Ulster Blanket Knitting Kit in Tweed

A wonderful family heirloom blanket knit in traditional Aran knitting panels.

All one piece, no sewing, designed by Edel MacBride.

“What can I say ….absolutely stunning! A fantastic design by Edel MacBride’ found on her Knitfield Ravelry Store. Appropriately named Ulster Blanket. Sure to become a family heirloom.“ Louise Williamson, Light House Yarns.

The Kit Includes:

1200 yards of aran or worsted weight Donegal tweed OR Aran wool hanks 

(we will include at least 10% more than needed)

Needles One pair of 5mm, 35cm long straight needles.

You may choose to work on circular needles. (Needles are NOT included)

A cable needle, there are no large cables so this may not be needed.

There is no sewing so you only need to darn any loose ends or joins.
Finished Size 23 x 52 in (59 x 122 cm) in merino sample shown

Average to good Aran Knitting skills required (not a beginner project, but as Each Aran stitch is written separately in a directory format, someone reconnecting to knitting or learning  Aran could use this to practice)

The Aran stitches are written individually and provide a good library to use on sweaters too.

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:

• Roll up when stored
• 30 degree hand or machine wool wash cycle
• Only recommended detergents
• Squeeze all excess water out after a handwash (roll in a dry clean towel)
• Dry flat
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Hang-up if you wish, choose the hanger carefully (incase shoulders get stretched)
• Dry cleaning is allowed, but we prefer washing
• Often all that’s needed is to hang in the air a few hours to refresh
• Avoid seat belts and cross - body bags due to fabric abrasion 

Handknit Pieces

handknit pieces, everything except the aimsir wraps - see next instruction for them

If I’m handknit just for you please allow four weeks plus shipping time.

Slow clothing as opposed to fast fashion is our best friend. Making ethically is the sustainable future of our World and I’m a proud part of that. My carbon footprint is a ghost! Human energy made me and was so happy doing that. Handknitting Aran going back generations and was almost lost in our country. Aran knitters need to knit.

I get made, slowly by a very fast and skillful hand knitter who is fairly rewarded and had fun making me. Edel fusses over everything seeing me through from notes to yarn quality, swatches, washing and steam, she even jabs me sewing her name on my neck (she loves that bit).

Otherwise, I may be ready when you order (they call it in stock around here)

Should there be a yarn delay you will be contacted.

If I am a special gift for a particular date, please get in touch before or when you order to confirm the details. 

Studio Hand Loomed Pieces

studio hand loomed pieces plain flat wraps (ie not the moon wrap)

If I am hand loomed just for you please allow two weeks plus shipping time.

Slow clothing as opposed to fast fashion is our best friend. Making ethically is the sustainable future of the World and I’m a proud part of that. My carbon footprint is a ghost! Human energy made me and was so happy doing that. I will be loomed in the studio by Edel on her basic knitting machine which uses only horse power.

Edel sees me through from notes to yarn quality, swatches, washing and steam, she even jabs me to sew her name on me (she loves that bit).

Otherwise, I may be ready when you order (they call it in stock around here)

Should there be a yarn delay and I’ll take longer but will let you know in every case.

If I am a special gift for a particular date, please get in touch before or when you order.

Hats

Hats (all)

I should leave the studio within the week and then it depends on delivery times.

If I am going to take longer I will let you know by email.