Irish Aran Knitting is traditionally quite heavy, usually 2.5 or 3 gauge or 2 to 3 needle per inch. 12 gauge knitting or 12 needles per inch is rare in this part of the world. 7 years ago, we decided to experiment with 12 gauge because we saw it as an important addition to facilitate layering in our collections. We were also experiencing demand for lighter weight knitwear to suit modern living conditions. read more

It began with a single photograph, taken in 1918. We have it on the wall in our studio. A father and his daughter, with five young children alongside them. Everything they are wearing was locally hand-made. All the children are in petticoats, as was Island custom, because the tailor didn’t have time to sew trousers for boys until they reached seven or eight. He always made them his standard jacket though; even young lads got one. That tradition was part of Island life, and, in 1992, became the original inspiration for our iconic Shirt Jacket. read more