When you think of Irish Sweaters, the ivory wool fisherman sweaters with thick knit cables probably come to mind. When we were visiting we spoke to locals that gave some life to the story.
These heavy wool sweaters were knit by the woman before sending their husband’s out on long fishing expeditions. Just like with other crafts, different women each developed their own unique patterns over time. When there were accidents and fishermen were found dead or unconscious, they often showed the sweater around the village and used these unique patterns to identify the fisherman. From these experiences rose the idea of cables knit for specific family names.
Of course we want to look at the fashion’s inspired by this tradition.
Images from Vogue, found on BessGeorgette.com, features 1955 Digby Morton Sweater Dress and Bold Prada Sweater published Sept 2010. Both of these versions have the classic heavy cables found in the traditional sweaters.
Images from Kapital GO WEST Fall 2010 Catalog.
For Resort 2010 Alexander Wang showed a sheer vest reminiscent of the fisherman cable patterns and a heavier open knit version. Images found on Style.com gave a significant nod toward the look.
For the more adventurous among us, you can purchase the Fisherman’s Wool and have a go at your own designs.
For the rest of us, check out these styles.
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