There are accessories
and sweaters for men,
women and childrenFAIR ISLE DESIGNS FROM
SHETLAND KNITTERS
VOLU ME 2
by Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters,
Weavers and Dyers
THE SHETLAND Guild of Spinners,
Knitters, Weavers and Dyers strives to
keep Shetland’s craft traditions alive, and
members enjoy sharing their skills with
young people on the Isles and with makers
around the world. In this much-anticipated
follow-up to the Guild’s first book of Fair
Isle designs, members have created 12 new
knitting patterns, showcasing motifs and
s t yl e s p a s s e d d ow n to t h e m f rom t h e i r
mothers and grandmothers, or inspired
by the archives of the Shetland Museum.
There is a range of projects from small
accessories to adult garments, and all are
worked in Shetland wool. Quick-knit
projects that will be ideal for Fair Isle
novices include a neckwarmer and a
colourful headband. There is a pair of
cosy bed socks, based on a style worn by
designer Helen Robertson as a child, and
a pair of mitts that is a contemporary
take on the items knitted and sold by
Barbara Cheyne in her early teens - these
feature a star motif, and are an ideal way
of using up very small amounts of yarn left
over from other projects.
Great reads
Shetland knitters share their skills and heritage in this
new collection of beautiful colourwork patterns
Hazel Tindall contributes an intricately
patterned, round cushion cover design,
based on a traditional Shetland tam.
There is a pair of elegant Fair Isle gloves by
Lauretta Robertson, and a hat by Linda
Shearer with a gorgeously patterned
c row n. S u e A r t hu r’s ‘C u c k ron S c a r f ’ i s
knitted in the round with different Fair Isle
patterns on the front and back, and uses
three natural shades of Shetland wool.
Several Guild members reside on
Shetland but have Scandinavian origins,
and they bring their own techniques to
Fair Isle knitting. Brita Hövenmark’s
‘Lingonberry and Milk’ hat, for example,
combines the Shetland OXO pattern with
the classic Swedish star motif.
Garments in the book include a yoked
tunic dress from Rachel Hunter, with floral
colourwork motifs; it’s sized to fit busts of
31in-56in. There’s a sweet little jumper by
Ina Irvine, called ‘Sunrise Over Whalsay’,
for c h i l d re n a ge d si x m ont h s to 10 ye a r s.
It features neat bands of Fair Isle, and has
a buttoned neck opening.
‘Ron a s Vo e’ i s a h a n d s om e d rop -shou l d e r
sweater for men, designed by Emily
Pol e s on , wh i c h i s k n it te d w it h s te e k s a n d
will fit chests of 40in-50in.
The book includes tips and insight from
the designers, along with a fascinating
essay exploring the history of the Guild.Fa i r I s l e D e s i g n s f ro m S h e t l a n d
Knitters Vol. 2 is published by
Sh e t l a n d Ti m e s, pr i c e d £2 1.9 9.
Copies are available to order from
http://www.shop.shetlandtimes.co.uk
(01595 695531)PH
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Y^ BY^ DAV
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