This cozy merino wool cardigan sweater is a virtual sampler of Irish Aran knitting patterns. Each pattern symbolizes an aspect of local fishing culture: Celtic rope for Irish pride; fisherman's cable for safety on the waters; basket stitch for a plentiful catch; and diamond, the shape of a fishing net, for success. The warm wool is renowned for its extremely soft hand, providing warmth and comfort without the itch of lower-quality fibers.
Having knitted many of these jumpers in my young adulthood in Scotland, I can attest this is beautifully knitted. It has been knitted on larger needles than I used to use, which makes it drape more.
Thankfully I looked at size chart and reduced my usual Medium to a Small. The sleeves are still long and ample as a small. I washed before wearing and it came out perfect, drying flat.
Colour is lovely. The buttons are tastefully chosen.
I look forward to many years of use.
Slainte
This is a lovely, thick, but not unfeminine sweater. So warm and soft, and the 2XL doesn't assume you have arms the length of an orangatan.
The red is beautiful--not lipstick red, a bit more muted.
This is probably the most beautiful sweater I have ever owned. The wool is so soft and it is very, very well constructed.
One note: I ordered the ice blue color and received a royal blue sweater. Luckily I much prefer the color I got!
I give this sweater a 100% guarantee!
I bought this sweater several years ago and continue to love wearing it often It is may go to sweater. It always looks good with little fuss and I receive many compliments on the style and quality. My daughter and sister both loved it , so it made wonderful presents for them. The style is complimentary to our small, medium and large shapes and different ages.
I got this lovely sweater for Christmas. I love pretty much everything about it. It is very, very slightly fitted—comfortable but not baggy or matronly. Was looking for an aran cardigan that was not too "OL", and this is it. Nice medium weight, great for layering. This is especially good as I am at that "hot flash" age and tend to get too hot in sweaters. Oatmeal color is GORGEOUS, a little bit of white woven in for interest. Only thing I would change is I would like a little less banding at the bottom...but that is a minor complaint. Overall a nice wearable style that will work with many pieces in my casual wardrobe.
These sweaters look like the kind of thing your grandmother would have spent a year knitting for you, for Christmas. I bought one in each color. The red was so gorgeous that I bought a second one. I am 5'4", weigh 122lbs, and the small size fits perfectly in every way. The colors are deep and beautiful. The oatmeal color is very natural looking. Someone mentioned shrinking and odor. It is hot water and agitation that causes wool to shrink, the detergent really makes little difference, and wet wool can sometimes smell a little like a wet dog, but this disappears when the garment dries. The detailed knitting pattern is stunning. This sweater is well worth owning.
Its a perfect sweater for me. It's soft warm and the various different stitching used is high craft work and makes it a conversation piece.
It's versatile and can be used for dress, casual or office.
If i had a wish for - it would be for real wood buttons, but don't let that stop you from owning this gem.
I did have to block the shoulders and sleeves to smooth the knitting. Once that was done, it fit perfectly and looks wonderful. One of my very favorite cardigans.
I bought this for my girlfriend in August so she didn't really wear it yet. But she likes the way it looks and feels, and she is extremely stylish. My only complaint is the $18.95 for shipping & handling. I wanted to help a good cause by buying it here (although it is less expensive else where) but to charge that much for shipping...come on now.
I love this sweater. It's very attractive, keeps me warm and fits perfectly. I was uneasy about size, but it was perfect. Usually I have trouble with the sleeves being too long. These were just right. The service was good, the sweater arrived as promised and all in all was a very pleasant experience!
I bought the wheat color sweater and loved it so much I bought a second in black.
I often buy my sweaters a little roomy. So my first buy was a medium. I am petite and the sleeves are a little long but not uncomfortable. My second purchase was a small. It is still roomy but the sleeves are a better length. I wear my sweaters for work and with jeans. The knitting patterns generate a lot of compliments. My first sweater is two years old and looks as fresh as my new purchase. I am 100 percent satisfied.
The oatmeal sweater is not a "natural" sweater even though the photo looks similar to the other "natural" sweaters in the catalog. The neck of the sweater looked like it would stretch with time. The sweater was returned.
I bought this sweater in red and have been very happy with it. I've warn it for very casual to slightly dressy for going to dinner.
My only complaint with National Geographic is their ridiculously high shipping charges and no pre-paid label for returns. I've put off buying things from the catalog just because of the shipping charges and the additional cost I might have to pay if I need to return it.
I love the style, the colour (oatmeal) and the patterns
It fits loosely around hips i.e. the boxy fit someone else mentioned. I think it is meant to be that way, though and quite like it.
I love the details in this sweater. There are so many different stitches that it looks extremely difficult to make. It is soft enough for being wool and warm. I bought the oatmeal color which goes with anything. It fits perfectly but always look at the size chart before buying. I sometimes buy an extra large but this is a large and it's just right.
I like this sweater a lot, got it in the oatmeal and it goes with a lot of things. It's not as warm as the traditional fisherman's knit sweaters, but by the same token is not the thick, scratchy wool. The medium is true to size I think. I haven't tried to wash it yet, probably should be dry cleaned instead, which I hate to do - but this one might be worth it!
