Traditional fair isle patterns generally use a limited number of colors five or less and use only two colors in each row. Search press the very easy guide to fair isle knitting by. I also like the ziplock bag method where you seal each ball in a bag and thread the yarn through a. Alice starmores book of fair isle knitting, 1988, taunton press, usa new edition 2009, dover publications, usa also published as the fair isle knitting handbook, 1990, blandford books, uk. Each motif is designed to inspire, the style of the charts is easy to ready. There are so many techniques to master when youre knitting fair isle. Discover the colorful world of fair isle knitting, intarsia, and colorwork with instructional books to guide you as well as pattern collections for sweaters, accessories, socks and more. Everything from simple knitted hats, fast chunky garter stitch scarves, cozy infinity scarves and cowls, to handknitted shawls, blankets, sweaters, pillows and dresses. Fair isle knitting may look complicated, but knitting expert lynne watterson lays out the basics in a way that is easy to follow and understand with the very easy guide to fair isle knitting. Daisy and i want to share one of our favorite books, wanderlust by tanis gray.
A designer from the region, alice starmore explores the history and techniques of the art and provides instructions for over 15 of her own knitwear designs. Using two strands of yarn at a time enables the knitter to create designs, or motifs, in the knitted fabric. It is thirty years since my fair isle knitting book was first published. Free knitting patterns and stepbystep basic knitting lessons and tutorials. With rich and detailoriented knitting projects including hats, socks, mittens, jumpers and cardigans which all use this classic colorswitching knitting technique originated on the.
Fair isle knitting has been replicated worldwide but the genuine article can only be found on the threesquaremile north atlantic island. Knittingscottish and fair islepatterns, knitting, books. You can create your own fabric of wildflowers with this nifty technique. The author lays out the basics of this popular technique and makes it easy to understand, even for the most novice of knitters. Oct 01, 2009 buy alice starmores book of fair isle knitting dover knitting, crochet, tatting, lace green ed. A couple of pages with howtos on fair isle would have been nice. A small fair isle motif can be used as a simple knit border or as an allover pattern. Mar 24, 2017 for that is where, in a chain of islands called shetland, our beloved fair isle knitting was born. The great news is that it is now back in print see more information here. Knitting ebooks in fair isle basics and beyond, youll discover 17 projects that incorporate a variation of fair isle and contemporary stranded colorwork applications. For this pattern, you will need to know how to read a chart, but despite all the colors in the design, you only need to work with two colors at a. With only the basic knit stitch, crafters can create 17 projects that incorporate up to five colors.
The variety of projects in fair isle basics and beyond will continually hone your colorworking skills and keep your family and friends toasty warm in the winter months ahead. The very easy guide to fair isle knitting, stepbystep techniques. Fair isle is one of my favorite things to knit, and after lotsa years of knitting and tweaking, these are my faves. There is also a norwegian sweater pattern for an 18 doll sold by. While this is not an instruction book on how to do fair isle knitting, it is a book with easy to do patterns. Nov, 2012 mastering fair isle knitting has never been easier. Stranded colorwork originating in scandinavia norway, sweden, denmark, and finland is very different from fair isle, though the knitting techniques are similar. The basis for fair isle knitting is stockinette stitch, so youll want to come prepared. Knitting daily knitting books crochet books knitting charts double knitting free knitting punto fair isle motif fair isle fair isle pattern 200 fair isle motifs is a knitters directory. I increasingly find that measuring the passage of time becomes an exercise in disbelief. You may see a gorgeous fair isle pattern, like the ivy league vest, and due to discontinued yarns, availability, or cost, you need to choose. Features the making of the wartime farm sleeveless pullover as featured on bbc tvs wartime farm. That being said, i love this book and the patterns within.
A very useful book to have if you are a learner on avid knitter. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. With rich and detailoriented knitting projects including hats, socks, mittens, jumpers and cardigans which all use this classic colorswitching knitting. Alice starmores book of fair isle knitting by alice starmore. Daisy is pretty sure i need the mittens or fair isle infinity cowl from this book. The drawbacks is if your stranding is too tight you create fabric that will pucker up. An introduction to basic fair isle knitting techniques presented by designer and author, susan crawford. It is fun to knit and easy once you get the hang of it. In her book how to select color palettes for knitting and other fiber arts, nancy explains how to use a basic color wheel to plan out color combinations and proportions for more successful fair isle. Having the best knitting books on your book shelf or in your ereader library, is essential.
