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I always think that Aran knitting seems to grow fast because it is so interesting to do. These are not your "knit while watching TV" projects, unless you are really comfortable with Aran knitting. As far as difficulty is concerned, you need the usual skills plus the ability to do cabling which is not that hard, but you do have to keep note of where you are in the pattern. I have therefore not rated these patterns for difficulty.
Aran yarn is widely available in a lovely range of colours and all would be suitable substitutions for all the following Aran patterns.
Hayfield 1877 Cabled, textured DK sweater and pleated skirt
Included here because of the knitting skills required, this unusual sweater is actually knitted in double knitting (worsted weight). As well as cables and bobbles, there are bell-like shapes that remind me of foxgloves. The sizes go from 30 to 40 inch (76 to 102cm) bust and hip sizes of 34 to 40 inch (86 to 102cm). A nice change from the heavier Aran weight sweaters this leaflet is in excellent condition. £2.00 and free p+p.
Hayfield 4432 Child's round neck sweater or V-neck cardigan
This is a beautiful design and interesting to knit, too. The sizes range from 24 to 34 inch (61 - 86cm) but the patterns have loads of ease and the actual measurements go from 29.5 - 40inch (75 - 102cms) so if you prefer them closer fitting as I do, the largest pattern actually fits 38inch (97cms) chest. It is an old leaflet with light creasing a few small light marks which do not affect it at all. £2.00 and Free p+p.
Hayfield 00636 Crossover front sweater or cardigan
Two fantastic aran patterns sized from 24inch to 30inch chest. The sweater has an inset roll collar and the cardigan has a crossover front. Both really warm and cosy with the timeless appeal of traditional aran patterning. Although there is cabling all over, it is pretty straightforward and I think it would be a good introduction to cable knitting. The classic cream looks great in the picture but I always knitted my lads' sweaters in darker colours as they were a pair of mucky pups! There is something about the grown-up look of aran that children like, even if they do not normally want homemade sweaters. This leaflet is in excellent condition. £2 and FREE p+p.
Bronte 940 Aran sweater in 8 sizes
The all-over honeycomb pattern makes this a very warm sweater. It also has an unusual horizontal band of pattern across the chest and cables over one shoulder. The sizes go from 24 to 44 inches (60 to 110cms). A very good condition leaflet. £2.00.
King Cole 7050 Man's round or V-neck Aran sweater
This pattern has sizes 36 to 48 inch (90 - 120cms) chest and the choice of necklines. The very simple cables give a classic look that make this sweater ideal for men who like unfussy sweaters. The leaflet is in excellent condition and priced at the usual £2.00 and free p+p.
Sirdar 2420 Aran style lumber jacket in double knitting yarn
Although this is knitted in double knitting wool rather than Aran wool, I have included it here because the pattern is clearly based on traditional Aran patterns. I like the four bobbles inside the open cable which is known as "Isles of Donegal", one of my favourite cables. The leaflet is in good condition at £2.00.
Peter Pan P734 Child's lumber jacket with round neck, collar or hood
A really useful jacket for boys or girls with choice of neck styles or the popular hooded version. The sizes go from 20ins to 26ins (51cm to 66cm). The only fault with the leaflet is that someone has circled all the instructions relating to the 24 inch chest size. Because of this, it is only £1.50 and has free p+p.
Bellmans 1204 Aran cardigan, waistcoat, hat and skirt
This V-neck cardigan has instructions for a sleeveless waistcoat version and has a matching skirt and hat. I like the "double diamond" cable on the front. Waistcoats (vests, if you're American) are big news at the moment and seem to be popping up everywhere. Sized for 32ins to 42 ins (86cms to 107cms) chest and 36ins to 44ins (92cms to 112cms) hip for the skirt. The leaftlet is clean and slightly creased. £2.00 with free p+p.