A Postcard from: the Aran Islands

This week’s postcard comes to you from the Aran Islands, off of the west coast of Ireland. We’ve traveled west and north from last week. I’ve never been entirely sure of the difference between Aran sweaters and Guernsey/Gansey sweaters. Today we shall delve into the differences!

Like the Gansey, these sweaters were popular in the fishing villages of the Aran Islands of Ireland. They could also be found on the Scottish Isle of Arran, located southeast of Glasgow in the Firth of Clyde. 

Here’s something fascinating: to show respect and awareness of the local culture when referring to these sweaters, the word “geansaidh” is used in Scottish Gaelic and the word “geansa” is used in Irish Gaelic. The fascinating part is that these words are both pronounced “gahnzee”. Interesting, right?

Pina Colada designed by Thea Colman

There are three major characteristics that set Aran sweaters apart from Ganseys. Traditionally, they were knit with undyed wool of a natural cream color, where the Ganseys were blue. Second, the necklines are different and third, they had four to six texture patterns, each one two to four inches in width and they went from neck to hem. Usually they were the same on the front and the back. The patterns also ran down the sleeves. This is different from Ganseys which are plainer and most often only have textured stitches on the upper body. These patterns, often cables, have meaning and create a story when used:

Ravenscreek designed by RavenstitchStudio

Blackberry - Represents the thickets of blackberry bushes around the islands. 

Diamond - This represents the hope of future wealth. 

Basket - Represents the angular squares of a fisherman's basket.

Tree of Life - This depicts the tendrils of family and clans and past generations.

Moss - Represents the carrageen moss which lines the stone walls of the islands. 

Honeycomb – Represents hard work. 

Cable - Represents the fisherman's ropes and hopes for the day's catch.

Zig Zag - A half a diamond that represents the cliffs of the islands.

Trellis - Represents the fields of the Island.

Emery Vest and Pullover designed by Joji Locatelli

Aran sweaters, unlike Ganseys, were also made to be sold. A movie titled The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, came out in 1952. The majority of the clothing used in the film was from a clothing store in Galway which of course included Aran sweaters. Vogue magazine featured them and created instant demand for these gorgeous garments. Knitting sweaters became important to the economy of the three Aran Islands as they had orders from around the world! 

Ravensberg designed by RavenstitchStudio

There is a myth about both Ganseys and Aran sweaters that the wearer could be identified by the motifs on their sweater. This is a lovely myth but there isn’t any truth to it as no evidence has ever been found that this happened. 

The more I delve into these two types of sweaters, the more information I find! This could be a college course!

Where will our travels take us next week?

Happy knitting,