Aran knitwear is synonymous with Ireland and today we're celebrating the Irish tradition of cable pattern knitting with a beautiful woolen hat for her.
The skilled craft of knitting by hand has deep roots in Ireland, especially in the rural countryside along the western seaboard. Hand knit sweaters, cardigans, shawls, hats, caps, and stockings were commonly worn by Irish people in centuries past.
The cable knit sweaters that originated in the Aran Islands, off the coast of County Galway are famous the world over.
In years gone by they were made using a thick oiled wool, and designed with closely knit knotted and cable patterns. Their purpose was to help keep fishermen warm and dry. Each family from the islands could be identified by the pattern and design on their Aran sweater.
This gift is once again brought to you by Aidan from Gifts of Ireland. He works closely with Erin Knitwear to bring you beautiful hand knit fashions for men and women..
And so, let's take a look at this lovely hat.
(A quick tip from Mom - Take a look at the video at the top or side of this post to see the prize in more detail plus you'll hear a lovely Irish Christmas blessing at the end.)
Day 7 Prize: Sterling Silver Celtic Cross Pendant
The intricate designs of this Aran Cable knit create a stylish, cozy and warm peaked cap. It is lined with a polyester fleece for extra protection from the cold.
These hats are made so that one size fits all (this applies for a fit between 55 cm and 61 cm head circumference.)
These hats are made with 100% wool, and are perfect for cold winter days and evenings.
Erin Knitwear is based in Ballincollig in County Cork, and they have been hand crafting Aran knitwear since 1965.
Their products are all hand knit, and they produce a wide variety of hats, caps, gloves, handwarners, scarves and purses or bags.
They use vibrant and muted colors in their many designs.
Check Out Our Video Prize Reveal
At the top of this post I've shared another short video featuring this lovely hat. Aidan and I have a conversation all about knitting.
You'll get a much better appreciation for the intricate cablework featured on this hat by watching the video..
Plus I share another Irish Christmas blessing at the end of the video. We have a new blessing for each day.
If you would like to print this blessing simply click this image and it will take you to a post where you'll find a free printable in different sizes.
How To Purchase From Gifts of Ireland
Aidan stocks a wide selection of gifts from Erin Knitwear.
You can purchase this beautiful pendant through this link...
Take a look! There are some great sale prices in Aidan's shop right now.
And don't forget to purchase early if your gifts need to be mailed from Ireland.
How To Enter Our Giveaway
One reader will win an Erin Knitwear Aran Cableknit Peaked Women's.
To enter simply leave a comment on this blog post by noon Eastern Time on Tuesday December 7th, 2021.
You can write any comment. If you need inspiration why not let us know if you own any piece of Irish jewelry.
If you live in Canada or Ireland, then please answer the following question in your comment by typing A, B or C for the correct answer ...
Aran Knitwear originated on the Aran Islands off the coast of which Irish county?
A. County Wicklow
B. County Carlow
C. County Galway
A winning comment will be chosen randomly using the Pick Giveaway Winner Wordpress plug-in.
Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won't be published, just used to contact our winner for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced on Tuesday December 7th, 2021, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom's complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes' entries here.
A bit thank you to all who support this giveaway and share it with family and friends. Why not spread a little Irish Christmas cheer with those you love this year?
Any many thanks to the good folks at Gifts of Ireland for so generously sponsoring this prize, and all the prizes in our 12 Days of Christmas Irish Gift Giveaways.
Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for Day 8 of our Irish giveaways. And don't forget to enter our Day 6 giveaway for a lovely Sterling Silver Celtic Cross pendant.
I'll add the links to all our giveaways as we progress through our 12 days.
- May The Road Rise To Meet You Irish Blessing Plate Day Twelve Gift
- Irish Tweed Cap Day Eleven Prize
- Health, Love and Happiness Ogham Wishes Day Ten Gift
- Love, Loyalty and Friendship Irish Wall Art Day 9 Gift
- Celtic Pocket Watch By Mullingar Pewter Day 8 Gift
- Erin Knitwear Hat For Her Day Seven Gift
- Celtic Cross Silver Pendant Day Six Gift
- Donegal Tweed Scarf Day Five Christmas Gift
- Ireland Photo Frame Day Four Christmas Giveaway Prize
- Quiet Man Cottage - Day Three Prize For Christmas
- Day Two Of Our Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaways
- Day One Of Our Twelve Days Of Christmas Giveaways
Update - Winner Chosen
Our winner has been randomly chosen using the Pick Giveaway Winner Plug-in for WordPress.
