Journal for Weavers, Spinners & Dyers
Nov 13
Fair Isle Knitting, or knitting with two colours at once, is generally considered to be a more advanced knitting technique. It is seen to be tricky because of learning the coordination of controlling both yarns at once, weaving in long floats, and the artistic use of colour and pattern. But, like many things, its easy once you know how. Unfortunately, this book does not have the magic to teach a newish knitter how to do Fair Isle. It starts at a basic level discussing yarns, how to cast on, tension swatches, etc. There are only four pages, showing how to hold the yarns for stranding, and weaving, specifically for Fair Isle. The majority of the book contains stitch guides with patterns for traditional and non-traditional two colour patterns. Most are quite simple, with a few more complex ones using three colours over the pattern. Also included are some simple, quick to make, projects for accessories and childrens clothing. Unfortunately, these are mainly knitted in the flat. Personally, I find purling in two colours more fiddly than knitting, and this difficulty is not covered in the book. Assuming that you have knitted in the round before, Fair Isle can be much easier as a knit stitch.
If you are a new knitter who wants to learn Fair Isle, I would recommend learning by watching someone (in a class or video). I dont think this book gives you enough help to master the coordination and technique.
Myshelf.com
Sept 13
If you admire the intricacy and timelessness of Fair Isle knitting but think it looks too complicated, this book might just be what you need. It promises to be very easy, with step-by-step instructions, easy projects and all the information you require to get started. But is this all true? I was impressed by the user-friendly layout of this book. It even starts out by showing you how to use it for the best results, and is divided helpfully into three sections. These are the basics of knitting, the patterns and finishing techniques. Each section is divided into a number of lessons, twenty-eight in total taking you from things like understanding yarns and ball bands and having the right kit to aftercare. In between you can actually learn to knitfrom casting on to the basic stitches you need to learn in order to do this style. If you are a quick learner you might be able to truly get all you need to know to make the projects, but most people would probably be better off learning the nuts and bolts of knitting elsewhere and getting a few plain projects under their belts first. There are some very clear diagrams in here, some of the best I have seen, and a particularly informative and simple guide to working out tension. The patterns themselves come with a handy guide to what they all look like on two pages, and each pattern is easy to follow and starts from the simplest, getting harder throughout the book. The projects come after a set of related patterns and give you a chance to practice what you have just learned while making something attractive and useful. A childs cardigan, hat and scarf set, bag, throw, mug hugs and my favorite the hot water bottle cover are some examples. Finally you can learn how to block, press and look after your new items as well as add beads and buttons or make simple trims like pompoms and tassels. I dont think I have seen many knitting books that explain what you actually need to know better than this one, very highly recommended.
Machine Knitting Monthly
June 13
Former editor of MK news, Lynne has put together a clear step-by-step guide to hand knitting Fair Isle. She includes masses of useful charts and colourways to inspire every machine knitter. Whilst ideal for electronic machines, many of the charts can be transferred or adapted slightly for punchcard knitting.
Yarnwise
Issue 60
This is an essential guide for those who may be a little apprehensive about Fair Isle as Lynne Watterson provides easy step-by-step instructions and stitch patterns to build your confidence. The book is divided into lessons, from knowing your knitting kit, yarns and knitting basics to the ever important colour choices when knitting Fair Isle: increasing, circular knitting, adding beads and weaving. A wide range of stitch patterns are featured, including corrugated ribbing, seeding (which produces beautiful heart shapes), Fair Isle bands and the Fair Isle patterns themselves. The book also showcases 11 easy-to-follow projects so you can test your newly-acquired skills. The patterns have nice clear charts for easy reading and the book is must-have for the next step in knitting.
Mollie Makes Magazine
Issue 25
Let Fair Isle expert Lynne Watterson help you master the basics of this technique with her new book. Learn how to read patterns, use circular needles and most importantly what to do with all those fiddly yarn ends. We can't wait to get started on tons of vintage-style looks.
Knitter, The
Issue 55
If you've yet to try your hand at stranded colourwork, or if you'd just like a decent stitch guide to classic Fair Isle motifs to help with your own designing, this book is a great buy. Lynne Watterson covers all the basics in a series of lessons, from holding the yarns, stranding and weaving, to the importance of tension and how to read charts. A range of 11 simple patterns helps you to practise each technique.
Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts
Jan 13
This is the second in the Very Easy Guides. The introduction includes all about yarn, colour and materials to get you started. The knitting basics section is illustrated with excellent line drawings showing basic techniques and stitches. The stitch guide takes up the majority of the pages. There is a two page colour overview of all the stitch patterns included. Each stitch is described and illustrated in colour, there is also a small chart showing the pattern for those who prefer to work from charts. The book is set out as lessons, 28 of them in all. The final lessons are on beading, finishing and more. There are projects to use your new found skills every step of the way. I particularly liked the fingerless gloves and the beret. I really liked this book, but didn't feel it stretched the subject and that a lot of the patterns were too basic. However, it is aimed at the beginner, so I think it hits the target well. It has a good, constructive approach.
