Aran Design

Aran knitwear is instantly recognisable, respectfully fashionable and generously comfortable. With a long-treasured heritage steeped in Irish history, it is no surprise that most knitters express a wish to produce an Aran knit at some time in their creative life. This book delves into the history and heritage of this popular style, offering traditional designs and patterns, whilst providing inspiration for contemporary and innovative adaptations. Written for the dedicated knitter, Aran Design: The Creative Knitter's Handbook offers a unique insight into the trends and techniques associationed with the style. This beautifully illustrated book includes: the history of Aran knitting; recommended materials and equipment; a dictionary of stitches; how to plan an initial design; working out the numbers for a project and finishing tips and techniques. It is invaluable reading for all who wish to learn more about Aran knitting. Beautifully illustrated with 164 colour and black & white photographs and 59 line artworks.

Revised, expanded edition of expert guide encompasses a history of Aran knitting; complete workshop in technique and design; 60 charted patterns for the original 14 designs, many reknit in contemporary yarns; including a new design. Color photographs.

'Basics Fashion Design' provides the reader with the fundamental skills, knowledge and inspiration to design and create their own innovative knitted textiles.

Irish Aran knitting is a living tradition with a worldwide reach. Arans communicate warmth, comfort and a sense of home, which people the world over continue to respond to, even though the connection to our rocky outcroppings in the Atlantic Ocean may be long forgotten. Aran grew up in the harsh environment of the Aran Islands where everyday wear consisted of home-spun fabrics and knits. Today Aran survives as part of a rich craft heritage and as high and slow fashion on the catwalks of the world. Vawn Corrigan explores the history, mythology and growth of this iconic design in this beautiful and informative hardback book.

Gorgeous cable knits with a contempoary twist Cables and other traditional Aran patterns are perennially popular with knitters, as not only do they look great but they are interesting patterns to knit. Well-known Rowan Yarn designer Martin Storey adds a modern twist to these classic patterns in this beautifully photographed collection of desirable wearables and accessories. The designs have a pared-down contemporary simplicity and soft color palette that is sure to appeal to knitters of all ages and different levels of experience. Featuring a versatile range of garments and accessories, including shrugs, sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts and more--all made in natural yarns from Rowan that are cozy and inviting. The twenty-five patterns range from relatively simple to challenging--something for every knitter to enjoy!

Design Roots provides a comprehensive review of culturally significant designs, products and practices which are rooted to particular communities through making tradition and a sense of place. Many rich traditional practices associated with community, tacit knowledge and culture are being rapidly lost due to globalisation and urbanisation. Yet they have much to offer for the future in terms of sustainability, identity, wellbeing and new opportunities in design. This book considers the creative roots, the place-based ecologies, and deep understandings of cultural significance, not only in terms of history and tradition but also in terms of locale, social interactions, innovation, and change for the sustainment of culturally significant material productions. Importantly, these are not locked in time by sentimentality and nostalgia but are evolving, innovative, and adaptive to new technologies and changing circumstances. Contributing authors explore the historical roots of culturally significant designs, products and practices, emerging directions, amateur endeavours, enterprise models, business opportunities and the changing role and contribution of design in the creation of material cultures of significance, meaning and value. An international perspective is provided through case studies and research from North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australasia, with examples including Aran jumper production in Northern Ireland, weaving in Thailand, Iranian housing design, Brazilian street design and digital crafting in the United Kingdom.

Master designer Newton takes the mystery out of design and shares trade secrets accumulated over 18 years.