Irish Aran: History, Tradition, Fashion

by Vawn Corrigan

Irish Aran knitting is a living tradition with a worldwide reach. Arans communicate warmth, comfort and a sense of home, which people the world over continue to respond to, even though the connection to our rocky outcroppings in the Atlantic Ocean may be long forgotten. 

Aran grew up in the harsh environment of the Aran Islands where everyday wear consisted of home-spun fabrics and knits. Today Aran survives as part of a rich craft heritage and as high and slow fashion on the catwalks of the world. 

Vawn Corrigan explores the history, mythology and growth of this iconic design in this beautiful and informative hardback book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Knitting, History, Crafts

168 pages, Paperback

Published May 11, 2019

Reviews

[Snorki · Rating 3 out of 5]

An account of Irish Aran, looking at the history and the myth. There is some interesting material in here, including the observation that the belief that patterns were knit into fisherman’s Aran sweaters to allow identification of bodies is almost certainly a myth. Similarly, the book is honest about the origins of Aran, and the growth of the marketing around it. The second half of the book is a bit less interesting really; it is focused more on the present day, and covers some local designers and producers who are still working with the Aran tradition. At times, it read a bit more like a trade catalogue than a book really. Still, some interesting content.

[Cayenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! It was a great extension to my going on the Ireland Knitting Tour mentioned at the end. I learned a lot about Aran Knitting History and I enjoyed reading more about people I had met, like Edel McBride, and places I had been, like Studio Donegal. I’m ready to cast on my own Aran sweater with real Irish wool!

[Deirdre · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may be a little biased as I have researched Aran Knitting a little more than I originally intended, and I've blogged about it. From this book I do have more ideas to follow and to work on.
It's heavily illustrated, in good quality, mostly photographs. Some of the photos are a little vague for what they're representing but overall it's a good introduction to Irish Aran Knitting my biggest problem with it is the unexamined assumption that handcrafts aren't taken as a job but as a hobby.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only gave this 3 stars because I enjoyed it but I am not a knitter. I'm going to pass it on to my daughter who does knit. We recently visited the Aran islands which is what drew me to buying this book. The fashion part of the book where the traditional knits have been re-imagined by various designers actually interested me the least.

[Katryn Seeburger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a fantastic brief overview of Aran Sweaters that is approachable to both knitters and non knitters.

I went into this book already with a solid understanding of the history of Aran, but wanted to hear this perspective to prepare for my trip to Ireland.

I plan to hand this book to one of my fellow travelers as a quick synopsis on the craft before we take off!

[MaryEllen Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet little (literally a small book) volume with some nice photos that explains the history of the 'Aran' Irish sweater. I heard the author speak at a virtual knitting conference recently as well.

[Kes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great look into the history of Irish Aran, especially the social history / marketing behind its export.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative in a very personal style. The photos and captions are rich with additional information. The resources section is fabulous; I’m so glad I bought this book! EVERY KNITTER NEEDS THIS.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Looking forward to try some Aran knitting. Bought this book while in Ireland.

[Sarah Mcgrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about the history of Aran knitting. I loved the photos.