And the lucky reader is ….
Mary Power
I'll send an email to arrange mailing of her prize. A big thank you to everyone for supporting this giveaway by leaving comments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every comment.
Thank you all for supporting our Irish American community.
Stay tuned for more stories and giveaways over the coming weeks and months.
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Disclosure: Irish American Mom LLC has an affiliate relationship with Gifts of Ireland which means I earn a small commission should you purchase an item through the links on my blog. The price you pay is not affected. Thank you for supporting this Irish business.
Mary Shelley
I love This beautiful Aran hat . I know it is warm and comfortable I remember as a young girl in Ireland watching my mother knit the Aran sweaters for a local shop. She did beautiful work and tried to teach me how to knit them .I did not catch on and she told me to stop knitting as I looked as if my blood pressure was through the roof. I wish I had not given up as they are truly beautiful .
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - I can nearly hear the click of your mom's knitting needles. It's such a relaxing sound to my ears. Sorry to hear you didn't succeed in your endeavors to learn how to knit Arans. I used to knit them when I was younger. Someday I'll take out my needles and start knitting again.
All the best,
Mairéad
Daniel Patrick Ryan
The hat is Beautiful and is really complimented by the absolutely gorgeous young Colleen
Susan Rasmussen
Love the hat, would be perfect for my daughter!
Irish American Mom
Hi Susan - I love the peak on this hat. Thank you for stopping by to support our giveaways.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kelly D
This hat is so pretty and looks like it would keep me warm.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kelly - Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Julie Mongeon
Beautiful knit hat!
Irish American Mom
Hi Julie - Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Patricia Delaney
Tha hat is perfect for New York State winters.
Irish American Mom
Hi Patricia - A cozy, warm hat is perfect for winter in New York. I experience winter in Elmira and know how cold it gets.
Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
PATRICIA MORAN
I've bought one of their pieces when visiting Ireland. They are excellent quality and very well made.
Irish American Mom
Hi Patricia - Thanks for sharing your endorsement for Erin Knitwear. It's always lovely to hear feedback from satisfied customers. Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Donna Bardocz
That is the cutest hat! I don't normally like hats, but this one I would love to wear. Such good craftmanship too!
Irish American Mom
Hi Donna - I love the shape and peak on this knitted hat - so stylish. Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Johannah
Hat is just what I need to keep warm this winter. Thanks
Irish American Mom
Hi Johannah - So glad you like this prize. Thanks for reading my ramblings, and supporting our raffles.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marilyn
Mairead I love Irish knitwear.
Marilyn
Irish American Mom
Hi Marilyn - Sounds like this hat would be perfect for you. Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Joan
This is a lovely hat to wear anytime.
Joan
Irish American Mom
Hi Joan - It is a very stylish hat and beautifully made.
Thanks for being such a loyal reader.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marion
Thank You for a chance to win this Irish knit wear hat.
Marion
Irish American Mom
Hi Marion - Thanks for reading my ramblings, and supporting our raffles.
All the best,
Mairéad
JAYNE GAUTREAU
This would be amazing to win. My mum use to knit us Aran jumpers and cardigans.
Cheryl Williams
The hat is amazing. Looks warm and cozy.
Irish American Mom
Hi Cheryl - Thank you for taking the time to support our giveaways. May the luck of the Irish be with you.
All the best,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi Jayne - Lovely to hear your mum loved to knit aran jumpers and cardigans. Love how you said jumper rather than sweater - it's the Irish way. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Power
Just what I need to keep my head warm in New Jersey during the winter. I live near the beach and had no suitable hat to wear. I hope I do now!
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Perfect for windy days by the beach. Thank you for taking the time to enter for our giveaways.
All the best,
Mairéad
Stephanie Ryall Pineda
the woolen hat is lovely! nice for the cold winters here in NYC, the Aran Islands are near Galway.