Was waiting for it to go on sale since I am in Canada and the exchange, shipping, it is too much. Got it 50%, jumped on it and love it. will buy another color eventually. Got a XXL because I like it loose, it has long sleeves and the body is longer than on the photo. Actually, does not look boxy, more straight and long. Maybe the size. But love it just like that. And I got compliments the day I wore it at work. Love it !
I ordered the red color and it is a darker red rather than a bright red. The patterns are beautiful and the sweater comes with a description card identifying them. Was worried the sleeves might be too short as I am tall, have broad shoulders and long arms but they are a good length for me. The wool is very soft and not scratchy at all. I also like the shape - it skims the top of the hips and doesn't gap when buttoned.
Got this for Christmas and it is as beautiful as it looks in the picture. It is scratchy wool, but usually worn over a shirt anyway. I really like the style.
Very nice product, but sizing is odd. Needed a Large for my tiny wife! Still, it is beautiful in some ways - probably not very flattering however - a bit bulky.
The red is a nice shade and the quality is very good--the stitches are impressive. Have had many compliments. Only downside is the sweater is a bit boxy. I like my clothes a little more fitted. i'm 5'7" and 165 pds and the medium fits easily. In the NW where I live, this is a year-round sweater.
I truly love this sweater - I bought the beige and the red. My only complaint, which was a real surprise, was that when I put it on to wear for the second time, the bottom two buttons broke apart. Now I have to find buttons that I like as much as those that came with the sweater, which may not be easy.
I bought this sweater because I was looking for a heavier weight, non-scratchy sweater to wear walking, snowshoeing, etc. The wool used in this sweater looks a bit thin, unlike the photo, and does not look like it is worth the price. Also, I noticed almost immediately, that it was scratchy--not what I was looking for. I ordered a large (I'm 5'5", 145#). I think it might run a bit small. It fit great across the shoulders and chest, but the bottom was very wide, with a gap. It's a straight fit. Might look good on someone with a different figure. I had to send mine back.
I typically wear this as a jacket, or on top of an outfit when going to a meeting. When I ordered the sweater, I used the measuring chart on the web. I measured another similar sweater I have that fits and wound up ordering S. I had to return it and get XL. The new sweater fits great. The XL is the equivalent of a 10/12. The sweater keeps you warm outside and doesn't overheat you indoors. It was a great buy.
This sweater does indeed look just like the picture, only the color (red in my case) is actually richer. The varying stitches are wonderful and it looks handmade. Only downside: It's a bit bulky. And I'm a petite, so the sleeves are a bit long and the shoulders a bit wide, unfortunately. But not enough to return it--it's way too cozy and comfy! A very special sweater--it's a keeper.
I am a size 2-4 and was looking forward to wearing a comfy winter sweater but this was way too big. If it had fit I would have definitely kept it. My guess is that the small would be good on a size 6-8.
Nice for dressy-casual. Medium-neutral color (oatmeal) goes with just about anything. Knit patterns are beautiful. I normally wear a medium, which this is , and it fits perfectly. Looks classy. Not too bulky.
I am 5'8", 130 pounds, and ordered a Size Small. It was EXTREMEMLY wide and boxy in the body, and the sleeves only came half-way down my forearms! If you're about 5'4", the length should be about right. Bad experience for me, as I had to pay $15 for shipping, then another $19 to ship it back. Too bad, as it was very good quality and a beautiful, traditional Irish fisherman knit design.
It's adorable - not too bulky, fit is really nice - not matronly at all. I got the neutral and the color is great. Shipping charges were very high, but I do love this sweater!
Like many of the items sold here, the "small" really fits like a "medium". Looks good -- if it fits you. It was a gift that had to be returned and since it was already the smallest they sell, we'll never know how comfy and warm it could have been.
I like to layer in winter and this is perfect because it is cute-chunky but extremely light! Hardest thing is not wearing it every day. Going to order another, wish you would carry it in the light blue I have seen. the lighter shades show off the workmanship..this said from an Irish girl!
This sweater just looks expensive and is so, so warm! I've always wanted an Irish wool sweater but was not willing to pay the high price. When this went on sale I ordered it immediately and just wish I would have ordered the black and the red. They are beautiful!!
I am a small to medium, but the small was way too big on me. I was also expecting a denser, more rugged fabric, like traditional Aran sweaters, but I guess Americans like all their knits to feel the same?light and smooth. Not my size and not to my taste.
My Mom was a knitter so I have have seen many examples of fine work. This is a very high quality.
The various stitches used are beautiful and well done. And no loose dangly ends that have not been tied off inside. Even the inside of the sweater has had attention to detail. The buttons are also a nice quality. I don?t feel this sweater was rushed and mass produced when I look at and wear it.
The fiber is also high quality. I often itch with cheaper wools. I still wear a thin silk undershirt under this sweater, but the parts which do touch my skin do not itch at all. It is also very warm, which is why I chose it. I am tired of the flimsy sweaters in stores which do not keep me warm.
I love the oatmeal color, it goes with everything.
My one regret is that it did not come in an XS. Or, I wish it was just a bit more narrow. I am a small woman and I do like that I can layer with it, but wish it was a little more narrow. It is still one of my favorite sweaters for a cold winter day.
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