Thanks for your reply about the color of my sweater. I have started it and am really pleased with how it is turning out. I have seven cables across the back on a reverse stockinette stitch background (three different cable patterns) with double moss stitch for "filler" on the sides. I was reviewing the instructions again last night and am confused about bobble stitches. They are mentioned under the description of the hat so I was originally thinking they weren't required for the sweater. But I'm not sure if you are considering them as part of a traditional aran sweater. I haven't included them as I don't really like them. I have made them before, and would be happy to do a swatch of them, but I didn't really want them on my sweater. Are they required? Would you like more detail on which cables I am including?
Thanks for your help!

The instructions said bobbles were a required element of an Aran knit. I took them at their word. I don't like bobbles either, but I managed to incorporate them into my design without ending up with a sweater I wouldn't wear. And the extra yarn in them is enough so if I want to, I can cut them out and weave up the hole.:-)

This has come up before and yes they are required. They are part of the tradition and they require some skill to make successfully (and to incorporate into the design). Many knitters find very clever ways to make them part of the design.

Arenda

I designed a small sweater for a nephew because it would be unlikely that I would wear a cable sweater. My husband was unlikely to wear the sweater either. So, that is how I decided.

Also, since nephew at the age of seven had limited his color choices, I added colors to the sweater that he was unfamiliar with. The sweater had bobbles even before bobbles became a requirement. I have no idea what he thought of the sweater (or even if the sweater was received).

I had someone else other that the recipient take a picture in the sweater. Another requirement.

How much of what I have learned have I used --not much. I have information and knowledged that I did not have before. I have conversation references. I can chime in when others are discussing knitting topics. Now that that is a good thing.

I like being comfortable with knowledge. I like that I have the confidence that a stitch or pattern conforms to a standard. I feel good about having discissions with national and international designers.

I like being educated. Now that is a good feeling!

dede