Irish American Mom
Hi Stephanie - So glad you like this prize. I remember the cold winter wind blowing down the wind tunnels created by the buildings along the avenues in NYC. Brrr!
All the best,
Mairéad
Sean
When I first came across your website, we were living in Versailles, KY (I think you are also in KY?) but last year we moved to the mountains of northern Arizona. We've got snow coming next week and I am sure my wife would love to stay warm with a warm wooly hat like this!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sean - I know Versailles, Kentucky. My American home is just on the outskirts of Louisville. I hope you're enjoying life in your new home in Arizona. A little change from Kentucky. Hope it won't get too cold next week.
All the best,
Mairéad
Fiona
The correct answer is C. County Galway.
What a beautiful Aran hat! Knitting is a great hobby and passion to so many people and provides warmth and coziness to so many people.
Another beautiful giveaway from Mairéad with thanks!
Irish American Mom
Hi Fiona - So glad you like this prize and appreciate all these Christmas giveaways.
Blessings to you too,
Mairéad
Lorraine Bunker
Co. Galway
🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Lorraine - Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Jessica Proctor
What a gorgeous knit hat! It would be perfect to wear here in Colorado. 😃
Irish American Mom
Hi Jessica - So glad you like this knitted Irish hat. Good luck in our drawing.
All the best,
Mairéad
Margaret Maines
Answer is - Country Galway.....
Lovely hat and whether I win or not, I will decide to get one - just love it! It makes me even more happy when it comes from Cork - thinking of my Gramma! Blessings to all.....
Margaret Maines
sorry, meant to type County, not Country!! 🙁
Irish American Mom
Thanks Margaret. Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi Margaret - So glad you like this prize. It's a perfect piece of Irish style for someone with roots in County Cork.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen Koebel
Answer: County Galway. I never ever wear hats so I would give this to my daughter who wears them all the time. It's beautiful!
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - Lovely to know you have someone in mind for this gift. It's a really stylish hat.
All the best,
Mairéad
kellie rogers
I would love to have this hat as a symbol of my County Cork heritage. Covid caused us to have to cancel our trip to Ireland in May 2020 ( I’ve never been there 😥) and winning this Aran hat would be so special!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kellie - I hope you make it to Ireland someday soon. In the meantime you could wear your hat from County Cork with Irish pride. Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Sharon Stultz (Connely)
I’ve been loving your recipes and heritage lessons. It’s been such a lovely way to feel connected to where our family comes from.
The hat is beautiful ♥️
Sharon
Irish American Mom
Hi Sharon - Thank you for stopping by to celebrate your Irish heritage here in this little corner of the internet.
All the best,
Mairéad
Anita Carol Gambrell
I love this hat. It is very stylish!
Irish American Mom
Hi Anita - I think this hat is amazing too. So glad you like it, and thanks for stopping by to check out this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Deborah
Love, love,LOVE this hat! Nothing more to say.
Irish American Mom
So glad you love,love,LOVE this Irish hat. Good luck in our drawing.
All the best,
Mairéad
Betty Magennis
The answer is C - County Galway.
Such a lovely hat. Irish knits are the best!
Irish American Mom
Hi Betty - Irish knitwear is amazing and thanks for stopping by to check out this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Karen B O'Brien
What a cute hat! I’m pretty sure the stitch matches the sweater I bought on our last trip. The color is exactly the same. Thank you
Irish American Mom
Hi Karen - Sounds like this would be a perfect prize for you and a match for your Irish sweater. So glad you like this prize. Good luck in our drawing.
All the best,
Mairéad
Donna
Mairéad, what a beautiful hand-crafted hat you have selected and I would love it. I did not know that each family from the Aran Islands had a different pattern of cable sweaters that they knitted. I would that you tell this wonderful community context about life in Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Donna - I'm so glad you enjoy my ramblings and little Irish history lessons, which I truly love to share. It's lovely to know they help you to feel connected to Ireland and your people.
All the best,
Mairéad
B
Hi Mairéad,
This is a gorgeous Aran knit hat - I would love to wear it!
Fashionably warm in our cold Canadian winters, and much lovelier that wearing a toque (or a beanie)!