Starting with the very basics of fair isle knitting, history, supplies and. These knitting patterns are great for dipping your toes into fair isle. When you work fair isle with one hand, you knit and purl as you normally do, dropping and picking up the different yarns as you need them. There is a pattern for a miniature fair isle teddy bear size sweater aka tea cozy in nicky epsteins book, knitting on top of the world, and here is a blog post with many photos from someone who has made this for reference she made this as her first time steeking project. Begin with color knitting on small knitted accessories, learn how to incorporate fair isle motifs in larger projects and garments, and challenge your color knitting skills with several allover fair isle knitting patterns. Starmore doesnt just provide 14 terrific fair isle patterns, she overs the history of fair isle, the development of stitch patterns, provides an extensive compilation of patterns, and a lengthy chapter on designing your own cap, tam, and gansey.
Fair isle knitting may look complicated, but knitting expert lynne watterson lays out the basics in a way that is easy to follow and understand. It allows you to have a finished set in the pattern that you like the best. Knitting help my favorite fair isle techniques youtube. To help you learn, i have put together some basic tutorials that you can view online with links to pdfs if you prefer to print them off and keep them. The best knitting books can provide guidance on a project you are tackling. The definitive book to learning fair isle knitting by expert knitter, teacher. Knitting e books in fair isle basics and beyond, youll discover 17 projects that incorporate a variation of fair isle and contemporary stranded colorwork applications.
This is the book that took an esoteric knitting technique out of scotland and introduced it to the world. Sep 11, 2017 why fair isle sweaters have a threeyear waiting list. Experienced projects using advanced techniques and stitches, such as short rows, fair isle, more intricate intarsia, cables, lace patterns, and numerous color. Our directory links to free knitting patterns only. She starts with an overview that covers everything from the best types of yarn suitable for fair isle patter. This collection of stylish accessory designs will help you get your bearings. Alice starmores book of fair isle knitting dover knitting, crochet, tatting, lace. Love the lay out of the book with short, 1 page, lessons to follow in. The best yarns for fair isle knitting knitting interweave. In fair isle basics and beyond, youll discover 17 projects that incorporate a variation of fair isle and contemporary stranded colorwork applications. Fair isle knitting and stranded colorwork knitting.
There are patterns for the beginning fair isle knitter as well as intermediates. In first things first, try your hand at some simple twocolor approaches using chunky and worsted weight yarns. Although brandnew fair isle knitters probably will not be able to knit the designs in the book by relying solely on the fair isle basics chapter, they can get the additional information they need from online videos, or from either of the classic fair isle reference books, alice starmores book of fair isle knitting or ann feitelsons the art. Buy a discounted paperback of the very easy guide to fair isle knitting online. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read fair isle knitting. Plenty of instructions make knitting fair isle a pleasure to do. Designed by katie green for blacker yarns, this gorgeous cowl may not be what comes to mind when you think of fair isle knitting. Fair isle knitting is a traditional knitting technique used to create patterns with multiple colours. Starting with the very basics of fair isle knitting, history, supplies and techniques, this is a great book to ease a knitter new to fair isle knitting into the fold. Sep 29, 2014 knitting assistant freddie patmore demonstrates how to get your fair isle looking wonderful in our video. Tina egleton, our technical knitting editor, has some advice on how to knit a fair isle jumper. Fair isle or stranded knitting is a fun and relatively easy way to add color to your projects by working with two different colors of yarn repeatedly in the same row.
Fair isle knitting by monica russel search press books. I throw my contrasting color and pick my main color. In these last thirty years over twohundred thousand copies of alice starmores book of fair isle knitting have made their way into the hands of knitters worldwide and the technique of strandedcolour knitting in the round with knitted steeks known and practised only by certain scottish islanders until i taught my first classes in dallas. Once you are comfortable with plain or straight knitting you can start working on mastering more advanced techniques and will need. Fair isle knitting may look complicated, but it really is easy to do once you understand the basics. As a complete beginner to fair isle knitting i have found this book to be very good indeed. When i bought my copy it was out of print and very expensive.
In this video, kerin goes over the basics of preparing and cutting a steek. Fair isle is typified by its use of symmetrical geometric motifs, twoply shetland yarn, and muted, sophisticated colors. Fair isle knitting is the very particular use of two colors per round, in small stranded colorwork motifs that are usually symmetrical and repeating. Fair isle or stranded knitting can look quite modern as it does here. It also creates fabrics that are warmer and more durable than singlecolor knitting. Why fair isle sweaters have a threeyear waiting list conde.
