[ got fleas? ]

NOT ONLY WAS yesterday Halloween, it was also Dublin Flea Market day! Held the last Sunday of every month, The Market has grown into one of Dublin's most loved markets. It's got everything you would expect from a flea market from vintage clothes to retro furniture and random odds & ends to an organic food store, homemade falafels, waffles and greek food. And with stalls inside and out, it was buzzing!

The thing I love about this market is that for each month, a poster is designed by a different well-known local artist and are available for sale at the market, with the profit going back to the artist. I love the various styles and knew I would be going home with one to frame for my studio. After choosing a couple that were sold out (no wonder, they were great!) I chose this one which I love in both style and colour:

What a fun way to spend an afternoon and I'll definitely be planning to go again next month!

lisa

[ sew much to see ]

MY BRAIN IS spinning with ideas after attending the Knitting and Stitching Show today in Dublin. Held at the RDS, it's a huge venue filled with all things textiles and fibres. Whether you are a knitter, sewer, beader, weaver, felter or textile artist, it's a feast for the eyes! With vendors, an artist gallery, demonstrations and guilds to join, it's got everything you need to complete your hobby.

The best part about the show is that even if you don't have a hobby, I guarantee you will by the time you leave! So inspiring... what should I make first?

lisa

[ the. cutest. thing. ever. ]

HAVE YOU EVER come across something so awesome that you just can't wait to blog about it?? Well, this weekend while we were out walking, we did...

If you're a knitter and are looking for a few supplies, then Winnie's Wool Wagon is here!

Whether it's wool you're looking for, a new pattern or some cute buttons to finish off your project, Winnie's got it in her adorable little truck. Just pop open the "canopy" and she's open for business!

Even the lights are adorned with little eyelashes!

Winnie's Wool Wagon officially wins my award for cutest thing ever. Can you imagine taking part in a craft fair with this little cutie? I want one.

lisa

[ knock knock ]

DUBLIN HAS always been known for its doors and while I was out wandering the streets, I couldn't help but capture a few myself. I love the bright hits of colour, especially on a rather dull, overcast day - what a lovely way to greet you home after a long day at work.

lisa

[ the aran sweater ]

MY GUY just returned from a business trip to Ireland and brought me back this lovely Aran sweater made from soft 100% merino wool...

so that I can look as cute as this {note the denim shirt underneath}...

It's funny because we lived there for 4 years and I never bought myself one!

Aran sweaters ~ aka fisherman sweaters {or jumpers as they're referred to in Ireland} have been around since the 19th century and originated on the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland at the mouth of Galway Bay. Originally they were handknit by the wives of fisherman from undyed, unscoured wool which retained its natural lanolin oil and made them water resistant. 

The sweaters are distinguished by their complex stitch patterns and each have a significance: the cable is said to be a wish for safety and good luck when fishing, the honeycomb is the symbol of the hard-working bee, the basket stitch represents the hope for a plentiful catch, and the diamond a wish of success, wealth and treasure.

Eventually island women began producing these sweaters not just for their families but as a source of income.

These sweaters have seen a resurgence in popularity and have become a fashion must this year, a true wardrobe classic.

The Aran Sweater Market since 1892 on Inis Mor, the largest of the 

three Aran Islands

Looking for a genuine Aran sweater but no plans to be in Ireland anytime soon? Try the Aran Sweater Market online shop!

Of course you can always try to find an imitation at places like LLBean, JCrew, Brooks Brothers, ASOS.com. etc. Either way, you'll still look fashionable...

How about you? Do you own an Aran sweater? Will you be adding one to your fall/winter wardrobe this year?

lisa

[via aransweatermarket; LLBean; models.com; nichollvincent.blogspot; lolobu.com; chictopia.com; stylezen.net; swandiamondrose.tumblr; michaelkors; dailycrush.net; trendymadness.blogspot]