Shetland Wool Adventures Vol. 04 is filled to the brim with beautiful Fair Isle Knitting patterns. Discover your next cosy knitting adventure with over 6 intricately designed Fair Isle knitting patterns capturing the essence of Shetland’s landscapes, memories and the timeless art of Fair Isle Knitting.
From the nostalgic Brindister Slipover, reminiscent of the peat bank was near the Brindister loch, just outside of Rachel Hunter’s childhood home, to the coastal inspired Taing Fair Isle Socks. To the warmth provided by the Fireglow Cowl.
Here is a quick preview of the wonderful Fair Isle knitting patterns you will find in Shetland Wool Adventures Journal – vol. 04.
Take a peek inside for beautiful Fair Isle Knitting Patterns, waiting for you inside Vol. 04!
Brindister Slipover by Rachel Hunter
The Brindister Slipover is inspired by my memories of “gyaan tae da paets” (going to the peat hill) in the early 1980s when I was a “young lass” with my mum, dad and sister. Our peat bank was near the Brindister loch, which is about a 10-minute drive from Lerwick. At that time, I remember that many allover Fair Isle gansies , particularly those made in the isles of Burra and Whalsay, had vertical motifs and were very fashionable at the time. To build on the retro vibe for this slipover, I have used the contrasting colours of turquoise and a dark, peaty brown from Aister ‘oo’. To give it a bit of a modern twist, I have inserted a more modern “peat hill track” motif running vertically down the back, which helps break up the pattern on the back and also reminds me of the hard work of lugging peats down the hill!
Taing Fair Isle Socks by Janette Budge
The inspiration began with the colours of Aister ‘oo’ yarn, combined with my first visit to Fair Isle – I was lucky the weather was bright for the whole four days! The blues are reminiscent of looking through the sea at a sandy geo; the rich dark brown, of the seaweed. Taing is a place in Fair Isle, meaning “a point of land” in Old Norse and found in different forms across Shetland, all linked to the sea. The motifs chosen spoke strongly of the traditional Fair Isle patterns seen in the museum on the isle.
Lochside Lugwarmer by Ella Gordon
As someone who wears my hair up a lot, I often reach for a Fair Isle headband. They are good for trying out colours and motifs as well as using up odds and ends of Shetland wool. In this pattern, I have used twisted rib and tubular edging which gives the lug (ear) warmer a professional and comfortable finish. I used colours and motifs inspired by some of the oldest Fair Isle in my vintage collection, creating two different versions.
Fireglow Cowl by Wilma Malcolmson
This cowl was designed during our Shetland winter. The darkness is long and our eyes adjust to the duller days. A lit fire in the evening brings much-needed warmth and light. When choosing colours I found myself gravitating towards the cold, dark colours while also longing for some light and cheerfulness. With the shadowy colours in the background, I used the reds and oranges to bring light and warmth, just like the fireplace. The fit is snug and sits close to the body to keep you wrapped up on the cold days.
Storm Dennis Fisherman’s Kep by Marie Bruhat
When Misa Hay visited Fair Isle on a particularly windy week in February 2020, she created the Storm Dennis colourway during a test-run of my knitting holidays. Two years later, I have reworked the pattern into a fisherman’s kep, a traditional Fair Isle hat. The folded headband gives the wearer extra warmth, and the complexity of its construction provides great pleasure and satisfaction when you have finished. All as well as a lovely warm hat!
Storm Dennis Slipover by Marie Bruhat
Fair Isle knitting is all about symmetry and ultimate perfection, so this is why every detail counts for me. When Misa ordered a Storm Dennis slipover, she was so impressed by it and instantly we knew it would have to be published as a pattern for hand knitters as the original Storm Dennis Cowl has been so popular. Slipovers are really versatile and can either be casual or formal. And as an extra bonus for the knitter, there are no sleeves to make! The length of the Storm Dennis slipover is easily adaptable by beginning at a different row on the chart, as explained in the pattern.
Photography by Susan Williams
Garment illustrations by Lorna Reid
Photo location Lerwick
Designers:
Rachel Hunter
As you can see there are some beautiful Fair Isle Knitting patterns waiting for you inside Vol. 04. Not only that, there are many many interesting features, stories, walks, recipes and stunning photography, all inspired by Shetland.
Order your Copy of Shetland Wool Adventures Vol. 04 here.
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