For knitters looking to advance their skills and stitch awesome iconic colour work, look no further than this beautiful collection of fair isle knitting patterns. The layout of the book means that, whether are looking for a combination of motifs or just one to use as a focal point of a garment, you will find numerous possibilities. Our book price match guarantee means youre able to shop til your hearts content, always knowing that you can get the very best price. Fair isle fral is a traditional knitting technique used to create patterns with multiple colours. I found it to have very clear instructions of several different techniques to learn fair isle knitting. You have to keep your yarn balls from getting hopelessly tangled. Fair isle knitting patterns lovecrafts, loveknittings. For the knitter whose primary style of knitting is left handed or european both colors can be carried on the left hand. Projects include scarves, hats, leg warmers, and mittens. And the islanders knitted with two yarns to create two layers that trap air and create warmth. Fair isle knitting, also known as stranded colorwork knitting, is a technique for working two or more colors of yarn in the same row. Sep 18, 2019 the distinctive patterning of traditional fair isle knitting is a clever way to combine the many odd bits of differentcolored yarn that came originally from the native shetland sheep, which have evolved a variety of natural fleece colors.
Projects with a variety of stitches, such as basic cables and lace, simple intarsia, doublepointed needles and knitting in the round needle techniques, midlevel shaping and finishing. The secret behind knitting the beautiful designs in stranded colorwork is in the stranding. Fair isle knitting patterns lovecrafts, loveknittings new home. To practice onehanded fair isle knitting, choose two colors of yarn. See more ideas about knitting patterns, knitting and knit crochet.
Jun 06, 2017 fair isle is a very specific type of stranded knitting from fair isle, a tiny island in the north of scotland and part of the shetland islands. All of my favorite fair isle techniques in one place. Opening the covers of fair isle crochet projects by melissa leapman you will find a short tutorial section teaching the basics of fair isle crochet. If you encounter a problem accessing any of the patterns, we urge you to report. A designer from the region, alice starmore explore. In fair isle knitting, only 2 colors are used per round and yarn is carried for a limited number of stitches across the back of the work. Fair isle knitting for beginners easy method to knit. This small fair isle motif pattern works well as an accent in all kinds of knitting projects. Fair isle knitting gained considerable popularity when the prince of wales later edward viii wore fair isle jumpers in public in 1921. The book includes a fascinating history of fair isle knitting, and takes a close look at the yarns, needles and other tools you need to get started in colourwork there are stepbystep instructions on the key techniques for creating fair isle patterns, including choosing colours and using charts, all illustrated with stepbystep photographs. Two approaches for colorwork knitting, using either chunky or worstedweight yarns, are featured in this collection of stitching patterns. In particular, you will need to learn how to cast on your knitting, how to form knit stitches and how to cast off. Outstanding knitting book the essential book on fair isle knitting. Fair isle or stranded colorwork knitting the spruce.
It wouldnt be advisable for a beginner to start with a fair isle, but once you master the basics of knitting you can start on a simple colour pattern and then move onto something more advanced. She starts with an overview that covers everything from the best types of yarn suitable for fair isle patterns to beginner knitting techniques. Aug 15, 2007 alice starmores book of fair isle knitting this book is the best teaching guide for fair isle knitting. The very easy guide to fair isle knitting is a comprehensive tutorial that lays out everything you need to know to go from a knitting beginner to a fair isle expert. Our hurt book sale is happening now, so give one of these lovelies a good home.
Traditional fair isle patterns have a limited palette of five or so colours, use only two. Scotlands fair isle has long been known for its distinctive, strandedcolor knitting. This technique is also referred to as true fair isle, from the island located between scotland and norway where the intricate fair isle style of knitting. Apr 10, 2020 the best knitting books can provide guidance on a project you are tackling. It is named after fair isle, one of the shetland islands.
This technique is also referred to as true fair isle, from the island located between scotland and norway where the intricate fair isle style of knitting with multiple colors originated. But sometimes patterns that were available for free become paywalled later. Knitting stocking stuffer patterns fair isle basics. A perfect gift for beginning knitters to sew up some amazing crafting skills. May 26, 2015 one of the rookie mistakes when knitting fair isle for the first few times is to pull the yarn floats the strands between the stitches knit in a given colour tightly across the back of the work, which can compress the gauge of the fair isle section relative to your stockinette stitch gauge. Alice starmores book of fair isle knitting dover knitting. Knitting books from wellloved reference guides to exciting new pattern collections, we curate an inspiring roster of titles to choose from. With either easytonavigate colorwork patterns or just a single pair of colors to work with, these easy fair isle patterns are the perfect starting point for you in your stranded knitting journey. This video is a slow walkthrough of a simplified version of knitting fair isle, which is perfect for beginners who really want to make fair isle patterns as soon as possible. For a list of great knitting patterns in our favorite stitch, check out stockinette stitch knitting. This book is great for beginning color knitters as well as knitters experienced with fair isle knitting and features a wide. Oct 01, 2011 while this is not an instruction book on how to do fair isle knitting, it is a book with easy to do patterns. Fair isle knitting patterns for knitters looking to advance their skills and stitch awesome iconic colour work, look no further than this beautiful collection of fair isle knitting patterns. The main chapters feature a selection of beautiful stitch patterns.
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