Cable me up

Probably one of the most iconic types of knitting is Aran knitting. Beautiful, less complicated than it looks and memorable. The term Aran itself denotes the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay, Inishmore (once known as Aranmor), Inishmaan and Inisheer but also the beautiful knitted cable worked sweaters that have become so iconic to time. However as far as knitting techniques go it is rather new. Developed with in the last 100 years it has become a very iconic knitting idea very quickly.

Sweater I made last year with Celtic knot cables on the wrist and front.

By simple twisting of the stitches beautiful cables can be formed. Using a small double pointed and often curved needle you move the stiches behind or in front of the knitted stiches. By doing this you create an amazing cabled stitch and what we today call Aran knitting. Each design could be combined with others to create amazing art that you can wear.

Socks J made last year with simple cables on the top.

It is because of these beautiful combinations a piece can be like no other piece. Hand knitting is always defined because each piece is different, beyond the needles and the yarn, just by moving the needles every piece made is different from the last one, even by using doing it exactly the same from project to project. How knitting works is as you work you make something unique to you with mistakes, messed up tensions, ladders. Some of those things will fix themselves over time but even if they don’t that is ok. Knitting is for life, and Aran I think proves that. Created to make one of a kind pieces that unfortunately may sometimes have been used to identify fisherman lost at sea. Some had flaws but what are flaws when you are venturing out to some new.

Y cable ear warmers audible for sale or my etsy page: GrandmasTools.

I was afraid to try cabling the first few times I did it. It was an adventure but by learning it I would eventually be able to create beautiful pieces that are one of a kind to me. Still working on trying to create one that is just by me but I will get there.

Celtic knot Cable hat going up for sale on my etsy page November 1st. GrandmasTools