Success Aran Sweater Knitting Kit in Wool Tweed, 8 size options

 (Get in touch for Aran merino weight options as stock revolves, or other colours ) 

In 2014 I designed this style as part of a collection for the Japanese store Isetan Mitsukoshi who planned an instore Irish promotion.

Talking to them about Aran at Showcase Ireland in Dublin the buying team saw the cultural story connections. Family, Good-Luck, Love and Success being important life themes that are reflected in the craft of Aran Knitting.

The first design here is called 'SUCCESS' as it combines the honeycomb, the moss filled diamonds and the link cable or feather. A unisex crew neck with a. set in sleeve that is only slightly drop shoulder.

The pattern is very traditional in Aran character while the silhouette is contemporary. 

****The kit comes with a new and private group on facebook for support, updates  and tips from Edel on a regular basis **** (optional)

IN THE KIT:

Enough yarn to complete the sweater comfortably,

The pattern written in EIGHT SIZES and ONLY on release as a kit.

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 Wool Tweed

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. Wool enclosed is a generous allowance (+10-15%)

Sizes 1-2

Chest below underarm Size 1 (40 ins) Size 2 (42 ins)

Length from centre shoulder line to hem 

Sleeve underarm length before shaping

Sizes 3-4

Chest below underarm Size 3 (44 ins) Size 4 (46 ins)

Length from centre shoulder line to hem 

Sleeve underarm length before shaping

Sizes 5-6

Chest below underarm Size 5 (48 ins) Size 6 (50ins)

Length from centre shoulder line to hem 

Sleeve underarm length before shaping

Sizes 7-8

Chest below underarm Size 7 (52) ins Size 8 (54)ins

Length from centre shoulder line to hem 

Sleeve underarm length before shaping

About the yarn: 

Pure New wool tweed spun in Donegal at Donegal yarns, we have used this yarn since the 1980's and passionately love it's original tweed character (coloured nepps which were the brain wave of a Donegal weaver), Aran weight  and stockinette gauge of 16sts 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. Supplied in large 100g (200 yards) pre-wound cakes, knits from centre.

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 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 twist 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, some cabling knowledge will help too 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, but please note it does not come with graphs.

THIS IS A WRITTEN PATTERN, detailed and clear, 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.