Hand Knit Irish Sweaters

**TheKiltedWonder** · 1st July 08, 04:36 PM

So here's the set-up: I have begun tutoring a family friend in German. I'm accepting payment, but it's not a great amount. It is, however, enough to purchase a nice Aran Sweater to complement my kilt. I know the KiltStore sells some nice looking hand-knit ones with an equally nice discount, but they are made in Scotland. I know that the Aran Islands haven't been making these sweater's all that long, but they're still an Irish symbol and I'd like to get one from there for some vaguely romantic reason. Has anyone bought an Irish hand knit aran sweater? From where? How did you like it? Inquiring minds want to know!

A side note: I'd prefer to buy from a place with a minimum on the blarney. I know this might seem a bit ironic, since these knits aren't exactly the ancient tradition most people claim. Still, I don't want to be told about my clan pattern or anything even more outlandish (One site felt the need to inform me that Babylon comes from the phrase meaning "Land of Wool"; categorically untrue-it comes from "Gate of god/gods/a god's name")

**Kilted in Maine** · 1st July 08, 04:43 PM

Did you see this thread?

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/a...510/index.html

**TheKiltedWonder** · 1st July 08, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by Kilted in Maine

Did you see this thread?

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/a...510/index.html

yeah. It kind of inspired this thread. That's one of the places selling "clan" sweaters, which I'd prefer to avoid

Thanks for the link though!

**Kilted in Maine** · 1st July 08, 05:35 PM

Oh sorry about that....

**Kilted in Maine** · 1st July 08, 05:42 PM

My mother-in-law is from Dublin (born on St Patty's Day!).

Anyway, last time she went back, she brought back my sons these sweaters. I'll check if she or her relatives have a source you can be directed to

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**TheKiltedWonder** · 1st July 08, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by Kilted in Maine

My mother-in-law is from Dublin (born on St Patty's Day!).

Anyway, last time she went back, she brought back my sons these sweaters. I'll check if she or her relatives have a source you can be directed to

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ok, cool! Those sweaters sure look sharp with the Irish National tartan!

**Scrapscot** · 1st July 08, 08:10 PM

Anthony & I bought Aran sweaters before going to Scotland in 1999. I can't remember who we got them from, but I could easily find out. We actually got an email from a company this morning that makes Irish knitwear and prices look pretty reasonable. If you want to email me off site, I can give you that name.

**Birddog** · 1st July 08, 08:34 PM

I have one that I have had for around 10 years, and I will be buried in it and a kilt! I love it dearly. Do keep in mind that you need an undershirt of course, but they are great for keeping you warm. Every winter when I fish the rivers, it gets worn. And it looks great with a kilt.

**TheKiltedWonder** · 4th July 08, 06:15 AM

Originally Posted by Scrapscot

Anthony & I bought Aran sweaters before going to Scotland in 1999. I can't remember who we got them from, but I could easily find out. We actually got an email from a company this morning that makes Irish knitwear and prices look pretty reasonable. If you want to email me off site, I can give you that name.

ok, cool! Email will be sent shortly!