Down the Lane

Are there any fair isle knitters amongst the talented group of people on dtl? I've been reading a lot of stuff recently about Shetland knitting and I've decided I'm going to give it a go. I've always found the thought of all those different colours a bit scary but I've been looking at some beautiful things on Ravelry and thought I'd give it a go.

I want to make this hat but I think my head might explode with the effort before I get to wear it!

http://katedaviesdesigns.com/designs/sheep-heid/

Both Mum and my sister knitted jumpers in fair isle for my BIL , who was a strapping lad (rugby player), beautiful garments when finished but way beyond what I could ever have managed . My old MIL used to knit and sell aran jumpers, they were a work of art too.
Take your time and I betif you want to enough you will master the fair isle bunnet

Julie, think your very brave to tackle fair isle, its something i would`nt mind trying but it looks so complicated. the hat is lovely, don`t forget to when you have don it.

I have done it in the past. Just make sure you don't pull the wool too tight, as you are knitting.
Go for it also another one

I love fairisle - it is fun to do. Enjoy yourself!

I am so impressed (and really quite envious) that you are going to do this It is such a lovely hat!

Although I can (just about) knit, I consider that way beyond my capabilities as, quite aside from anything else, it would take a lot of patience (of which I am sadly lacking at times!).

I can't wait to see the finished photo, and hear how you get on.

I have done it in the past and did enjoy it. As Wendy says, make sure you keep the tension at the back correct. There is a way of weaving in the back wool that is carried along. It gives the back a lovely woven look and well worth doing. Trouble is, I can't remember how to do it.

Well I've started doing a cowl thingy first (thought it might be a bit easier while I got the hang of it) - I guess you need to be organised with your colours and the wool seems to twist by itself but it is looking good - I think I'm doing it right - no obvious holes yet. It's soo slow compared to crochet - patience never my strong point.

Well it's not as difficult as it looks .. I do need to learn how to hold one strand of yarn in each hand to avoid tangles though. It's great though like painting with wool

Wow ...that is beautiful...well done

Isn't that lovely. Clever you

Very pretty - lovely colours. Well done!

That is just so good Julie. You are talented.

That's fantastic! I have never been able to knit and am most impressed by the beautiful things that knitters can craft!