E3laan Horse Blankets

Irish Knit

Think of the world quilting and your mind will draw up a number of stylized and romantic images of women in early America sitting around a quilting bee, or at least contemporary women sitting around their own quilting frame either using hand quilting or sewing machines to relax and complete their quilting projects. However the fact is that quilting is a relaxing modern day hobby that all can enjoy, women and men alike; the most notable example of the latter being quilt collector Jonathan Holstein who sparked American interest in quilting again with his 1971 art exhibition "Abstract Design in American Quilts." Holstein's exhibit redefined quilting as art, and paved the way for what is commonly called "quilt art" raising the practice to a whole new level of aesthetic appreciation and putting it within the reach of men, women and children everywhere.

Before quilting appeared in contemporary history, it had actually been used for other purposes besides creating luxury items or developing those materials we might normally associate with quilting.  In fact, the tightly knit quality of quilting made it uniquely applicable to soldiers' armor in medieval times. A well known quilted art piece appears in a British museum depicting the legend of Tristan.

Quilting was indeed used in early America, but as with many ideas about America there are many myths and misconceptions which abound about quilting among the pioneer women. Its prevalence was not as common a practice as we might be inclined to think, primarily because of the costs of the materials. Quilting utilized silks and cottons in the days of early America, and that put the work within the reach of the wealthiest alone. As time went on by the mid 19th century industrialization made cotton available on a more mass market commercial basis, and its affordability lent itself to more women regardless of their class or social status in society. Nonetheless, this increased availability of the essential quilting material did not immediately generate a quilting hobby craze. While costs were reduced, time was still expensive. Most women focused their creative energies on clothing their own families rather than expending any available free spare time to quilt for luxury items.

Other misconceptions need to be dispelled as well. For example, the traditional "quilting bee" scenario with women gathered together to quilt was in fact a rare occurrence and when it did take place, was less a collaborative effort than is commonly thought. Women gathered together in the bee would bring their own pieces to work on, using any available material to develop the quilt. Quilts were very rarely sewn by firelight, despite the romanticized images that exist in contemporary paintings which promote this idea. Rather women used available light in the long summer evenings to get most of their work done.

Over time quilting however benefited from industrialization. The invention of the sewing machine made quilting easier and more popular. Further, it helped to diminish and even eliminate some of the problems associated with traditional hand sewn quilts. Seams and stitches did not appear in the quilts made by these sewing machines, whereas these marks were quite obvious in hand sewn quilts. Thus, it was clearly easy to delineate the hand sewn quilts from those produced by sewing machines, and as only the wealthy owned the sewing machines, the invention itself ultimately served as a status symbol.

In some circles today quilting continues to be associated with affluence. For example, it's not uncommon to find investors bidding on antique quilts at auction sites for some outrageous prices. Some examples of quilts which have been sold for high prices include the Jacob's Ladder quilt, a two-color calico pattern quilt which has fetched hundreds of dollars. Other quilts include the Wedding Ring, which include a patchwork style wedding ring look, the Bear's Paw quilt with it blue and red paw like pattern, and the Irish Chain, which uses a nine patch pattern of white and blue blocks.

Quilting has come a long way since its ancient use as body armor to its more common usage as both a pastime for pioneer women and ultimately a piece of artwork to be admired in its own way. Quilting is a hobby to be enjoyed by everyone, male and female, young and old alike, with technology and the prevalence of lower costs material making it all possible.

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Newborn Knit Hat with Shamrock $9.99 Welcome your little Irish fan with this newborn knit hat. 50% polyester, 50% cotton. Imported. Web Exclusive!

Irish To The Bone Shirt $49.99 These well-accessorized, glittering gals celebrate with an Irish jig! Soft, 100% cotton knit, with side slits. USA. Exclusively Ours! Sizes S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14), XL (16), 1XL (18-20), 2XL (20-22), 3XL (24).

Shamrock Knit Beanie $11.99 This is sure to keep you warm! Ever popular beanie is 100% jacquard knit. Imported.

Ireland Knit Skull Caps $13.99 Chase away the chill with our cozy cotton/acrylic knit skull caps. One size fits most.

Guinness Reversible Knit Cap $14.99 This in fashion and comfortable cotton/acrylic cap handily reverses from a stripe to a print. Designed in Ireland.

Shamrock Knit Cotton Cardigan $64.99 For almost 100 years this USA company has been knitting sweaters. One of their most popular styles is this 100% natuaral cotton cardigan. They made it for us with an all over shamrock design for pure comfort.

