Prepare for autumn with enticing clothing and accessories

Prepare for the cooler autumn months with some additions from the new arrivals at Blarney Woollen Mills. Choose from stylish Blarney Heritage Shawls, Serapes, Scarfs and aran sweaters to keep you protected from those cooler temperatures as we bid farewell the summer period.

New Arrivals: Hand knit Aran sweaters made to last

There's a new arrival to the extensive blarney.com product offering that we're very excited about and it's the hand knit Aran Sweater range.

Designed exclusively for Blarney Woollen Mills and inspired by the life along the Atlantic Ocean. These hand knit Irish wool sweaters are created in Donegal, a picturesque county in the north west of Ireland.

Celebrate Ireland's patron saint in style this March

With the month of March looming and the first glimpses of spring in the air, the countdown to the Irish national holiday in honour of the country's patron saint, Saint Patrick's Day, is well underway. The 17th March is always a day of great celebration for many throughout the island of Ireland and the millions of Irish Diaspora across the globe with symbols or the Emerald Isle and various shades of green coming to the fore.

Blarney Woollen Mills have a wide range of stylish and fun St. Patrick's Day themed aran sweaters and hoodies that will ensure that you look the part on the day. There are aran sweaters for men and aran sweaters for women to chose from, all of which elicit a real sense of home while allowing you to look stylish during the long day of celebrations.

There are also a range of celtic jewelry and, in particular, Irish charms and Irish shamrock jewelry to complete your outfit for the big day. Whether you choose a sterling silver shamrock celtic pendant or a sterling silver shamrock bead then you're guaranteed to stand out from the crowd.

Alternatively, if you are seeking a gift for that someone special or friends and family both home and abroad then Blarney.com is your one stop destination for Irish gifts. With a wide range of ornate Irish belleek, skilfully crafted Waterford Crystal and beautifully embroidered Irish throws and Irish linen tablecloth; and not forgetting a pair of matching Irish wool socks.which will complete your

Ensure you look the part tgis Saint Patrick's Day by browsing through the wide ranging of clothing, jewelry and Irish gifts on blarney.com.

Irish gifts to brighten those winter months

Now that Christmas has come and gone, decorations are carefully being taken down and placed back into storage for another twelve months and those special Irish gifts received from friends and family are taking pride of place in your wardrobe, mantelpiece, display cabinet or even around your neck or wrist as we welcome the dawning of a new year.

For many who received traditional Irish gifts such as aran sweaters and classic Irish sweaters will undoubtedly be grateful following the arrival of those chilly Arctic winds and frost covered mornings. The aran sweaters from Blarney make the ideal winter accessory with their complex stitch patterns, soft natural chunky merino wool and traditional look but each with their own contemporary twist.

With an ever growing variety of celtic jewelry to chose from, there were sure to be some ornate and exquisite pieces of celtic artistry received as gifts over the festive period. The Blarney Woollen Mills range is continually updated with the latest styles and other an extensive collection of the finest celtic jewelry including ornate Celtic pendants, Celtic knot jewelry, Irish charm bracelets and Celtic earrings. For those wishing to their illustrate affections for that special other in 2015 then why not choose from the extensive range of Irish wedding rings and Claddagh rings and much more.

Another traditionally popular gift over the festive period is a piece of Irish crystal with many opting to give friends or loved ones an ornate piece of Waterford Crystal whether it's a decorative Waterford Crystal picture frame or decanter. Waterford Crystal is known throughout the world for its exquisite crystal glasses and crystal gifts with its stylish and intricate designs and timeless patterns.

Irish Christmas gift ideas direct from Blarney

The holiday period may be almost here but for many the gift buying process is still well under way with the final weekend before the big day likely to be a busy one for a lot of people. At Blarney Woollen Mills we've just welcomed in a range of new Irish gifts and Irish novelty gifts which would make great Christmas gift ideas for those still at the decision phase.

The latest additions to the Blarney traditional Irish gifts range include some snug Aran sweaters for women, some great Irish and Aran themed clothing for kids plus some ever popular celtic jewelry and  ornamental Waterford Crystal. For those who order by the Friday, 19th December, deadline then delivery of should be in time for Christmas Day!

For those seeking some useful accessories for the remaining winter months then look no further than Blarney Woollen Mills with the largest range of Irish sweaters and Fisherman sweaters online. For those who require that little bit extra warmth on these chilly winter nights then why not avail of the stylish (and quite colourful) Irish wool socks or traditional Irish throw blankets.

Above all else the whole team at Blarney Woollen Mills wishes you and yours a great holiday period and may 2015 bring you continued success.

Irish Aran Knitwear to warm during the autumn and winter months

The long summer evenings may be drawing to a close with the first signs of autumns creeping up on us but there's no sign of despondency at Blarney Woollen Mills as we welcome a fabulous new range of tweed and aran sweaters as well as cosy cashmere accessories. A new range of authentic Irish sweaters with cosy scarf's, beanies, cardigans and sweaters forming part of an exclusive Blarney Originals collection.

