Fair Isle is known for its birdlife, amazing scenery and, of course, its traditional crafts. Fair Isle knitting is known around the world. You could wait up to three years to get a hand knit Fair Isle sweater made by one of the islanders and you could pay up to $490 USD for it.
Fair Isle knitting is a form of stranded knitting. Traditional patterns are created with multiple colors, but only two colors are used in each row. The unused color is stranded across the back of the work. These strands or floats add extra bulk to the knitting making it warm and cozy. Traditional Fair Isle knits typically feature rows of intricate geometric patterns in up to five colors.
I have always been intrigued with Fair Isle knitting. The patterns are so engaging. I was pretty sure, though, that I couldn't knit with a different color in each hand. After some online research I discovered that there are lots of different ways to carry two different colored yarns at the same time. After some practice, I was able to alternate colors every other stitch quite handily and I even made a couple of pairs of mittens. When my LYS (Local Yarn Shop) offered a Fair Isle sweater knit along class, I decided that I was ready.
Ready or not...
After some problems with gauge, I was finally ready to cast on. The sweater that I am knitting is called Hedgerow. It is a modern Fair Isle pattern by Ann Kingstone that is knit in seven colors. I chose a light worsted weight superwash wool for my sweater.
The Hedgrow pattern is 18 stitches and doesn't take long to memorize. Each new row is a new pattern, though, so it's a great brain workout. Hedgerow has 120 rows of pattern!
If you've ever thought about giving Fair Isle kniting a try, go for it. Starting with a small project, like a hat, will give you some confidence. The best advice that I can give is to keep your two balls of yarn on either side of you and always knit one from the bottom and one from the top. Following this routine ensures that your yarn doesn't get twisted together.
You can keep up with My Fair Isle Knitting Adventure by visiting my Cupola Corner Facebook page.
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