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Original poster

I have the knitting bug. Aran sweater patterns please?

39 replies

OhYouBadBadKitten · 18/02/2011 14:17

I seem to have developed a knitting addiction and after knitting my first cardi for myself I need a new project. Feeling a bit twitchy without a project on the go. I love aran jumpers. Does anyone know of any nice patterns and sources of wool please?

OP posts:
Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 18/02/2011 14:51

Just realised that it might be a bit fine for me. I'm probably more after a chunky cable sweater?

OP posts:
angelpantser · 18/02/2011 15:06

What about the patterns on www.sirdar.co.uk/designs/womens/cardigansWomens - my first ever link so it may all go horribly wrong!

I was gifted some aran patterns by my mum when she was having a huge clear out but they are seriously old fashioned and not in a nice retro-style way! I do like some of the sirdar women's patterns but haven't made something for myself for ages as my family seem to be having babies at the rate of knots.

There is also a Debbie Bliss aran book with lots of patterns for adults and kids - I love to knit with the wool for babies but fear I would need a second mortgage to pay for the amount I'd need for an adult size.

Alternatively try Ravelry.

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 18/02/2011 15:32

there are some nice patterns on there. Thank you :)

if I find a pattern that I like then can I choose any yarn if the tension given for the yarn matches the tension stated in the pattern?

OP posts:
Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 18/02/2011 15:32

well done on the link btw!

OP posts:
DutchOma · 18/02/2011 15:57

If you join Ravelry (Ravelry.com) you can search under patterns for Arran - cardigans - ladies etc and a whole heap will roll out. Then when you have finished it you can post a picture on your project page and we can all admire it.
You can check what sort of yarn is used in the pattern and then you can go out and buy yarn with that tension.
It should read something like x stitches and y rows to 4" or 10cm

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 18/02/2011 16:12

Fantastic - that makes perfect sense. Thank you DutchOma. That will really free me up to do it exactly how I want it.
I will join ravelry post haste.

OP posts:
DutchOma · 18/02/2011 17:38

Let us know how you get on and don't forget to join the Mumsknitters group, it has been as quiet as a cemeterey of late.

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 18/02/2011 17:47

will do - thank you :)

OP posts:
angelpantser · 18/02/2011 17:49

Ooh where can I find the Mumsknitters group? Will you let me in even if everything I knit is for babies and toddlers?

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 18/02/2011 17:55

tis on ravelry - sign up and then go to groups.

OP posts:
DutchOma · 18/02/2011 21:32

You are more than welcome to join the group.

angelpantser · 18/02/2011 22:30

Now a question from a numpty.....

My Ravelry ID is my RL name. I'm not particularly shy or controversial on MN but would it matter that people may make a connection to a new Mumsknitter and me?

And does it matter?

DutchOma · 19/02/2011 08:56

Not if it doesn't matter to you Angelpantser.
Real first names are on Ravelry in any case and names and addresses can be exchanged through personal messages.

DutchOma · 19/02/2011 09:02

Just had a look. Did you join two months ago with the initials KH? I have sent a message to Florence, who is the moderator to see if we can revive the thread a bit.

angelpantser · 19/02/2011 16:09

I joined Ravelry in early January but I'm not KH.

I will definitely join the group though. Thank you for being so welcoming.

greenlotus · 19/02/2011 21:21

Debbie Bliss and Martin Storey (Rowan Classic) are both good contemporary Aran-style designers IMO.

Yarn should be OK to substitute e.g. Aran for Aran, DK for DK, but I would not go for a really cheap yarn for a sweater that would take a lot of hours, you can usually find a compromise between Big Ball Bargain Acrylic and the cashmere-tastic £150-a-sweater ones.

A good source of free patterns in UK yarns is the Prima/Country Living website

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 19/02/2011 22:41

thank you greenlotus, I'll have a look at your suggestions.

OP posts:
purpleknittingmum · 19/02/2011 22:44

Oh is there a mumsknitters group? Need to find that!

DutchOma · 20/02/2011 11:17

Yes please, do. The last person to join was Kellestar, who is holding a rather darling baby in her arms.

purpleknittingmum · 20/02/2011 11:24

I can't seem to find the groups, can you point me in the right direction?

jenniec79 · 20/02/2011 11:26

Definately get onto Ravelry.com Loads of knitting and crochet patterns whatever you want to make, and pics of versions made by everyone else so can see whether it'll suit your body shape before you start!

DutchOma · 20/02/2011 11:30

Go to "groups" at the top and search for Mumsknitters

purpleknittingmum · 20/02/2011 11:35

I tried to look for groups last night but cannot find anything saying groups at the top! I am thick at times so bear with me!

DutchOma · 20/02/2011 11:41

Above the picture of the dog with an apple (or orange) in its mouth there is a bar with a ball of wool and RAVELRY. Groups is sixth from the left or two from the right. Have another go.

purpleknittingmum · 20/02/2011 11:45

I have no picture of a dog! >sobs< !!

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