When I was wee my granny knit me gorgeous Aran sweaters and cardigans.
I felt her love in her handiwork. I dressed my own children in them until they outgrew them in size. We have put them away until they can be worn by our next generation. 🥰 They are a treasure and never go out of style.
C. County Galway
Eileen
What a beautiful hat! I just love Irish knitwear. I have two Irish sweaters and they are so warm and comfortable. It is my hope that I get good enough with my knitting to be able to knit from my heritage!
Irish American Mom
Hi Eileen - Practice makes perfect. Lots of knitting and you'll be able to create your very own stylish Aran knitwear. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi there B - How wonderful to have your handknit family treasures handed down from your own granny. How wonderful that she continued the Irish tradition of knitting in America. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Lynn
This is a beautiful hat. I like the color because it would go with anything and be stylish as well as warm.
Denise Clemente
Such beautiful prizes. I've loved them all. Thank you for the chance.
Irish American Mom
Hi Denise - Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen O’Connor
I can just see that beautiful Aran hat on my Dublin head👍🏻👍🏻
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - You could wear it with Irish pride. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi Lynn - This hat is very stylish. So glad you like it.
All the best,
Mairéad
Peter O'Connell
I really like your blog and emails, learning a good deal along the way. I’ve also learned a very helpful hint on cutting a turnip (we call them turnips not rutabaga, as my Ma always referred to them that way! Microwave the turnip first to aid in cutting! Ingenious! Thanks. ☘️
Irish American Mom
Hi Peter - Rutabagas are turnips in my Irish house too. Microwaving the turnip before peeling is a great kitchen hack. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
judie jamison
I love this hat! I visited Ireland on a very limited 4 day, very frugal trip in 2018. I had a one day bus trip out of Dublin to the Wicklow Mtns. area, but I couldn't really spend much on gifts even for myself. The beautiful knitted capes, shawls, hats were so admired but I just couldn't buy any.
Patrick Hughes
The conundrum for me will be Which of my 4 daughters or my beautiful wife to give this lovely hat to
Irish American Mom
Hi Judie - Lovely that you got to visit Ireland and that you could browse and see the lovely gifts that are available in Ireland. Next time hopefully you will be able to spoil yourself with a little gift especially for you. In the meantime, do keep entering our giveaways, because you never know when the luck of the Irish will be with you. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
judie jamison
I missed out on the last few days of giveaways as I didn't get the email reminders & I of course forgot without them!
Carmel
I’m loving this hat. It’s absolutely beautiful!! And definitely something I could see myself wearing up here in Alaska.
Irish American Mom
I'll send an email tonight with the last few giveaways listed. I try not to over fill everyone's inbox.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen O’Connor
Love, love this Aran hat👍🏻👍🏻
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - Thanks for reading my ramblings, and supporting our raffles.
All the best,
Mairéad
Linda
What a warm and cozy looking hat. The pattern is so intricate and lovely!
Irish American Mom
Hi Linda - So glad you like this prize. Good luck in our drawing.
All the best,
Mairéad
Bernadette
The answer is C, the gorgeous county Galway where I lived for a year and spent many summers visiting my grandmother and cousins, my favorite place! And I would LOVE to win this absolutely gorgeous hat!! Thank you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Bernadette - How lovely that you got to live in County Galway for a year. Such a lovely corner of the world. So glad you like this prize.
All the best,
Mairéad
Linda
What a beautiful hat with beautiful knit patterns. I love the idea of wearing the warmth of Ireland on our cold winter days! Love it
Irish American Mom
Hi Linda - Thank you for taking the time to support our giveaways.
All the best,
Mairéad
Beth
I love the Aran knit hat. I own one Aran sweater and it is my favorite
Thank you for the Christmas giveaways. Happy Christmas.
Irish American Mom
Hi Beth - Thanks for reading my ramblings, and supporting our raffles.
All the best,
Mairéad
Bernadette
Stylish and warm for winter days ahead. It's lovely.
Love the Irish blessings, thought of printing them out and putting them in my Christmas cards.
Irish American Mom
Hi Bernadette - It would be lovely to share the Irish Christmas blessings in your Christmas cards. I created them for that very purpose so that they can be shared with those who love Ireland. Thanks for reading my ramblings, and supporting our raffles.
