I thought it might be helpful to share with you some of the lovely things I’ve made with aran yarns, just for inspiration and research purposes, you understand. ;)
Firstly, I get asked a lot what the difference is between worsted and aran yarn. In spinning terms, worsted refers to how the fibres are spun into yarn. However, in the US, ‘worsted’ is a thickness of yarn, and it’s thinner than aran; it can often be substituted with aran yarn if the gauge is suitable, but some patterns for worsted are better substituted with DK, so just check the gauge and what the fabric is like before you reach for aran. For a great explanation about all this, check out THIS blog post by Hilltop Cloud.
That leads me on to say that there are plenty (93,224 at the time of writing) of patterns for aran yarn on Ravelry - that includes both knitting and crochet. THIS Ravelry pattern search is a great place to start. You can also have a nosey at what people have made specifically with Pendle Aran on Ravelry HERE.
I’ve made some lovely items in aran; here are a few (in chronological order working backwards)…
- Castlelaw by Clare Devine: I made this hat using our Bowland Aran, it only took one skein and I made it into a ponytail hat by simply stopping before the end of the crown decreases; I then worked three rounds of 1x1 rib, then cast off.
- Lambing Mitts by Veronika Jobe: I made these to test the Bowland Aran before we got it, and I have worn them loads already. They’re really comfy, soft, and snuggly.
- Angelus Novus by Renée Callahan: It took just over a week to make this gorgeous cardi in Pendle Aran, and I really enjoyed both making it and wearing it. It’s warm and cosy whilst not being too bulky.
- Cardamom Rose by Thea Colman: I made this one-skein version of this pattern to test the yarn that it’s in (a baby alpaca/silk blend which I didn’t take on as a regular in the end). I wear it a lot - it’s cosy and the pattern was very satisfying to make. It’s written for three 100g skeins of aran, but you can really make it any size you like.
- Alveare by Woolly Wormhead: This smooshy slouchy hat is such a joy to wear; it’s really cosy. I made mine in Pendle Aran.
- September Morn by Thea Colman: Oh how I love this sweater! I made it in September 2014 so it’s had a few winters now and I can honestly say I love it just as much now as I did when I finished it, and although it’s had quite a lot of abuse it still looks like new - there are almost no bobbles and the stitch definition is just as good as new - it hasn’t rubbed up or anything, it’s quite amazing really.
What would you like to make in aran this year? I definitely want to make more things in it! I reckon some cables are in order, wouldn’t you say?!?