https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:06:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle/page/2#post-1980556 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 21:09:09 +0000 SarahD8 1980556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a GREAT article, Diana, thanks for linking to it!<br />It seems to me that a lot of the sweaters currently in mass-market stores being marketed as Fair Isle are actually Icelandic Lopapeysa-inspired. Right?<br />I would love to know more about the history of these different forms of colorwork. Given the historical interchanges between Norway, Iceland, and the Northern Isles of Scotland I imagine there must have been handicraft influences passing back and forth as well... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980477 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 15:29:00 +0000 Lucy 1980477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a pretty sweater (and hat)! You are so talented!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980466 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 14:54:11 +0000 Diana 1980466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, ladies!&nbsp;</p> <p>Chris, so these days most people (including Angie in her blog post) use "fair isle" to refer to any kind of stranded colorwork (where you use two or more colors of yarn in a single row, and carry the unused one along behind the other stitches). &nbsp;So yes you are right, it refers to the knitting technique.</p> <p>If you want to get really technical/detailed, "fair isle" specifically refers to traditional stranded colorwork that comes from the Shetland Islands. &nbsp;The key aspects are 1)only 2 colors per row (but different rows can utilize different color combos), 2) small, simple repeated motifs, often worked in succession so they form bands of different patterns 3) usually worked in the round and then cut open (a process called steeking) for openings such as arm holes. &nbsp;The traditional fair isle sweater is a straight up and down rectangular affair with dropped shoulder seams; this shape does maintain the integrity of the stitch patterns best. &nbsp;My sweater does actually follow these rules, for the most part, although I did not do steeking for the arm and neck holes (I split the front and back and knit back and forth). &nbsp;And obviously mine has a lot of non-traditional shaping. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>The hat, if we want to get very technical, is actually a style called <i>selbu</i>, which is a traditional colorwork style from Norway.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://kelbournewoolens.com/blog/2017/5/stranded-colorwork-vs-fair-isle-knitting">This is an informative article</a> by the designer of the hat, which explains some of the main stranded colorwork traditions. &nbsp;But I think it's fine to call all stranded colorwork fair isle if you like! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980462 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 14:49:34 +0000 Cardiff girl 1980462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That first sweater is. Amazing!You are a fantastic knitter and it looks lovely on you as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980446 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 13:31:45 +0000 Aquamarine 1980446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stunning handknits! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980438 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 13:13:56 +0000 Christina F. 1980438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your “Delft” ’sweater. Just gorgeous on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980430 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 12:47:03 +0000 RobinF 1980430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh I was hoping you would post your sweater! Beautiful! It's a perfect example of how a fair isle can be modern. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980426 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 12:34:42 +0000 Bijou 1980426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can I be on the list too? Beyond fab, honestly I think you could convert anyone to loving fair isle knits with these pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980425 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 12:20:01 +0000 kkards 1980425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG....are you taking orders? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980394 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 08:45:45 +0000 Anonymous 1980394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember this sweater. &nbsp;It is magnificent on you. &nbsp;It is also a testament to your artistic eye and overall skill. &nbsp;</p> <p>I would not have identified this as a&nbsp;fair isle. &nbsp;I always thought they were by definition a certain "cut" or "style." &nbsp; The yoke versus the set in sleeves. &nbsp;</p> <p>I understand now that it has to do with the color pattern. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980378 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 05:53:23 +0000 SarahD8 1980378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my gosh. I just could not love these more. You look fantastic. And I love the idea of a Delft sweater! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980375 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 05:40:10 +0000 Deb 1980375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your knitting skills never fail to me! Beautiful craftsmanship! Joining Janet in the queue if you ever go into business. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980367 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 05:02:27 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1980367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Diana, that sweater is gorgeous on you! One of my all-time favorites of yours, I have to say. I love the hat, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980360 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 04:29:23 +0000 rachylou 1980360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is some fancy knitting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980358 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 04:18:39 +0000 Glory 1980358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are very talented! Beautiful </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980349 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 03:55:15 +0000 karen13 1980349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That sweater is stunning. And the beauty of being a skilled craftsperson is that you can customize something perfectly to flatter (which it does!) and still get the vibe you couldn't find at retail.. It is why I want to sew more. I am a pretty good crocheter, but don't have the patience for knitting, either for getting up the learning curve to develop the skill to make these beautiful piece, or just the amount of time fine gauge knitting takes. Fine gauge crochet is bad enough - I swore I would never use sock yarn again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980336 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 03:27:17 +0000 Jaime 1980336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980308 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 01:20:04 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1980308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember that sweater -- so great on you. And I love the hat, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980299 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 23:20:10 +0000 Diana 1980299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aw, thanks everyone. &nbsp;=) &nbsp;</p> <p>Katerina, yes I made it. &nbsp;I think at this point over 90% of my sweaters are made by me. &nbsp;I almost never buy them any more, with the exception of very fine gauge plain fitted pullovers because those would take forever and are super boring to knit. &nbsp;</p> <p>Thea, I hadn't thought of it that way, but I love it. &nbsp;Delft sweater! &nbsp;</p> <p>I think I need to make another fair isle sweater sometime soon! &nbsp;I have this one in my queue! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980295 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 23:14:49 +0000 Anonymous 1980295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in awe of your knitting skills. Beautiful fair isle. Perfect with jeans for a casual festive look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980221 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 20:07:37 +0000 Ginger 1980221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember you sharing this before! It is gorgeous and fits you beautifully. And like Janet, I would be a customer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980216 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 19:53:36 +0000 Janet 1980216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your knit wear is gorgeous! If you ever go into business, I’ll be lined up to be a customer. YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980215 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 19:48:03 +0000 anchie 1980215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks beautiful , you have great skill. Especially like the waist shape, it fits you perfectly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980198 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 19:08:49 +0000 Anonymous 1980198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful sweater and hat! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980197 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 19:04:39 +0000 Suz 1980197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look lovely, Diana. Your handknits are so distinctive a part of your style.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980196 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 19:03:47 +0000 Thea 1980196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful sweater and looks great on you! I saw it after reading Angie's post in Holland, and though 'Wow, a Delft sweater!' but am even more impressed that you knit it yourself.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980188 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:51:26 +0000 JAileen 1980188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Simply gorgeous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980184 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:47:40 +0000 Thistle 1980184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous pieces. What a pretty and fun sweater.</p> <p>You have *serious* skill! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980179 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:35:04 +0000 Katerina 1980179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Diana, the sweater is gorgeous and you look beautiful in it. What an amazing piece of hand knitt. Have you made it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-modern-handknit-fair-isle#post-1980173 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:25:40 +0000 Angie 1980173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sooo pretty on you. Love the hat too. </p>