I don’t usually care much about “shopping” when I’m on vacation. That’s just not how I relax. But I do like my comfy clothes … so when in Kinsale, Ireland last month I bought a really beautiful blue Aran Sweater.

We made good fun of the fact that it came with a numbered and signed “Certificate of Authenticity.”

I saved it of course, because on its back is a key with the meaning of a selection of Aran stitches. I only recently looked closely at the certificate… This little detail made me laugh:

Nonetheless, it is still my “new favorite sweater.” Beautiful stitching, cotton lining and fleece collar – the wool sweater perfected.