch techniques used:
The Honeycomb is a 4 stitch cable, it crosses both directions and is worked every 4th row only.
The Diamond panel is over 17 stitches and involves crossing 3 stitches (2/1 and 1/2) both ways on every Right Side Row,
The Link or feather is a 9 stitch cable, it involves crossing one stitch over 3 in both directions every 4th row
Double moss sides
Small 2 stitch (1/1) cables throughout
Single rib through back of loop
While this could be your Aran sweater gateway piece, a strong understanding of KNIT AND PURL is recommended, previous cable or Aran knowledge is useful but you got to start somewhere!
As with all designs I recommended trying each stitch individually as small swatches first.
THIS IS A WRITTEN PATTERN, detailed and clear, but please note it does not come with knitting graphs.
SIZE: TIPS FOR MEASURING YOUR SUBJECT!
Ask them to select something they like the fit on, a sweatshirt, knit or casual top. Lay it flat and measure it under the arms. This is half your chest measurement.
Ask about length, where they like a sweater to sit, half way down jeans or longer?
Ask about sleeves, do they like them over hands? Do they like the option of turning the cuff back? Check out their general sleeve fit, they will know from other shopping. Sleeve are always too long, too short etc!!! You can adjust the sleeve length and the body length on the pattern. You can knit a Size 4 with the body length of a Size 2, if you wish. The main thing is the width and to buy enough yarn. As stated our kits are generous and will allow for a little extra length etc.
IF actually measuring someone for a regular fit sweater. Slide the tape around their chest under the arms or around the bust, at the widest point. Take the relaxed measurement (without pulling tight), add 2 ins for a fitted style, 4 ins for a more roomy fit and so forth.
Sweater Sizing Guide for Edel MacBride
| XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
| UK | 6-8 | 8-10 | 10-12 | 12-14 | 14-16 | 16-18 |
| US | 2-4 | 4-6 | 6-8 | 8-10 | 10-12 | 12-14 |
| Chest | 36 ins 92 cms |
38 ins 96 cms |
40 ins 102 cms |
43 ins 110 cms |
46 ins 118 cms |
50 ins 126 cms |
| Length | 26 ins 66.5 cms |
26 ins 66.5 cms |
27 ins 69 cms |
27 ins 69 cms |
28 ins 72 cms |
28 ins 72 cms |
| Sleeve | 17 ins 44 cms |
17.5 ins 45 cms |
18 ins 47 cms |
18.5 ins 48 cms |
18.5 ins 48 cms |
19 ins 49 cms |
These are the actual garment measurements.
Chest is measured under the point where the sleeve and body meet.
Length is measured from the centre shoulder point to below the waist.
Sleeve here is the underarm length of the sleeve including the cuff.
More measurements may be given in the garment description.
How to care for me
Maybe you’ve never owned one of me before?
Here’s my experience so far;
I’d prefer not to be stuck in that dark press but when I must go in there just roll me up loosely first.
I don’t need much washing although my Italian cousins say that I’m a gorgeous natural thing and washing improves me!
When washing make it no higher than 30 degrees and please only a wool recommended detergent. Squeeze all the water out after handwashing me, even roll me up in a towel to do this! Dry me flat on my back.
Keep direct sunlight away from my cables!
Edel and many of her long-term clients machine wash my friends. Hopefully they never put them in the drum at higher than 30 degrees or with nasty biological stuff!!!! The horror.
I’m terrified of the tumble dryer, please never do that to me.
Through Summer if you don’t need me (I hope you will), store me in an airtight zip bag please and I’ll get a rest with no disruption. I hope to spend a lifetime with you, but if you want to give me to a friend or send me to a charity store for a break that’s OK.
My wool is so healthy to wear and antibacterial, plus you’ll be living off the compliments.
Bullet point summary:
