Next KAL-Fair Isle?

twistedpretty wrote

on Sep 11, 2009 6:55 AM

Kathleen was writing about Fair Isle today. I've been dying to learn/master Fair Isle for sometime now and will be taking a Fair Isle class at Stitches East. I've also ordered the Fair Isle vest DVD. A Fair Isle KAL would be GREAT!

Diane@74 wrote

on Sep 11, 2009 7:50 AM

Kathleen I think a Fair Isle project would be perfect for the coming cold weather. And I vote for a cardigan vest. I have wanted to make one for years. Thanks for your column, Diane 

Maddie wrote

on Sep 11, 2009 8:33 AM

Diane@74:

Kathleen I think a Fair Isle project would be perfect for the coming cold weather. And I vote for a cardigan vest. I have wanted to make one for years. Thanks for your column, Diane 

Kathleen I think this is also a great idea.  I have done fair isle before....infact I have mittens on my needles now but are on the back burner.  This website is the best !  The only problem is that I want to do it "ALL". (  Is there really anything wrong with that?)

Mardi@3 wrote

on Sep 11, 2009 11:34 AM

I'll follow along and read the problems and get the answers that every one gets till I can start on a project like this. I just started the CPH and just finished the back love the pattern first adult sweater So hoping this works out then I'll do the Fair Isle.

DeniseL@14 wrote

on Sep 11, 2009 2:02 PM

I've never really been interested in a KAL but would be onboard for a Fair Isle project!  I've done tons of folk type stranded mittens and hats but not really Fair Isle - the color selection part of the whole thing is what intimidates me most.  The knitting is easy enough and steeking is no problem either.  But figuring out the color combinations...  ack!

Denise

Jenna wrote

on Sep 11, 2009 3:18 PM

I've never been interested in a KAL before, but definitely would try a Fair Isle. 

Would request a tutorial on crocheting the steek (rather than sewing the sides).  Several articles, blogs mention this technique, but I haven't found any specifics.

ArtfulSoul wrote

on Sep 12, 2009 2:27 PM

I am NOT dying to learn Fair Isle.  However, to know if I would like the technique (or not), guess it's worth a try, especially with KAL group support?  Honestly, I generally have disliked projects so far when I do a yarn changes to do simple vertical color panels, so I would be dragging my heels a bit...but perhaps doing the little bobbins and seeing intricate patterns unfold makes Fair Isle more worthwhile.  I am half Norwegian so it should be somewhere in my blood?

verori wrote

on Sep 12, 2009 3:10 PM

I would love to learn how to do Fair Isle! I'm fairly new at this whole knitting thing, but I'm an avid learner. Even if I don't end up making my next project Fair Isle (I'm pretty sure i'll be intimidated by it!), it's something that's worth seeing done I think.

Thanks for sugesting such a great project for KAL! I would never have thought of it on my own.

By the way, like I said, I'm new to this, so is there any place where I can get access to past KAL's?

SharonM wrote

on Sep 15, 2009 1:29 AM

Jenna:

I've never been interested in a KAL before, but definitely would try a Fair Isle. 

Would request a tutorial on crocheting the steek (rather than sewing the sides).  Several articles, blogs mention this technique, but I haven't found any specifics.

I'd be interested in doing a Fair Isle KAL too.  As someone mentioned, choosing colours can be nerve wracking.  

If nobody provides you with any on-line tutorials, I have an article that I'll gladly paraphrase for you, citing the author and publication which I don't think violates any copyright laws.  It is such a practical technique that I don't know why it isn't more widely used.  I think it holds your stitches in place far more securely than sewing.  If the KAL isn't a Fair Isle or is one that doesn't require steeking, contact me privately by clicking on my avatar which will take you to my member bio page.  There is a click-on that says Start a conversation on the left side of the screen right below my avatar.  That will let us discuss this technique via this site.  

Sharon

AporaneeS wrote

on Sep 16, 2009 10:13 AM

I would definitely be in on a Fair Isle KAL.  In fact I have had a kit from Alice Starmore for a couple of years now waiting to be knitted.  I also ordered her re-released book on Fair Isle knitting.  I also noticed recently that there are more Fair Isle patterns in knitting magazines and books so traditional knitting is coming back.  Yeah!  I hope we don't ever go back to eyelashes and such frou-frou again.  How about the Eunny Jung pattern of a Fair Isle vest?  I think the pattern is free on Knitting Daily.  Aporanee

Kathleen Cubley wrote

on Sep 16, 2009 12:19 PM

Maybe we could start on an easy, short project like a hat or something. I'll find an appropriate project and include it in the voting for the next KAL.

Kathleen

Jenna wrote

on Sep 16, 2009 3:51 PM

I just took a hard look at the Ivy League Vest, mentioned by others as a potential Fair Isle KAL. 

If Fair Isle is the next KAL, could the project be something less daunting? I mean,

1. intense chart reading throughout the project

2. complicated stranded colorwork

3. steeks (easy to do, but very VERY difficult to get the gumption to attempt)

I'm comfortable with reading color and stitch charts. Ideally, I'd like a Fair Isle KAL to give me some support on stranded colorwork: I'm working on carrying a color in each hand and also achieving good tension.  So something with bands of Fair Isle would be great, so I could actually keep up with everyone else. 

Personal note:  If I were designing a fully Fair Isle sweater, I'd incorporate some mosaic, just to give myself a little break from the stranded work now and then.  (But then, I am familiar with mosaic colorwork, this might be a challenge for others. Everything's new to somebody: I have a friend who is totally intimidated by picking up stitches; it's outrageous to her to stick the needles through the fabric in this "strange" way.)  Wow, I think I'm just rambling now.

Anyways, my 2 cents:  The Ivy League Vest is a bit overwhelming to me. I'd prefer a project with less going on. 

Kathleen Cubley wrote

on Sep 16, 2009 3:54 PM

Hi Jenna,

See the comment above yours in this thread; my plan is to pick an easier pattern and put it in the running when we vote on the next KAL.

Thanks!

Kathleen

lorrainegd wrote

on Sep 18, 2009 1:53 PM

I would be in for an easy fair-isle project. A hat would be WONDERFUL!!!!

zoomkitties wrote

on Sep 21, 2009 9:39 AM

I am also interested in learning Fair-Isle. I will definitely join in if its a smaller project. I like the idea of a hat and or mittens. The CPH is my first KAL and I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it or not. I must say this has been fun and I'm looking forward to seeing your choices for the next vote.