Publisher's Synopsis
From the first small items sold to fishermen and tourists in the nineteenth century, to the highly fashionable androgynous sweaters of the 1920s, to the large starry Norwegian patterns popular after World War II, to the hand- and machine-made yoke sweaters of the 1960s and 1970s, Ann Feitelson applies ardent dedication to her research. She leads readers through the history of Fair Isle knitting to an examination of the style's techniques, explicating not only the unique colorways and pattern, but such valuable details as ways to hold the yarn.
An accomplished knitter herself, Feitelson presents twenty-three original Fair Isle designs, and encourages readers to create their own. A chapter on knitting math is both easy to follow and invaluable for planning sizes and patterns, while a glossary of Shetland knitting terms links a way of life that is largely gone with the knowledge and skills that The Art of Fair Isle Knittinghelps to preserve.
Throughout these wonderful colors and glowing patterns, The Art of Fair Isle Knitting conveys an unending sense of price. Pride in the dedication of Shetland knitters. Pride in the creation of exceptional garments. Pride in the work of women. Pride in a knitting style known throughout the world.