All the best,
Mairéad
Elizabeth Lois Linsley
The Aran hat is a classic in style and color. That style profile's the wearer and the fit and warmth would be comfortable.
Irish American Mom
Hi Elizabeth - So glad you like this prize. Good luck in our drawing.
All the best,
Mairéad
Pat OConnor
Cute hat for a bonny colleen!
Irish American Mom
Hi Pat - A lovely hat for any colleen, for sure. Thank you for taking the time to support our giveaways.
All the best,
Mairéad
Renee
Good Evening! I hope that you had a productive day. I wouldbe honored to win anything from any of your collections. And as soon as my disability settlement comes through I can promise that there will be a few orders being sent.
Irish American Mom
Hi Renee - I hope you are getting stronger and that everything will be settled for you soon. Thanks for reading my ramblings, and supporting our raffles.
All the best,
Mairéad
Athena
Beautiful. Would be perfect for my trip to Ireland ❤️
Irish American Mom
Hi Athena - A perfect hat for any trip to Ireland. Thanks for reading my ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Suzanne
What a darling Aran hat! I’m a knitter and I really appreciate the detail on this hat.
Irish American Mom
Hi Suzanne - Lovely to learn you too are a knitter and appreciate the details in this hat pattern. So glad you like this prize. Good luck in our drawing.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sharon Free
Tá sé go hálainn!
Irish American Mom
Dia dhuit a Sharon - Go raibh míle maith agat. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat.
Slán agus beannacht,
Mairéad
Maureen
My friend Liam brought home a beautiful sweater from a trip to the Aran Islands and County Galway and now he's warm at last.
Wouldn't it be a treat to meet him wearing this lovely warm knitted cap
when I'd have warm ears at last!
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - This hat would keep you nice and cozy. Lovely to hear Liam has discovered the warmth of Irish knitwear.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Ann
Beautiful! Would be cozy and warm on my winter walks in Oregon.
Luck of the Irish to me!
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary Ann - So glad you like this prize.
All the best,
Mairéad
patricia a waellner
I love the hat and I am sure it is quite warm.
Irish American Mom
Hi Patricia - Good luck in our drawing.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Fitzgerald
Oh the looks of that hat brings back memories from my younger days. I had a hat similar to that - my Irish mother-in-law made it for me. When we were first married we had really cold winters, lived in a poorly insulated rental, and I would sleep in that hat! My husband would always laugh in the morning when he would see me sleeping away - all warm and cosy with that hat on! Great hat - wonderful mother-in-law!
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Thanks for sharing your heart warming and head warming story. You can't beat a well knit hat to stay warm. I love how you sum it all up - "Great hat - wonderful mother-in-law!" Thank you for taking the time to support our giveaways. May the luck of the Irish be with you.
All the best,
Mairéad
Judy-Anne Blacke
What a beautiful hat! There are more styles than I knew about 😊
I have a navy flared Aran Coat I love , and a oatmeal short Sweater or jacket. Although my Irish Grandparents did not have any when they lived in Canada I’ve always loved the textures and patterns of the Irish Sweaters.
I live in BC Canada Answer is C 😉
Irish American Mom
Hi Judy-Anne - Lovely to hear you have some nice aran knitwear to keep you warm during the Canadian winters. Thank you for stopping by to support our giveaways. I really appreciate all the readers of Irish American Mom, who love Ireland like I do.
All the best,
Mairéad
Carla
I’ve always wanted one of these hats! I should have bought one when we visited Adare’s thatched roof shops! It was May, though, and Ireland was having an unusually warm season back in 2018!!
Carla
I should have found Aidan’s shop in Dublin! We got too shop a little while in our tour! I lovehis website! Just watched the lovely video about Dublin there https://youtu.be/MiWORACrnDk
Irish American Mom
Hi Carla - Adare is such a beautiful little village and has so many great shops. Pity you missed out on getting a nice warm hat for winter, but when the sun is shining it is difficult to think about cold winter days. Thank you for stopping by to support our giveaways.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kim Marazita
Absolutely love this hat.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kim - Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad