Every year I like to learn a little something new about knitting. Fair Isle knitting looked so beautiful and complex, but beyond the grasp of intermediate knitters like me. To my delight, I received a copy of Fearless Fair Isle Knitting by Kathleen Taylor. Not only does it have 30 original sweaters, socks, mittens and more, but there is a whole section of introduction, “Taking the Fear Out of Fair Isle” to help get the fearful started.
Fearless Fair Isle Knitting by Kathleen Taylor,
The Taunton Press, 2011
Retail: $24.95
Fearless Fair Isle Knitting at Amazon
Kathleen tells us that Fair Isle is working with two colors in any given row, actually knitting with only one color at a time. There is a chart to follow to make the pattern. With a little practice, it’s not that difficult to switch between the two colors. The results will make you smile!
I started with a hat pattern. It’s small and gave me a chance to get used to the double strands in my hand. After I got the hang of it, I adapted the pattern charts to make my own twist on the book’s designs.
The book is full of beautiful projects and patterns to choose from. It gives instruction for more advanced Fair Isle as well. It talks about “steeking” and gives steps for steek construction. I think I’ll save that part till next year. I hope the men in my family enjoy their Fair Isle hats for Christmas.
Kathy Varis is Heather’s mother, and a lifelong crafter.
Disclosure: review copy was provided, affiliate link
7 Comments
Cindy C
The “Dollar Store Crafts” is one of my first go to site in my Google reader each day. I love the unique ideas presented on a tight budget. I am scratching my head wondering though how this article about a $24.95 dollar book made it into the list? The hats are gorgeous but I am hoping this is not going to be a trend for the site. Just my opinion and not wanting to be critical but if I want book reviews I can get those elsewhere.
Thanks for such a great blog.
heather
@cindy Thanks for your input. Part of the fun of Dollar Store Crafts is that we cover a variety of topics. That also means that what appeals to me (or other readers) might not always appeal to you. Hopefully we still provide a 90% overlap in things that DO appeal to you.
I appreciate you taking time to share your comment!
Shelly
Thanks for the review on this book. I love to knit and jumped into colorwork without the knowledge on how to do it. This book would have come in handy I’m sure and may still help me with all that I did wrong the first time. I haven’t seen this book before so I’m grateful for the review! Thanks!!
Little Bird
A Dollarama in my city has been selling yarn for a while now but recently they’ve begun carrying $2 scarf knitting kits! They come with 3 small balls of eyelash yarn, a pair of plastic size 6 needles, instructions and a reusable bag.
So it is kind of neat seeing anything about knitting here.
A little OT: I love that the site is successful and attracting business. I actually enjoy the reviews – to see how a product might be used! I do agree with Cindy that it sometimes seems incongruous with the “dollar store” aspect of the site.
The solution would be to try to find ways to tie the product in with the site rather than tying the site in with the product. Take this book for example – you could have begun the article with a tutorial on making your own knitting needles (a dollar store craft!), included a picture of a project made with those needles and concluded with the book the pattern came from.
Either way I know it’s a lot of work to post as frequently as this site does. I love everything done here. Thank you so much and may you continue to gain success!
sister sheri
Kathy!!! Those hats are BEAUTIFUL! Just wondering if they are for you or for your precious grand babies?
Heather — What I find TOTALLY hilarious is that your site is soooo amazing AND successful that it has been featured nation-wide and yet there are those who feel the need to “help” you make it better or they threaten to go elsewhere.
And what blows my mind EVEN MORE is that this book was provided FREE for Kathy to review. Hmmm… FREE books for reviewing sounds even cheaper than $1.
Making knitting needles??? You can get cheapo needles anywhere. They are on sale or use a craft store coupon… or even better yet stop by a thrift store OR ask your grandma and borrow hers.
Sorry, but I’ve only had one cup of coffee this morning.
I love this site… and even more so, I love Heather and Kathy and their wonderful and very creative and passionate family!
heather
Thanks everyone for the spirited discussion! Rest assured, we always feature 7 dollar store craft ideas every week. If we post a seemingly off-topic post, we are just adding additional content not replacing the content you have grown to love.
Kathleen Taylor
Thank you so much for reviewing my book. I love love love how you adapted the patterns and charts to your projects. That’s exactly what I want knitters to do with my books. Your work is lovely!
And don’t be afraid of steeking- it’s easy. Honest!