Wednesday, 27 January 2021

Fair Isle Sweater

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).


This was my first attempt at the corrugated ribbing but I wasn't happy
with the colour in the middle which was breaking the run of colours
between the browns.

I ordered another colour (this was one of the substituted colours)
frogged back, and started again with the new colour:


Yes!  That's much better.


Here's where I'm at as of today:


An interesting mix of browns, orangey-pinks, orange, purple and plum.

Still a long way to go!
But I started early, I only need to finish it by May.

Best wishes,
Frivole
Posted by Frivole at 14:53
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18 comments:

  1. Jane McLellan27 January 2021 at 15:54

    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.

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    Replies
    1. Frivole28 January 2021 at 13:21

      Thank you Jane! Hand spun wool is one thing I've not tried... would love to see one of your sweaters!

      Delete
  2. Anonymous27 January 2021 at 16:40

    Oh my gosh! Where did you get wool?

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    Replies
    1. Frivole28 January 2021 at 13:22

      I 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. :-)

      Delete
  3. God's Kid27 January 2021 at 17:20

    Looks great!! :)

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  4. tatterjil27 January 2021 at 21:19

    Oh this is so beautiful. I love the pattern and I love the flow of colors. Great work.

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  5. Quilter Steph28 January 2021 at 16:36

    Hi! 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!

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    Replies
    1. Frivole29 January 2021 at 14:27

      Hi 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. :-)

      Delete
  6. Anetta (Jamiolowo)28 January 2021 at 18:35

    Wow, beautiful!!!

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  7. Bernice29 January 2021 at 19:50

    That is amazing. The colors are working out very well.

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  8. Michelle30 January 2021 at 15:25

    This 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!

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  9. Margarets designer cards31 January 2021 at 12:09

    Gorgeous 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,

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  10. Unknown31 January 2021 at 16:47

    Very pretty, I have not knitted for years.

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  11. Unknown31 January 2021 at 16:49

    I am just learning Tatting, I follow your videos on YouTube, I am so interested in buying one of your shuttles.

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  12. Unknown5 February 2021 at 01:22

    Oh 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.

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  13. il mio chiacchierino11 February 2021 at 04:27

    sei bravissima

    ReplyDelete

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