inisfree handknits

The individuality and variety of the stitches owe more to the strength of family feeling in the Islands than to the whims of fashion. Because of the high mortality rate due to drowning in the treacherous Atlantic fishing grounds, the womenfolk of Aran created a highly practical means of identifying their loved ones in the event of death. By varying their knitting patterns they produced a garment which guaranteed identification by the grief stricken family. There are many variations of this handcrafted theme. The diamond symbolises success and wealth, the claw stitch is based on the shape of the lobster's claw. The honeycomb is considered symbolic of hard work and bringing its just reward. Another close association with fishing can be seen through the cable stitch, suggesting a rope.