Christie C. I have always had a thing for a good Aran sweater. Most notably called an Aran jumper, this beautiful work of art got its name from the Aran Islands off the western coast of Ireland in Galway Bay.
Traditionally, the sweaters were knitted using unscoured wool, which is wool that has not been stripped of its lanolin—the natural oils that make the wool resistant to water.
While looking for vintage patterns to base my me-made wardrobe on, I found a vintage Aran pattern on Etsy from Littlewoods. It is their Aran 2015.
This pattern offers two style variations: one with or without a collar. I opted for a collarless sweater.
Yarn used: Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed
I am using Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed in Cream to make this Aran. I absolutely love tweed yarns, so it took me a long time to figure out which colors I wanted. I settled on cream so that I could easily style it with the clothes I own now. However, I plan on using this yarn in other colors in the future.
It does come in a hank rather than a skein, so I did spend quite some time rolling the hanks into balls.
| Fiber Content | 100% Irish Wool |
|---|---|
| Weight | Worsted |
| Gauge | 4.5 sts = 1″ on US 8; H hook |
| Weight/Yardage | 100g/183yds |
| Care | Hand Wash, Dry Flat |
| Country Of Origin | Ireland |
Finished Back
The sweater is knit in one of my favorite knit stitches: Seed Stitch. To achieve a seed stitch, k1 and p1 to the end of a row. Upon turning your work, knit the purl stitches, and purl the knit stitches.
Adjustments to Pattern
SEWING POCKETS INSTEAD OF KNITTING THEM
The pattern is relatively easy to understand. However, I did get tripped up on the front panels with the added pockets. The cabling was not working out for me. Honestly, I probably read the pattern wrong and I started to get frustrated.
Regardless, I am adjusting the pattern to omit the original pockets. Instead, I will be adding my own pockets. I plan on sewing them separately into the sweater instead of knitting them into the sweater.
I DOUBLED THE SIZE
I hope I don’t regret this later, but I am knitting the sweater one size larger than my usual size. I wanted to give this sweater a slightly oversized fit. After measuring and completing the back, however, I hope I didn’t go overboard!
The back ended up being 29 inches/74 centimeters wide, which will make the final waist double my size! But, I’m going to continue working.
I have a similarly sized chunky knit cardigan from American eagle with a 26 inch back, so I feel slightly confident that the end result will be okay.
For the record, I did knit a swatch for this.
Working on the Left Front Panel
Now, on to the front! Overall, I am loving the texture of this piece. The combination of the seed stitch, ribbing, and natural color and texture of the tweed yarn make this a beautiful and enjoyable project to knit so far.
I thought I could finish it before winter ended, but unfortunately I won’t be able to wear this until fall.
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Beautiful pattern.. I love Aran Yarn and like you like them a little extra bigger than tight. I am sure your adjustment to the pattern will work out.
Lovely to meet a fellow knitter and who also enjoys crocheting .. 🙂
Thank you! I sure hope so. And, yes, it’s great to meet crafters that do both! Knitting and crocheting is like cooking and baking. It’s hard to find people that enjoy both. 😁
Smiles I agree 🙂