Aran Knitting Projects - Too Much Choice!
I love an Aran jumper. They are a lot of work, but the effort is always worthwhile. Over the years I've knitted Aran jumpers for my dad and cardigans for my gran. I've got my eye on a couple of patterns and half a dozen yarns to knit for myself. I can't make up my mind!
The best Aran patterns tend to be Sirdar, in my opinion. I also really like bold, solid colours and so find the Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool has the best selection. However, King Cole have recently added some vintage, solid shades to their Fashion Aran range and they are very tempting.
I have two favourite sweater patterns at the moment:
Sirdar knitting pattern 9465. Comes in adult sizes with one design that can be created in a range of colours. The two contrasting colours in the pattern show how the pattern can look different depending on whether you go for neutral or bold, colourful tones. Buy
Sirdar knitting pattern 9219. The same cable panel is knitted on all three sweaters but the different collars and lengths make them all look different. These are all knitted in traditional Aran colours, but I think they would look just as good in bold, modern colours. Buy
And the yarns I want to try are:
Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool, purple. Buy
King Cole Fashion Aran with Wool, antique gold. Buy
There's not much to choose between the Mustard and the Antique Gold except that the mustard is brighter and less muted than the gold.
The beauty of Aran patterns, particularly sweaters is that, despite the image on the pattern cover, they are usually unisex designs. Often they use different collar designs to create points of difference on the same basic design, but this just opens up more choice. It also lets you knit his and hers, or the same basic design for the whole family.
Aran yarn can be very versatile and an Aran sweater doesn't have to be a cablefest, labour of love. There are some beautiful, simple patterns that use Aran wool for more bulk and warmth, but they don't have all the intricate cabling of a traditional sweater. I've got James C Brett pattern 222 and his Aztec Aran yarn with Alpaca in red looked out and ready to put on the needles.
And, a final point on Aran knitting patterns is that they are often ageless. Sometimes the raglan seam can date a pattern, and there are lots of contemporary designs around. But, it can be fun breathing new life into an old favourite, or raiding your granny's pattern box for inspiration.