Every time Hazel Tindall (world’s fastest knitter) sends me something in the post for review, it snows. It snowed when her brilliant DVD of knitting advice arrived, and it snowed again months ago when a parcel containing this new book flolloped through the letterbox and onto the doormat. This, despite the fact that it hardly ever snows here.
You might argue that a sample of two has very little scientific validity, but I love snow and I’m sticking to my theory that THIS IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. I’m very curious to see what happens weather-wise if she ever sends me something in July. In the meantime, shall we get on with the book review?
In case you haven’t yet had the pleasure, allow me to introduce Fair Isle Designs From Shetland Knitters, Volume 1, by the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers, published by The Shetland Times, Ltd. (I love the ‘Vol 1’, because of its implication that there is more of this loveliness to come.) It’s been out for a few months, but I wanted to make one of the patterns before I wrote this review.
To give you a brief overview, it’s a collection of 15 Fair Isle patterns by 15 different Shetland women, all of whom are members of the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers. So as you might expect, the collection comprises a great variety of objects, from garments and accessories, to an iPad cover and a gift bag.
There’s also variety in the style of the projects. Whilst some might be regarded as highly traditional:-
…others break free a little:-
But I’m getting ahead of myself. The book begins with a brief (very brief) summary of advice relevant to Fair Isle knitting. If this is your first ever foray into the wonderful world of stranded knitting, you might need a tiny bit more help than is given here on topics such as steeking.
I decided to make Ina Irvine’s Clover Brimmed Hat (pictured above, in the book), using some Rowan Felted Tweed that was left over from another project. It was a pleasure to knit this thing, and it’s a beautiful design.
There is a tiny mistake in the pattern. (Row 2 should read the same as Row 1), but otherwise all was well. I like my hat! OK, it still needs a proper robust blocking over a dinner-plate to achieve the baker-style effect, but I couldn’t wait to show you:-
The book is beautifully laid out and photographed. You’ll love it if you’re an experienced knitter who wants an exuberant celebration of Shetland’s beauty and knitting heritage.
Fair Isle Designs From Shetland Knitters, Vol 1, by the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers, is available now, published by The Shetland Times Ltd., UK price £21.99. Yes I received my copy for free, so clearly you cannot trust a single word that I say.
Tinke says
January 8, 2019 at 9:23 pmI heard it through the grapevine it was coming. Love to use it as a look book for the coffee table. I always get trapped and tangled in all the colour thread when I knit fair isle. So I gave up but admire it from afar. Love your hat. Could be climate change brings snow in July but I do not hope so myself.
The Twisted Yarn says
January 9, 2019 at 8:53 pmIt is a very beautiful book, even if you don’t knit any of the projects.
Hill Wimp says
January 8, 2019 at 9:23 pmI love that hat !!! I really should learn to knit. I crochet like a mad thing but I should add another string to my bow.
The Twisted Yarn says
January 8, 2019 at 9:35 pmYup, you should definitely learn to knit! There’s nowt wrong with crochet, but it’s fun to do both…
Jamie@hookthisweavethat says
January 8, 2019 at 9:52 pmBeing very new to knitting, mainly a crochet guy, I admire the intricacies of Fair Isle, but know it is one for when I am a bit more experienced and feeling extremely adventurous. I think the hat looks great unblocked too.
The Twisted Yarn says
January 9, 2019 at 8:58 pmI keep meaning to put together a tutorial, because as long as you’re aware of a few key tips, it’s <> not very difficult. Trust me. And colourwork is awesome – it’s like painting with yarn.
Lynn Lilley says
January 9, 2019 at 2:11 amThe patterns look amazing,I’ve done some Fair Isle but I think it’s time to try again! The hat looks lovely!!
The Twisted Yarn says
January 9, 2019 at 9:00 pmIt is a lovely book. I should probably keep quiet on the matter of whether you should do more Fair Isle, because I might be a tiny bit biased on the matter! (Do it, do it, do it!)
Irene says
January 9, 2019 at 2:25 amI really need to knit this hat! And, I also think it looks great in it’s unblocked state. 👍 May I ask what was the stabilizer for the brim?
The Twisted Yarn says
January 9, 2019 at 9:07 pmOriginally I used some thick(ish) clear plastic that I managed to cut to shape (ruining a perfectly good craft knife in the process). But whilst this was waterproof and flexible, it didn’t hold its curved shape, so I reluctantly replaced it with thick card. Not ideal, but the best I could do.
Ann says
January 10, 2019 at 9:13 amI used a piece of thick offcut vinyl (sent to me by a friend who had also used it similarly). It was of the type used for flooring the kitchen. Very flexible, waterproof x easily cut to size.
margaret says
January 9, 2019 at 5:52 amyikes… amazon has it listed for $80.99 …
is there an American seller with reasonable price?
The Twisted Yarn says
January 9, 2019 at 9:09 pmYikes!! The publisher sells directly, and ships worldwide. Hope this is helpful! https://shop.shetlandtimes.co.uk/products/fair-isle-designs-from-shetland-knitters
nanacathy2 says
January 9, 2019 at 8:32 amSuper hat, the question is will you do another project from the book?
The Twisted Yarn says
January 9, 2019 at 9:11 pmProbably, at some point. But there are so many things I want to design, and…
Sigh, I need to give up work, sell the family, and outsource my laundry pile to create more time, don’t I?
Sylvie White says
January 9, 2019 at 12:00 pmHi, I bought this book last year after seeing it in a magazine. I have a young granddaughter and thought it would be perfect for her. The instructions were very good and easy to follow. Would like to make other things from it
https://photos.app.goo.gl/C5Ats49YRuM2hgE19 Not sure if my photos will post.
The Twisted Yarn says
January 9, 2019 at 9:12 pmYes, the link works! Thank you for sharing this loveliness!
Alka Gudadhe says
January 9, 2019 at 1:29 pmI love fair isle pattern. I have made 2-3 such sweaters. I request you to please visit my blog, https://alkaandart.blogspot.com/search?q=Fair+isle
Thank for the reference of the book in above post.
Alka Gudadhe says
January 9, 2019 at 1:31 pmSorry, it should be thanks in above comment.
The Twisted Yarn says
January 9, 2019 at 9:13 pmYour Fair Isle knits are beautiful. GO AND HAVE A LOOK, PEOPLE!
Ann Wilson says
January 9, 2019 at 4:02 pmIf I live long enough (82 next week) I promise myself to do something Fair Isle – never too late to learn a new skill- especially if it involves knitting!
The Twisted Yarn says
January 9, 2019 at 9:14 pmWow, 82! Now THAT is something of which to be proud. May I wish you a happy birthday for next week.
As for Fair Isle / stranded knitting, I’m hopelessly biased on the matter, but… DO IT! It’s like painting with yarn.
Zora says
January 15, 2019 at 9:45 pmHi – I’ve been following you for the last couple of years, and love your work, photos nd family! I’ve been trying to purchase a book you recently reviewed, “Fair Isle Designs from Shetland Knitters”, but have been unsuccessful. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA and no one seems to have it. Could you connect me with someone who can sell me this book. Thank you❤️
Zora Chrislock
marisa lolli says
January 31, 2019 at 1:15 pmI always find your blog very interesting. Thanks for the share.
Sara Parpari says
March 11, 2019 at 6:16 amWow.amazing hat. How can I get this book. Must go back to knit such beautiful fair isle knitting