About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

The Fair Art Of Stranded Colorwork

Knitting Daily — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:42:22 GMT

Norah Gaughan's Intricate Stag Bag Have you read the comments from Monday’s post ? Oh my goodness

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

CarolG — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 01:17:45 GMT

I'm afraid putting that stranded band at the waist might make it difficult to get on and off...at least for me.
Carol G.

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

Nicholas — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 13:56:44 GMT

Thanks for the beautiful stranded colorwork!

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

JenniferP — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 22:39:12 GMT

Thank you for the pattern! And the informative article!

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

DebM@3 — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 15:31:24 GMT

As a new knitter I was amazed that your were swatching your colourwork section. Just go for it I thought! Then as I was attempting Kitchener stitch for the first time on a finished project that took many hours it looked TERRIBLE, it was wrong. Undid it, researched some more, and knit a practice swatch. My finished project is now looks much better. Thanks for the humbling idea. Better to practice a technique on scrap rather than a project that will have hours of knitting invested.

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

SkyeP — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 14:00:16 GMT

I really really like the bust darts! I also moved the stripe to the waist and I like the idea of adding in some detailing to the neckline - bring the eye up and down around the . . .er fullness . . .and accentuate the waist curve - but had not thought of darts! Very nice!

skye

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

Susan — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 23:28:39 GMT

What a relief to know that there are many experienced knitters who are not expert in the art of stranded color work. I've been knitting for 35 years, and have only done a few small projects involving this technique - some came out better than others. I still don't feel as if these projects are "worthy" of my other work - including cables and lace. What is it about this technique that intimidates so many experienced knitters? Love the blog - I'm always amazed at how close the knitting community is! Good for us!

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

Julie@2 — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 22:13:26 GMT

I think the stag would look great on the front of a man's pullover. I'll have to show him to my hubby and see what he thinks.

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

BeverlyP — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:25:02 GMT

I have found that if the strand is going to be carried in back for more than 4 stitches a 'tuckunder' the running color is needed to keep the floats from getting too long, which can easily catch/snag when wearing or washing.

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

MilleF — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:49:08 GMT

how high speed of a connection do you need to see that clip? i have DSL and when i click on that page, all i find is the written blurb an no video. anyone else having the same problem?

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

AnneR — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 03:57:31 GMT

I also recommend the Philosophers Wool instructional clip and knitting the fair isle using that method. It is so easy and none of the floats. Add in a bit of EZ and you have it made!!

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

Paddlersal — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 03:23:24 GMT

It's been awhile since I did a stranded knitted piece, but I loved it! I've always done stuff by trial and error. I was originally told to pick up a new colour from underneath. As soon as I mastered that, I learned to use both the English and the continental methods which assured a lovely back and good tension. I'm old fashioned enought to think the piece should look good inside out as well! I sometimes wrap with my thumb in the way deliberatly to attain a consistant spacing for tension. It works for me. Sally Oo

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

Pinecone — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:22:37 GMT

My second-ever attempt at Fair Isle was greatly improved by knitting in the round--inside out. The tension went from bad to wow with one small change. It is the same chart, same direction, just knitted inside the work on the far side, if that makes sense. FI was something I never thought I could do and was thrilled when I finished the first mitten! Everyone should try some of the techniques listed here and do what works best!

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

SusanL@2 — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:36:37 GMT

I learned continental from Maggie Righetti's Knitting in Plain English. Once you can master the cont purl stitch by holding the strand down with your left thumb, it's all downhill from there. I like bamboo ndls for FI because you can spread out the sts and the ndls grab them for proper floats. If you come to prefer continental, try the little plastic Clover yarn-holder for your left index finger that will keep two strands separate on the left. Could someone write in to tell us how real Shetland knitters hold both strands on the left without gadgets?

re: About That Stripe: Knitting A Fairer Fair Isle

Leah — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:34:59 GMT

I love the stag but, as knit bags just aren't me, I am adding this project to my "gift" list and plan on using it for a pillowcase for my FIL, who is avide wildlife guy.