IrelandsEye - Every Stitch Tells a Story
Earlier this week we featured some of the latest styles to drop from IrelandsEye, an international luxury brand that has been handcrafting traditional and contemporary Aran sweaters and cardigans in Dublin since 1988.
They are known for their modern twist on classic stitches using fine merino wool and cashmere. They draw on the rich history of their nation and the deep meaning behind the stitches to create pieces that stand the test of time. To fully appreciate these designs, let’s delve into the history of Irish Knitting, just a little.
The Rich Heritage of Aran Knitwear
Originating in the early 1900s on the Aran islands, Aran knitwear has been made in Ireland for over a hundred years. From farmers to fisher-men and women, generations of Irish people have trusted these sweaters to shield them from the ever-changing, often battering sea winds that sweep the coast.
JUST SOME OF THE STITCHES AND WHAT THEY MEAN…
The Cable Stitch - Good Luck
The cable stitch is the most common Aran stitch pattern used in Irish knitwear. It represents a fisherman’s ropes and nets and bestows good fortune on the wearer for safety on their journey out at sea, as well as good luck for a bountiful catch. When the cable stitch is intertwined, it symbolises the balance between hard work and family life.
The Moss Stitch - Nature
The moss stitch, represents good harvest and is often paired with the Diamond stitch. It depicts the Irish moss that grows on stone walls and the carrageen moss, a type of seaweed that grows on the rocks in the ocean and is typically found on the Irish coast. It is used as a food with many nutritional benefits or as fertiliser for Irish farms and fields.
The Trellis Stitch - Protection
The trellis stitch represents the landscape patterns created by the stone-walled fields which would offer protection against the strong Atlantic winds near the coast and farms in Western Ireland.
The ZigZag Stitch - Direction
The zigzag stitch symbolises the twisting cliff paths on the Aran islands which lead down to the Atlantic coast. It is sometimes referred to as the stitch of marriage as it represents the peaks and troughs of married life.
Tell us your story! Drop a comment below and let us know which stitch is your favourite?
You can see and feel the enduring quality and timeless design in each IrelandsEye creation and take home your own piece of history. Explore the many stunning styles, currently in store and online at Suttles and Seawinds.
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