The new Autumn/Winter range of aran sweaters have been knitted with 100% Merino Wool giving a luxuriously feel which is sure to give the wearer good longevity. This range of aran sweaters and accessories are expertly detailed with traditional celtic and aran patterns which have created the rich history of the aran sweater. These garments are a combination of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary chic style making perfect Irish gifts for those who may be seeking aran sweaters for women or men in the lead up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There is also a fantastic new range of Cashmere accessories to ensure that you are looking your best during the autmun and winter months. Luxury pure cashmere in matching scarf, hat and gloves are sure to catch the eye while keeping you nice and warm during those cooler winter months. These garments are rib-knit for added texture, offering exquisite comfort and style for both men and women.

Be sure to check out the full range of the exclusive Blarney Originals collection and all new arrivals at Blarney Woollen Mills.

New Arrivals: Stylish Range of Fisherman Irish Knitwear

We may be in the midst of summer, enjoying those long bright and balmy evenings, but it is the perfect chance to browse through the Blarney Woollen Mills range of Irish fishermen sweaters and sweaters for women and men. A stylish new range of fishermen knitewear has arrived at Blarney.com which will ensure that you will be looking your best during the autumn and winter months.

The range of new arrivals at Blarney Woollen Mills inlcudes knitwear fusing time honoured craftsmanship with contemporary style. Recent arrivals include cable knit scarf, Herringbone coat for women, seed stitch cardigans, Raglan crewneck sweaters for men and a stylish combination of Fishermen ribbed hat and scarf.

Cable knit scarf

The Cable knit scarf is a warm and very fashionable accessory eminating from the "Fisherman Out of Ireland" range. This scarf fuses time honoured craftsmanship with a contemporary style which is ideal to go with any type of coat or jacket.

 

Fisherman Herringbone Coat

As one of the signature coats from the 'Fisherman Out of Ireland' range, this Fisherman Herringbone coat is an exemplary example of the time-honoured Irish craftsmanship producing a truly stunning and stylish coat for women. Woven with 100% new wool in a traditional Herringbone design and features panels of earthy tones inspired by the rugged landscape of County Donegal.

Fisherman Seed Stitch Cardigan

The Fisherman Seed Stitch Cardigan is a well known favourite of the 'Fisherman Out of Ireland' range which fuses the time honoured craftsmanship perfected in Ireland throughout the centuries with unique contemporary style. This Fisherman cardigan has been expertly knit with a traditional seed stitch throughout in a rich stylish blend of wool and cashmere.

Fisherman Raglan Crewneck Sweater

This Fisherman Raglan crewneck sweater from 'Fisherman Out of Ireland' has a laidback raglan-sleeve design with rib-knit cuffs and hem for a neat, comfortable fit. Inspired by the rugged landscape of Donegal, it has been knit with 100% Donegal fleck New Wool in neutral/grey yarns.

 

Fisherman Ribbed Hat & Scarf

A stylish Irish gift for to keep him warm during the autmun and winter months. This Fisherman ribbed hat and scarf accessory set from the 'Fisherman Out of Ireland' range. The ribbed beanie hat and matching scarf are handcrafted from 100% Merino wool with subtle brand detailing.

Blarney.com also has a range of warm and stylish aran sweaters and Irish sweaters which are sure to appeal to those seeking stylish handcrafted knitwear with a nod to ancient Ireland.

Get into the holiday fun spirit in irish themed style for St Patrick’s Day

In the month of March when it comes to gift giving there are two main occasions to note, one being mothers day and the other a not so traditional gift giving occasion but one where sometimes Irish gifts are part of a fun occasion: St Patrick's Day.

First off the mark on the holiday gift giving front is Ireland's national holiday and the day the whole world goes green (literally) St Patrick's Day. When it comes to gift giving occasions St Patrick's day wouldn't feature on many peoples lists but nowadays it is the perfect opportunity to get into the spirit of things and spoil oneself or treat ones family and friends to all manner of Irish themed gifts, from traditional Irish gifts as well as fun novelty St Patrick's related items. Amid the celebrations of all things Ireland related both of the traditional (sprigs of shamrock) and non traditional kind (green everything, leprechaun hats and shamrock themed prints and novelty items) you will find a large range of Irish themed gift options from the traditional to the ridiculous and fun.

For many St Patrick's Day can encompass two things, one the celebratory fun aspects of the days parades and all day and night celebrations. For others it is a chance to quietly remember our heritage and traditions and mark it by spending time with our family both at home and abroad. This family friendly and heritage rich national holiday with its fun festival atmosphere can be celebrated and noted in many different ways and most importantly styles with an Irish theme in mind.

With the many parades held nationwide in Ireland and in major cities worldwide celebrating all aspects of Irish culture, St Patrick's Day is a day where people celebrate and throw caution to the wind when it comes to wearing their colors on their sleeve. Fashion-wise it is a day for all things Ireland related and what you wear and how you show your Irish colors and roots can be a key aspect. St Patrick's Day can be an occasion where you indulge in all manner of Irish related style in all manner of tastes. You can don the colors of the day and occasion with all manner of green, shamrock and Ireland related festive outerwear for a day at the parades. From green face paint and every items of clothing imaginable to leprechaun hats, to shamrock headbands and themed prints to customized novelty t-shirts that note the fun and Irish centered aspect of the day, everything green and Ireland related no matter the taste is welcome.

