I have a growing love for fair isle (aka stranded) knitting. Earlier in the week, after finishing my Birthday Shawl, I cast on Selbu Modern by Kate Gagnon Osborn (pictured above). Knitting a fair isle project was on my crafty new year’s resolutions list, so to start on the first day of the new year was very pleasing. Selbu Modern is a lovely 2 colour hat knitted in fingering weight yarn. It’s a free pattern although the author requests charity donations in lieu of payment.
Fair isle is not difficult. The charts are easy to read and if you use stitch markers between pattern repeats, it’s even easier. What’s tricky is getting the tension right. I am still learning about this so I doubt this project will be anywhere near perfect. But if it looks good from a distance then I am happy. The knitting is slow going as I am yet to master the 2 handed approach, but there’s time for that. Thanks to Liz Fisher for sharing this Knit Picks helpsheet on the iMake Facebook group: ColorKnitting.
So today’s ‘Things I Like Thursday’ is dedicated to wonderful fair isle knitting patterns. The links below are all Ravelry patterns. Enjoy…
♥ Setesdal Love Hat by Kate Gagnon Osborn (pictured below)
♥ Stranded Sheep Scarf by Chelsea Amanda
♥ Lotus Mittens by Heather Desserud
♥ Telemark Leg Warmers by Kate Gagnon Osborn
Photo credits: used with permission from Kelbourne Woolens, all rights reserved.
Ooh I love fair isle designs too! I have just completed my first ever knitting project so I don’t think I will be able to master fair isle yet but with a bit more practice I would love to have a go!
Hi Hannah – I just popped over to your blog to see you first knitting project – it looks great, well done. I have been knitting for years and this is the first time I have tried fair isle. I wish I’d tried it sooner. It’s way easier than it looks. Thanks for commenting!
Martine
Thank you! I’m really happy with how it turned out
The problem is I am far too ambitious…I don’t like to do basic projects, I can’t wait to try knitting socks either! I have a massive list of things to try when I have had some more practice. Fair Isle is definitely up there! Thanks for visiting my blog 
I think that’s good. Try things out! Toe up socks are fabulous and you can learn to knit them here http://verypink.com/2011/01/13/learn-to-knit-toe-up-socks/ (depends what kind of a learner you are but I love these videos!) Good luck
Martine
Ooh thank you! Yeah I don’t know what I’d do without videos to help me! I’ll take a look!
No worries!
I made Selbu Modern a couple of years ago,my second fair isle project. The first was Endpaper mitts. In both cases I used colour changing yarn for one colour which was fun. This year I want to make the Ivy
League vest which will be more of a challenge I think. (Plus steeks!!)
Oooh steeking is scary. Good luck! There is a good Craftsy class about fair isle and steeking. I might have a look at it. Endpaper mitts is a lovely pattern too. Hooray for fair isle!
love the info sheet – that’s SO useful! It’s a fab pattern!
I’m knitting Kate Davies’ Rams and Yeows because i’m insane, however, i think i need to learn to knit with two colours simultaneuosly (rather than putting one down and picking it up again) so i’m going to knit Selbu Modern as a practice….when my needles arrive!
I see Selbu as a bit of a practice piece too, I know what you mean
Small and manageable. OMG that Kate Davies pattern is amazing. Not sure I’d have the patience… x
Not sure i will either – although it’s not that huge! I needed a big project to keep me out of trouble (and so i can put the rest of my yarn away for a bit when i move) and i’ve had my eye on that for ages! not sure about the steeking, will have to research that though! xx
VERY exciting indeed! x
The cat mittens are COOL, but, alas, I fear I am not clever / crafty enough to make them. Happy New Year!
It’s good to challenge yourself … why not have a go? Watch some fair isle videos on you tube. Honestly, it is easier than it looks! Happy new year to you too
What yarn are you using? You’re such a tease not to tell!
Hee hee – it’s a good one. It’s called Lotus Miya and its a blend of 70% mink, 20% merino and 10% silk. I got it as bonus yarn in last year’s Socktopus sock club. It’s heaven to knit with!
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