General Chat

Problem solved - friend in N. Ireland can get pure aran wool no problem so will post it to me and at half the price of the 20% wool mix obtainable here! Thank you one and all for your suggestions.

Live in Northern BC Canada & order via computer to Knitwellwools(.)co(.)uk They have excellent stock of all wool & patterns etc. Prices are very reasonable, they send catalogue & wool sample cards too. Its cheaper for me to buy direct from UK, than to buy from here. I'm an ex-pat & have been knitting since the age of 5. Best of luck with your wool search.

Ann, Do you actually live in Winchester too! There's a little wool shop in Bishop's Waltham - I'll ask my daughter (who lives there) to suss it out!! maggie

I've tried to teach my daughter to knit several times over the years and she just cannot get the hang of it. I must admit that her lack of patience doesn’t help. I’m knitting her an Aran coat at the moment. Becx It's best if someone can show you and you follow them step by step but as a last resort try googling ‘Learn to knit’ Joan x

Your mum/aunt/neighbour/workmate? Some men also knit. Ann

I'd like to learn to knit! Any tips where/how? becx

Actually looked up the phone no of John Lewis in Southampton today and it was not listed! Thanks for your help - have actually got out my arran knitting patterns from way back - now when I get the wool - I'll smoke less!!!! Ann

Hi Ann have you got a John Lewis or Jessops near you they have a good wool department Tracy

Our wool shops have disappeared too, but get mine off the market. Years ago used to buy wool direct from somewhere like yorkshire mills, used to have ads in magazines, expect you can still buy it this way. Val

Thanks Anne, I was just thinking maybe it's to do with the traditional patterns, each of the two island's having their own? BTW Love Irish soda bread. Christine

My mother-in-law knitted an Aran cardigan for my daughter a couple of years ago. I think that her wool came from the local CO-OP. Louise

Thanks for suggestions - Droxford is quite close - Christine in Edinburgh - don't think that there is any difference - I lived in N. I. for a time and learned to knit arran and make soda bread, wheaten and potato etc whilst I was there. Was also surprised at the time at the amount of local girls who could not do any of these things! I know that traditionally these sweaters were knitted in oiled wool by fishermen's wives and if they drowned their husbands/sons could be identified by the pattern - same again - reason for sailors being tatooed. Ann

A silly question for you Anne, but I've always wondered.....what is the differencs between Aran wool/sweaters from the Irish Aran and Arran wool/sweaters from the Scottish Arran? I used to knit a lot of Arran patterns and just always wondered LOL Christine

Anne Have you tried CF fabrics on The Broadyway, Wincheter they do have a pretty good range Kathleen

Is Droxford near Winchester? I have just found a website that does buy online. Not sure if you can visit the shop yourself, but have a look http://www.easisites(.)co.uk/page.html?SiteID=webbsgreenfarmwool&View=4

Have you tried the internet? I think their are some suppliers on there. June xx

Am trying to cut down/give up smoking and thought I should begin knitting again to keep my hands busy. Am having difficulty in tracking down pure Aran wool - if pushed can get friend in N. I. to post it. Any idea of stockists say 10-15 miles radius of Winchester? Wool shops appeared to have disappeared in the main. Ann