And one doesn't have to go all out with the green body paint and novelty hats and t-shirts and questionable style and taste to note the day either. You can show your Irish roots and affiliations with style too, with a simple piece of Celtic jewelry, a specially customized St Patrick's day charm/bead bracelet, an ornate Irish Celtic designed scarf adorning your natural look. Or you can mark it in the traditional way with your favorite piece of Irish clothing such as Aran sweaters or cardigans, a tweed hat or scarf etc adorned with a sprig of shamrock or clover.

Whatever way you mark the occasion and show your Irish colors be it loud and proud or more demure and traditional there are many Irish themed gift items to help you get into the heart of all things St Patrick's Day related. From picking the right items of clothing for the big parades and parties on the day to showing your Irish roots whilst still keeping in touch with your own style you will find Irish themed items to suit.

The Aran Sweater: a garment full of history and tradition

The Aran Sweater (or geansaí in Irish) is a type of jumper synonymous with the rugged rural lifestyle of the west of Ireland and takes its name from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Galway Bay. These iconic garments are also commonly referred to as Irish fisherman sweaters. Classical Irish Fisherman sweaters are typically a dense bulky item of clothing comprising cable knit patterns on the chest area and tend to be cream in colour.

The Aran Islands are made up of three islands: the smallest of which is Inisheer, followed by Inishmann and then the largest which is Inishmore. Stones are abundant throughout the islands with the trademark stone fences stretching across the landscape in addition to the numerous ruinous stone forts.

Knitting was communal for the wives and daughters of the fisherman as well as a forum for education and storytelling. Their work was usually arduous with a single Aran sweater taking between 40 and 50 hours to complete.

These iconic Aran sweaters are clearly distinguished by the use of complex interwoven textured stitch patterns. Often a combination of these stitch patterns are used in the production of a single sweater. Every stitch pattern has traditional interpretation and a distinctive story:

• Blackberry - represents the thickets of blackberry bushes which dot the Aran Islands. It is a clear reminder of natures riches.
• Tree of Life - This depicts the tendrils of family, clans and past generations.
• Cable - represents the fisherman's ropes and hopes for the day's catch.
• Diamond - frequently matches with moss stitching. This represents the hope of future wealth and success.
• Moss - represent the carrageen moss which lines the stone walls of the islands. Often knitted as a diamond filler.
• Zig Zag - represents half a diamond and depicts the cliffs of the islands.
• Basket - represents the angular squares of a fisherman's basket and the hope of bountiful baskets of fish to bring back his family.
• Honeycomb - represents the tireless hard work of the islands' inhabitants. A testament to the busy bees of the island.
• Trellis - represents the countless fields which make up the island.

Traditionally, an Aran jumper is made from undyed cream-coloured (otherwise referred to in Irish as báiní), a yarn made from sheep's wool. They were originally made with unwashed wool that still contained natural sheep lanolin, making the garment extent water-resistant. There are few sheep on the Aran Islands today and more critically even fewer knitters. Modern Aran Sweaters are generally machine knit with soft Merino wool though there is a limited production of hand-knits. Aran sweaters for men, women and children of all ages are now available to be purchased and often a great idea for great Irish gifts.

 

Aran sweaters from the 1930's and 1940's are displayed at the National Museum of Ireland. They are rightly regarded as a national treasure and classic example of the hard working ethic that typified rural life in Ireland during the early 20th century and before it.

 

The patterns, designs and embossed decoration on every Irish wool sweater still reflect the loves, lives, losses and defiance of this isolated community at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

 

An intorduction to Aran Sweaters for the uninitiated

The Aran Sweater is an item of clothing synonymous with the island of Ireland and in particular the islands off the rugged west coast. Aran sweaters are a traditional style of sweater that take their name from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland which are often exposed to the harsh weather systems from the Atlantic Ocean. 

Otherwise known as Irish fisherman sweaters, aran sweaters are distinguished by their use of complex textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined in the creation of a single garment. Originally the sweaters were knitted using unscoured wool that retained its natural oils which ensured that the garments remained water-resistant and wearable during wet Irish conditions. However, today most of the Aran sweaters and Aran Cardigans are knit with a softer yarn called Merino in the natural bainin (bawneen) colour and in other colours reflective of the Irish countryside.

• The honeycomb is a symbol of the hard-working bee. 

• The cable is an integral part of the fisherman’s daily life, is said to be a wish for safety and good luck when fishing. 

• The diamond is a wish of success, wealth and treasure. 

• The basket stitch represents the fisherman’s basket, a hope for a plentiful catch.

Every sweater is steeped in Irish history and every stitch has a traditional interpretation, often of religious significance, but mostly of life’s experience and journey. There varies symbols include:

Most knitting patterns were never written down just handed down from generation to generation using up to 24 different aran stitches with infinite combinations. We'll be looking further into the different stitches and their meaning over the coming weeks to give you a real sense of what it means to own authentic Irish Sweaters.