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2021: The Irish Aran - Fiadh (fee-ah)

The January Workshop KAL began in 2019 with the January Gansey, an exploration of the Dutch Gansey knitting tradition. In 2020 we knit Boathouse, in a nod to the Bohus Strickning tradition. In 2021 we will delve into the history and tradition of the Irish Aran, with my newest design: Fiadh (pronounced: fee-ah).

Fiadh: An Irish name meaning wild, untamed

This year we will explore the history of traditional Irish Aran knitting, combined with Marie’s modern tutorials and new techniques. This workshop-style knitalong includes the pattern and 8 weeks of lessons and tutorials to go along with your making journey.

When you pre-order Fiadh, you will receive the KAL packet with details for yarn, size, gauge, schedule and more! The pattern will arrive for you to begin knitting on January 4th, 2021. The workshop ends February 23rd, but you will have access to the pattern and workshop files indefinitely by accessing your downloads here on Olive Knits.

For just $49.95 (includes pattern with 3 gauge options and 8 weeks of video + printable lessons) you’ll learn: how to adjust your size for different gauges, how to knit cables without a needle, short-row shoulder saddles, adding pockets and so much more4

Join the Adventure!

Lesson Schedule

  • Monday, January 4th: Pattern arrives + Introduction to the KAL Lesson 1: Choosing a Size
  • Tuesday, January 5th Lesson 2: Cables Without a Cable Needle – the Marie Greene way!
  • Tuesday, January 12th Lesson 3: Origin of the Irish Aran
  • Tuesday, January 19th Lesson 4: Short Row Shoulder Saddles (step-by-step from start to finish!)
  • Tuesday, January 26th Lesson 5: History of Wool & Symbolism in Aran Knitting
  • Tuesday, February 2nd Lesson 6: The Irish Aran Cottage Industry
  • Tuesday, February 9th Lesson 7: The Evolution of Aran Knitting
  • Tuesday, February 16th Lesson 8: Pockets!
  • Tuesday, February 23rd  Live Show & Tell on Zoom + Blocking & Finishing Advice

Join the Adventure

Grow your knitting confidence, learn new techniques and knit a sweater you'll love (and wear) for a lifetime - all with the support of the Olive Knits community.
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About this year's pattern

Fiadh (fee-ah) is a richly textured Irish Aran cardigan with cables, double moss stitch and a shawl collar. It’s designed to be worn with a shawl pin or belt, but can be worn with buttons, if desired.

Fiadh: Inspired by the wild, untamed human spirit that lives in each of us.

Sizes 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64) in/ 80 (85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160) cm bust

Yarn Kelbourne Woolens Lucky Tweed or similar | 100% merino wool | 210 yards in 100 g | 1465 (1515, 1565, 1620, 1670, 1725, 1775, 1830, 1880, 1935, 1985, 2040, 2090, 2145, 2195, 2250, 2300) yards/ 1339 (1385, 1431, 1481, 1527, 1577, 1622, 1673, 1718, 1769, 1814, 1865, 1910, 1961, 2006, 2057, 2102)

Needles

  • US Size 5/3.75mm (32-60 in) circular – ribbing
  • US Size 6/4mm (32-60 in) circular – body
  • US Size 6/4mm (12 in circ, DPN or Magic Loop) – sleeves
  • US Size 5/3.75mm (12 in circ, DPN or Magic Loop) – sleeve cuffs
  • (Or needle sizes needed to achieve gauge. Adjust other needle sizes accordingly.)

Notions

  • Cable needle
  • Darning needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Waste yarn

Note: FINISHED MEASUREMENT is based on measurement from edge to edge, not closed. Estimate approximately 2.75 in/6.875 cm smaller circumference when buttoned or closed with a shawl pin.

  • Gauge Option One

    • 25 st in 4 in/10 cm in cable pattern, measured across full cable section
    • 23 st in 4 in/10 cm in double moss stitch

    Finished Measurements for Option One 36.5 (38.5, 40.5, 42, 44, 46, 47.5, 49.5, 51, 54, 56, 57.5, 59.5, 61.5, 63, 65, 67) in/ 91.25 (96.25, 101.25, 105, 110, 115, 118.75, 123.75, 127.5, 135, 140, 143.75, 148.75, 153.75, 157.5, 162.5, 167.5) cm

    Gauge Option Two

    • 23 st in 4 in/10 cm in cable pattern, measured across full cable section
    • 21.5 st in 4 in/10 cm in double moss stitch

    Finished Measurements for Option Two 39 (41.5, 43.5, 45, 47.5, 49.5, 51, 53, 54.5, 57.5, 60, 61.5, 63.5, 66, 67.5, 69.5, 72) in/ 97.5 (103.75, 108.75, 112.5, 118.75, 123.75, 127.5, 132.5, 136.25, 143.75, 150, 153.75, 158.75, 165, 168.75, 173.75, 180) cm

    Gauge Option Three

    • 21 st in 4 in/10 cm in cable pattern, measured across full cable section
    • 18 st in 4 in/10 cm in double moss stitch

    Finished Measurements for Option Three 42.5 (45, 48, 49.5, 52.5, 55, 57, 59.5, 61, 65, 67.5, 69, 72, 74.5, 76.5, 79, 81.5) in/ 106.25 (112.5, 120, 123.75, 131.25, 137.5, 142.5, 148.75, 152.5, 162.5, 168.75, 172.5, 180, 186.25, 191.25, 197.5, 203.75) cm

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