I'm a huge fan of Outlander, the books and the TV show. But when the TV show premiered, I had no idea Outlander arm warmers would be the hottest fashion trend to come out of the 18th Century.
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The first time I realized I needed — and I mean NEEDED — arm warmers was when my daughter played in the fall softball league. The games and practices were lovely in September. By the end of October, however, my fingers were as frozen as a fallen soldier's at Culloden. (Too much?) I was trying to write in my notebook and realized how stiff and cold my fingers were. Outlander had just started on STARZ that year and I thought, aha! Claire Fraser wears those nifty knitted sleeves that cover her hands. I need a pair!
I shameless called my cousin, who knits, and put in a request for fingerless gloves for Christmas. Like the wonderful woman she is, she whipped up a cozy little pair of brown knitted fingerless glove that are super warm. I was thrilled!
Then, in 2016, my father sent me to Scotland on an Outlander tour for my birthday. It. Was. HEAVEN. I think I had a smile plastered on my face for the entire nine days of the tour. I went with Celtic Journeys, owned by Judy Lowstuter. You couldn't find a better Outlander tour of Scotland. Every day was filled with one delight after another.
On our first night in the Highlands, we were honored to have a private performance by Gaelic singer Gillebride MacMillan, who played Gwillyn the Bard in the first season. Not only was he a talented singer, he was also hilarious! He told us charming stories about how his life had changed, thanks to Outlander.
At the end of his performance, he announced he was selling official Outlander merchandise. Well, I elbowed my way right to the front of that table. Lo and behold, there were official Outlander fingerless gloves! The knit was very tight and the arm warmers looked very narrow. I was worried I wouldn't fit into them. Isn't that silly? But, you know, Caitriona Balfe's arms are about as big around as one of my fingers. Much to my delight, they were super stretchy and fit just right. And I'm pleased to say they keep my hands and fingers warm and flexible.
Now, I have a pair of fingerless gloves to take with me when I'm out and about, and a pair of Outlander arm warmers to keep in my desk drawer for work. (My office gets frosty in the winter.)
Where to Buy
These were the first arm warmers from Outlander. Now there are several different kinds. You can find them in the Outlander section of Entertainment Earth or in the official Outlander store.
If you want to support independent artists and crafters, there are loads of Outlander-inspired arm warmers on Etsy.
Check out more Outlander clothes >>
Do you know what the name of that stitch is called? Fingerless gloves are one of my favorite things to make.
That is so cool! I don’t know, but I’m looking into it. Stay tuned!
Tricia, none of my knitting friends know the stitch. I found these. I don’t know if it’s any help. I’d love to see your fingerless gloves! If you post on Instagram, tag me @plussizenerd.