Fair Isle Knitting : A Practical & Inspirational Guide

The definitive book to learning Fair Isle knitting by expert knitter, teacher and founder of The Knit Knacks, Monica Russel, featuring 60 pattern swatches and beautiful, practical projects to test your new-found skills. Fair Isle knitting has a timeless appeal, and is celebrated all over the world for its beautiful patterns and distinctive motifs. Using just two colours in each row you can create a myriad of different patterns that are deceptively easy to achieve. In this definitive guide, expert knitting designer and best-selling author Monica Russel teaches you the essential skills of this traditional colourwork technique and provides all the inspiration you need to create stunning Fair Isle patterns of your own. 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 step-by-step instructions on the key techniques for creating Fair Isle patterns, including choosing colours and using charts, all illustrated with step-by-step photographs and an abundance of colourful examples. A stunning collection of pattern swatches provides inspiration and instruction for over 60 borders, patterns and motifs, all accompanied by a written pattern, chart and examples in various colourways. To practice your new skills, there are 11 complete projects, ranging from a simple hat, a cushion and a bag through to a shawl, a sweater, socks, and a child's dress.