Erin Knitwear

The natural Aran sweaters from Erin Knitwear are generally made from the wool of the Galways, a breed of Lowland sheep. The fleece is broken up and torn into pieces; it gets a rough handmixing and is then washed gently so that it will not tangle or felt (become matted). When the wool is dry, it is "Teased" or pricked clean of any briars or sticks. Next it is "Greased" - differnet spinners use different greasing agents. Then the yarn is produced from a Traditional Woollen Spinning System of Blending, Carding and Ring Spinning.

The dyeing process follows but the company is renowned for its use of undyed yarns and natural fibres in 100% wool. The vegetable substances most commonly used in Homespun Dyeing are as follows.Black - sediments of bogpools, containing Aluminum or Iron, Iris on yellow flag and the bark of certain trees. Brown - Crottle, Dulse (a type of seaweed), Peat Soot, Water Lily, Onion Skins Blue and Blue-Black - Indigo, Frauchens (bilberries) or Blackberries, Sloe or Blackthorn
Yellow - Heather, Bracken, Common Dock, Weld, Autumn Crocus, Fustic

The handknitting stage is the most time consuming part of the production of the garment and the handsewing up is vital for the completion and look of the finished product. Handknitting , like weaving, is a Craft with roots deep in the life of the Irish countryside. Handknit "ganseys" or sweaters, caps, stockings, trousers and shawls were once commonly worn, but the Cottage Industry of Irish Handknits has lasted longest along the Western Seaboard.

The handknit sweaters of Donegal and Aran are world famous made of heavy oiled wool, guaranteed to keep out the wind and weather they are the traditional costume of the Fisherman, equipped with Sweater, homespun Bawneen Trousers and Jackets, he braved the stormiest of seas in his Currach.

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