Guinness Knit Scarf $29.99 Celebrate the legendary brew with this cold-weather classic. Designed in Ireland and embroidered with the Guinness harp logo. The scarf is made of soft 100% acrylic. SORRY, CAP IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Hand Knit Merino Wool Zip Front Aran Cardigan $179.99 Authentic and unique Aran stitches in this luxruiously soft sweater. Aran sweaters are renowned for their longevity and this one is ideal for men and women. Ireland.

Connemara Walking Socks Women's Or Men's $14.99 For all walks of life! Expertly knit in Connemara, reflecting the colors of the Irish countryside, these wool socks offer superior comfort, breathability and warmth. Ireland. Available in women's or men's

Welcome to God's Family Wee One Plaque $18.99 This lovely Baptism gift in soft shades of beige and green and a heartfelt prayer. And fashioned with favorite Irish designs ? Aran knit, sheep and a Celtic Cross. Hangs from a ribbon hanger. 8 x 6?.

Connemara Walking Socks Men's Or Women's $14.99 For all walks of life! Expertly knit in Connemara, reflecting the colors of the Irish countryside, these wool socks offer superior comfort, breathability and warmth. Ireland. Available in men's or women's

Children's Aran Sweaters From Ireland - Cardigan $64.99 Crafted of extra-soft 100% merino wool, these child-size versions of the Irish classic are cozy and warm. Knit in traditional Aran stitches. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. Sizes S (18-24 mos), M (2-3 yrs), L (4-5 yrs), XL (7-8 yrs), 2XL (10-11 yrs).

Children's Aran Sweaters From Ireland - Crew $62.99 Crafted of extra-soft 100% merino wool, these child-size versions of the Irish classic are cozy and warm. Knit in traditional Aran stitches. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. Sizes S (18-24 mos), M (2-3 yrs), L (4-5 yrs), XL (7-8 yrs), 2XL (10-11 yrs).

Merino Wool Aran Sweater - Ba?n?n $99.99 Knit of luxuriously soft merino in classic Aran stitches, this traditional Irish sweater is one you'll treasure for years. Ideal for men and women. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. Sizes S (36), M (38), L (40), XL (42), 2XL (44). Ba?n?n.

Scotland Beanie $11.99 Chase away the chill with our embroidered 100% acrylic knit cap.

Merino Wool Sweater $109.99 Knit of luxuriously soft merino in classic Aran stitches. Ideal for men or women. From Ireland.

V-Neck Aran Green Cardigan $139.99 A classic cardigan that will never go out of style and is pure comfort. Knit in traditional Aran stitches of 100% wool. Ireland.

Aran Wool Throw $124.99 Knit in a stunning array of traditional Aran stitches and accented with tiny flecks of color, this sumptuous throw is made of soft, 100% worsted wool. From Ireland. 51 x 65 1/2.

Merino Wool Keyhole Aran Sweater $79.99 Knit with a feminine style this sweater will become one of your favorites. Made in Ireland of extra soft merino wool and in a color that will go with everything. Sizes S, M, L, XL.

V-Neck Aran Natural Cardigan $139.99 A classic cardigan that will never go out of style and is pure comfort. Knit in traditional Aran stitches of 100% wool. Ireland. Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL.

Merino Wool Fashion Cardigan $124.99 A distinctively feminine silhouette, this A-line cardigan rises to any occasion. The updated styling is knit in an array of traditional Aran stitches with a three button closure. Ireland. Sizes S, M, L, XL

Handknit Merino Wool Crewneck Sweater $179.99 Merino wool is highly prized for its supple and gentle hand. Hand knit in classic Aran stitches and luxuriously soft for men and women. Ireland. Sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL.

Shamrocks-So Lovely On Pink Shirt $19.99 Brighten your wardrobe with cheerful shamrocks and vivacious color. 100% cotton knit. Printed in USA. Sizes S (4-6), M (8-10), L (12-14), XL (16-18) 2XL (18-20)

Bouquet Of Shamrocks Sweater $69 Exclusively Ours! Hand knit by Bolivian artisans of soft 100% cotton. Lovely detail on each sleeve. Sizes S (4), M (6-8), L (10-12), XL (14-16) 1XL (18), 2XL (20), 3XL (22)

Centaur Irish Knit Horse Sheet $15.95 A wonderful design 100 Cotton Irish Knit Horse Sheet features front buckles and two surcingles. This cooler is 100 cotton for ultimate breath-ability. Have fun coordinating with other Centaur accessory items to complete the look