Photograph of a traditional red Telephone Box on
Fair Isle,
Shetland,
Scotland. Fair Isle is the most remote inhabited island in the United Kingdom.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
From the first small items sold to fishermen and tourists in the nineteenth century, to the highly fashionable androgynous sweaters of the 1920s, to the large starry Norwegian patterns popular after World War II, to the hand and machine made yoke sweaters of the 1960s and 1970s, Ann Feitelson applies ardent dedication to her research. She leads readers through the history of Fair Isle knitting to an examination of the style's techniques, explicating not only the unique color ways and pattern, but such valuable details as ways to hold the yarn. An accomplished knitter herself, Feitelson presents twenty-three original Fair Isle designs, and encourages readers to create their own. A chapter on knitting math is both easy to follow and invaluable for planning sizes and patterns, while a glossary of Shetland knitting terms links a way of life that is largely gone with the knowledge and skills that The Art of Fair Isle Knitting helps to preserve. Throughout these wonderful colors and glowing patterns, The Art of Fair Isle Knitting conveys an unending sense of price. Pride in the dedication of Shetland knitters. Pride in the creation of exceptional garments. Pride in the work of women. Pride in a knitting style known throughout the world.
The Art of Fair Isle Knitting: History, Technique, Color & Patterns: History, Technique, Color and Pattern
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Inspired Fair Isle Knits. In this irresistible companion to her first book, Inspired Cable Knits, Ellis once again borrows from traditional techniques to create an unprecedented collection of gorgeous, wearable garments. Using the basic technique of Fair Isle knitting (small geometric motifs worked with just two colours repeated in a row), she creates an earthy, modern and timeless collection of designs divided into chapters entitled Water, Air, Fire and Earth. Using unconventional placement of Fair Isle patterning, such as at the cuff or shoulder and asymmetrical or striped colour placement, Ellis creates a wide variety of moods, movements and graphic impact. And Inspired Fair Isle Knits isnt just about Fair Isle knitting; it combines the basic method with other knitting techniques such as cables, lace patterning, felting and even pleats. The result is intricate-looking pieces that require only intermediate skills. Inspired Fair Isle Knits will also challenge experienced knitters with surprising takes on the Fair Isle patterned sweater, including a halter top, a tank and a wrap. For lovers of traditional patterns with contemporary flair, for intermediate knitters looking to expand their techniques and skills and for anyone seeking lush and colourful new patterns, this is the ideal addition to any collection.
Inspired Fair Isle Knits
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