I started on the sweater I am making my son for his birthday as per his request (isn't it nice that a young man wants a hand-knitted jumper for his birthday?). He chose the design which is by Ann Feitelson (though the story reveals it was taken from an original design by Hazel Tindall from a jumper found in a charity shop!).
There must be a lot less demand for Shetland Wool nowadays as many of their colours are now discontinued. I'm a big fan of all traditional techniques and crafts and always feel sad when some are found to be disappearing (as is happening with many). I had to substitute three colours but I think it's worked out alright. There used to be 151 colours in their range of jumper weight wool and now they have 97 (still a good number, but 54 colours discontinued, that's a lot).
Ooh wow, that looks fabulous. In a previous existence I knitted sweaters in hand spun wool, one variegated and one solid, your picture makes me itch for my needles.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jane! Hand spun wool is one thing I've not tried... would love to see one of your sweaters!
DeleteOh my gosh! Where did you get wool?
ReplyDeleteI like to get real Shetland wool from the Shetland Isles and this one is from Jamieson & Smith. Shetland wool has particular qualities which is great for Fair Isle knitting. :-)
DeleteLooks great!! :)
ReplyDeleteOh this is so beautiful. I love the pattern and I love the flow of colors. Great work.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much! :-)
DeleteHi! It truly is sad about all the discontinued colors. Will you steek it? I did one by Alice Starmore that I had to steek....it almost actually hurt when I cut into my knitting!
ReplyDeleteHi Steph, yes, I will steek for the sleeves. I have now done a few Fair Isle sweaters and cardigans but I must admit, I was quite stressed when I had to cut into my knitting for the first time like you say! But it works so well and steeking is fabulous for working everything in the round. :-)
DeleteWow, beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Anetta! :-)
DeleteThat is amazing. The colors are working out very well.
ReplyDeleteThis is glorious- what amazing colors!! He is a lucky son (and lucky mama, that he wants a jumper!). That’s a significant decrease in color choices, how sad. Maybe as your son wears his, others will notice and seek out Fair Isle sweaters and yarns!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous colours, I have been knitting for years and years and I hate fair isle, I dont know what it is about it, perhaps because you have to keep changing colours, give me knitted lace any day, I am delighted your son wants something hand knitted by his mum it makes a lovely change to hear that. good luck with the sweater I am sure you will finish in time for his birthday,
ReplyDeleteVery pretty, I have not knitted for years.
ReplyDeleteI am just learning Tatting, I follow your videos on YouTube, I am so interested in buying one of your shuttles.
ReplyDeleteOh my, this is gorgeous! Although I am the kind of person who only likes to wear black, I can't get enough of variegated thread and colourful gradients. They're so pleasing to the eyes. I can't wait to see the final result.
ReplyDeletesei bravissima
ReplyDelete