The Art of Fair Isle Knitting: History, Technique, Color & Patterns (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fantastic book if you're even remotely interested in Fair Isle Knitting. First Reaction: Thorough—history, design, and patterns. The perfect triumvirate."  —knittingscholar.com

Product Description

An art historian and practicing fiber artist, author Ann Feitelson has visited the Shetland Islands often to bring this distinctive knitting style to life. The background sections are lavishly illustrated with color photographs of historic Fair Isle garments; Fair Isle color theory is demonstrated with actual knitted samples; and the more than 20 original Fair Isle garments by Feitelson are illustrated with both color photos and color charts.

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Product Details Hardcover: 184 pages Publisher: Interweave Press (March 1, 1997) Language: English ISBN-10: 1883010209 ISBN-13: 978-1883010201 Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches Shipping Weight: 2 pounds Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #564,844 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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More About the Author

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Look Inside This Book

Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover

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Citations (learn more)

1 book cites this book:

• A Passion for Knitting : Step-by-Step Illustrated Techniques, Easy Contemporary Patterns, and Essential Resources for Becoming Part of the World of Knitting by Nancy Thomas on page 185

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	54% buy the item featured on this page: The Art of Fair Isle Knitting: History, Technique, Color & Patterns 4.7 out of 5 stars (18)
	26% buy Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting 4.9 out of 5 stars (13) $15.16
	9% buy The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques 4.8 out of 5 stars (24) $19.77
	6% buy Traditional Fair Isle Knitting 4.7 out of 5 stars (7) $10.17

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Customer Reviews

18 Reviews 5 star:  (15) 4 star:  (1) 3 star:  (1) 2 star:  (1) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 4.7 out of 5 stars (18 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 59 of 61 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best book available about Fair Isle knitting., April 2, 1999 By A Customer Ann Feitelson brings together, in great detail, everything you will ever need to know about Fair Isle. If you want to design your own or knit one of the many gorgeous designs she presents, or even just get to know the Shetland way of life, you must read this book. There may be other Fair Isle experts, but Ann is truly the master. 35 of 36 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Fad or classic resurgent, January 19, 2006 By  bernie "xyzzy" (Arlington, Texas) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)       At this time it looks as though the art of Fair Isle is making a huge comeback. Books that are out of print are selling for ten times the original price. Old magazines are being sought in every nook and cranny. Newer yarns are now colored to automatically create Fair Isle color patterns. This particular book was written by Ann Feitelson who spent considerable time on the Shetland Islands and short of being a native is the closes you will get to the History, Technique, and Color & Patterns in the art of Fair Isle Knitting. This book is more than just patterns; yet there are some classics of socks, gloves, mittens, scarves, and mostly swatters. The real worth that makes this book stand out from the others is the history with pictures in monochrome and color. You may have to learn a few new terms: Needles = Wires Cast On = Lay on Stitch = Loop A few of the garments also have different names. But their purpose is unmistakable. This book besides being practical is a great addition to any library. 26 of 26 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable book on Fair Isle and Shetland knitting, May 6, 2006 By  J. Kaya "yarn freak" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    This book is a classic. Ms. Feitelson starts off by laying out the history of Fair Isle knitting and progresses to technique and color theory. The patterns that she provided are beautiful in terms of fit and silhouette, not to mention color choices and pattern designs. I have knitted a few Fair Isle articles and I wish I had bought this book first before knitting my caps and socks. This book is a must-have for anybody wishing to embark on the wonderful journey of Fair Isle and Shetland knitting.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 3.0 out of 5 stars Author may be experienced, but not in British style knitting - After having lived 20 years in Britain, and learning to knit there, I looked forward to getting this book. Read more Published 2 months ago by M. Webb 5.0 out of 5 stars Some things never go out of vogue,,,, and this type of knitting is one of them. I have owned this book for years, and have recently pulled it out to make a hat for winter to try my hand at a good fair... Read more Published 4 months ago by Cultured Purl 5.0 out of 5 stars Drool Slurp Smack ....eye candy and instructive too Yes, this is a reprint of a 1996 or thereabouts book, but this is a good thing; knitting books go oop too often and are found at supernatural prices in scant quantities. Read more Published 7 months ago by Joanna Daneman 2.0 out of 5 stars Kind of a disappointment The history content of this book is very interesting, but frankly, the patterns suck. They are intricate in terms of the colorwork, but it's just one boxy sweater after another -... Read more Published 14 months ago by supergirl77 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference & Enjoyable Read Terrific book, excellent book on fair isle, Scotland and well written. Would recommend it for anyone's knitting library. Published 19 months ago by Julia L. Scott 5.0 out of 5 stars I read while I knit I have this book on audio & knit while I listen. The knitting/listening process actually concentrates my attention on both. This is a five-star book! Published 20 months ago by Marie L. Southwick 5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless treasure This is my first book on Fair Isle, and I'm very happy and satisfied with my purchase. The book covers a great deal of history on the art of Fair Isle and the section on color... Read more Published 20 months ago by natknit 5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful book I'm fairly new to Fair Isle Knitting and this book is one I'm glad I purchased. The directions are easy to understand and the book is beautifully laid out and full of color... Read more Published 22 months ago by breadbaker and artist 5.0 out of 5 stars Essential resource This book is an essential resource for anyone contemplating or doing Fair isle type kintting. For beginners it is detailed and easily understood, for experienced fair-isle... Read more Published on November 11, 2007 by P. Newdigate 5.0 out of 5 stars The Art of Fair Isle Knitting Fantastic book with great history and techniques. Important book for my understanding in getting started in Fair Isle Knitting. Published on November 3, 2007 by Lynn Robinson Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883010209
• ISBN-13: 978-1883010201
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #564,844 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best book available about Fair Isle knitting., April 2, 1999

By A Customer

Ann Feitelson brings together, in great detail, everything you will ever need to know about Fair Isle. If you want to design your own or knit one of the many gorgeous designs she presents, or even just get to know the Shetland way of life, you must read this book. There may be other Fair Isle experts, but Ann is truly the master.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fad or classic resurgent, January 19, 2006

By	bernie "xyzzy" (Arlington, Texas) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

At this time it looks as though the art of Fair Isle is making a huge comeback. Books that are out of print are selling for ten times the original price. Old magazines are being sought in every nook and cranny. Newer yarns are now colored to automatically create Fair Isle color patterns.

This particular book was written by Ann Feitelson who spent considerable time on the Shetland Islands and short of being a native is the closes you will get to the History, Technique, and Color & Patterns in the art of Fair Isle Knitting.

This book is more than just patterns; yet there are some classics of socks, gloves, mittens, scarves, and mostly swatters. The real worth that makes this book stand out from the others is the history with pictures in monochrome and color.

You may have to learn a few new terms:
Needles = Wires
Cast On = Lay on
Stitch = Loop

A few of the garments also have different names. But their purpose is unmistakable.

This book besides being practical is a great addition to any library.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable book on Fair Isle and Shetland knitting, May 6, 2006

By	J. Kaya "yarn freak" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a classic. Ms. Feitelson starts off by laying out the history of Fair Isle knitting and progresses to technique and color theory. The patterns that she provided are beautiful in terms of fit and silhouette, not to mention color choices and pattern designs. I have knitted a few Fair Isle articles and I wish I had bought this book first before knitting my caps and socks. This book is a must-have for anybody wishing to embark on the wonderful journey of Fair Isle and Shetland knitting.