Raglan Sleeve Cable Knit Cardigan

This lovely Ladies Button Knitted Short Cardigan will bring sophistication to any look and is destined to become a cold-weather staple in your closet. The beautiful knit patterns of the sweater are highlighted by the thick-gauge wool used to construct it, ensuring both refinement and comfort. Finished with wooden football buttons and a classic crew-neck cardigan style, this sweater is as versatile as it is stunning.

The cable, honeycomb, and diamond patterns are Irish knitwear design classics, and they add a wonderful depth and texture to the sweater. Each pattern holds a special significance to the people of the Aran Islands, who for generations made their living on the sea, whether by fishing or harvesting seaweed. The cable pattern is representative of the ropes of the fishermen and symbolizes the promise of a good catch. The honeycomb pattern is reflective of the hard work of the honeybee and the sweet rewards of labor, whereas the diamond stitch represents a prayer for wealth.

Aran sweaters were first worn by the residents of the remote Aran Islands in the west of Ireland in Galway Bay. Long isolated, the islands have little sustenance except what is provided by the sea. They are rugged, stony islands that breed hearty people in need of warmth when the cold Atlantic winds blow in from the west. This distinct style of knitting developed as a way to provide insulation better than a flat sweater, as the air would get trapped in the raised patterns and heat up with the body’s warmth. Since then, the patterns have become emblematic of the rugged beauty of the islands and the Irish more generally.