Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace)

This book is a fantastic resource for someone who wants to knit Fair Isle. It starts with an interesting look into the history of knitting and the way Fair Isle style developed in the islands. The scale of the industry is, and was historically, incredible considering the population. The book then goes on to explain techniques from circular knitting to the terrifying steek in a thorough manner that would enable someone new to Fair Isle to commence their journey into this rewarding craft. The explanations are accompanied by illustrations for those who are more visual learners. I have been knitting Fair Isle for some time but still found some useful tips in this section. Charting is explained with information about how to combine patterns to their best effect, and how to fit them into garments. There is also a comprehensive section about how colours interact with each other again with colour pictures and photographs that illustrate the points made. Next comes a pattern library, this contains black and white dot patterned charts and also a lot of colour photographs of examples of the patterns knitted up, which is very useful as it shows you how to use colour within the pattern to best effect. Finally there is a wardrobe of wonderful patterns including ganseys, sweaters, cardigans, vests, a jacket and a tammy, scarf, mitten and gloves in child and adult size. The techniques section fully explains how these patterns can be used as a base to go on and design your own garments. I would thoroughly recommend this book. It is full of wonderful photographs and is a fantastic read. It is well laid out and highly informative. I am very glad that I bought it.

Oh I just love this book. Received it as a gift from my kids... they know me so well. It tells the history of Fair Isle knitting. But my favourite part are the pages & pages of charts for all the various patterns. Then there are instructions for creating your own patterns!! I can't wait to get creative!

Bought after hearing Andrea talking about Alice Starmore on her Fruity Knitting Podcast. It’s a very good guide for technique. I wanted to know more about steeking but also found the lifted increase diagrams good. Andrea on Fruity Knitting talks about modifying the rather 80’s Starmore designs into more fitted garments which I have found very interesting and great if you’re up for a challenge and an introduction to a bit of design work around some super Alice Starmore fair isle designs.

Why, of why doesn't this type of book come in a spiral binding. The content of the book is fascinating, and the patterns lovely (once you've mastered the measuring system of creating your own patterns) but for actual physical use of the book, i.e. reading a pattern, the print is so close to the inner binding you need to squash the book fully open in order to read it. The spine will quickly become damaged if you make as much use of the book as I'm sure most people will. All that aside, I think this book is an absolute requirement for anybody looking to extend their knowledge of Fair Isle knitting, especially creating your own garment patterns. I know most of the content can be gleaned from the internet but there is so much pleasure to be gained from holding and reading a book. Alice Starmore's style is relaxed and very much 'you can do' so that even though at first glance the drawings look rather daunting don't let that deter you - they are quite straight forward and very clearly explained by the author. It is easy to see why this book has become a classic.

Fantastique book ! It gave me the courage to start my first stranded knitting.

Good collection of Fair Isle graphs plan your creations using your own sweater pattens

Beautiful instructions and diagrams cannot wait to start a project 😀

I don't often write reviews. After receiving this hard back book at a very good price all the way from USA, in excellent condition (far in excess of what I expected) and with no charge for postage, I really felt I should. Thank you VERY much, I am delighted with the service I received and the purchase in all respects.

ニッティングデザイナーさんの考え方というか、メッセージが伝わってきました。英文での編み方（日本の編物本のように図解がない）がわかる人ならば、セーターや手袋などをサイズ別に編むことができるようになっています。 しかしながら、この本の魅力は、作者のフェアアイルニッティングに対する大変大きな愛情でしょう。 個人的には、実際に編まれたパターン＆その着想の元になったらしい風景の写真、この二つを並べて掲載してくれたことがうれしい。また、様々なパターンを掲載してくれているのもうれしいです。 フェアアイル好きの方には、絶対におすすめの本です。

La parte relativa al racconto storico è veramente interessante. Le immagini sono stupende e ci sono tantissimi schemi da cui prendere spunto. Lo stile dei modelli forse è un po' datato, ma con le spiegazioni della tecnica Fair Isle, per altro molto accurata, è possibile creare una infinità di stili seguendo il gusto personale. Consigliatissimo!

Libro esencial para cualquier persona que se dedique a tejer

FÖRETAGET VILL HA DINA PENGAR. DINA VAROR KOMMER DOCK INTE.

Auch wenn die Aufmachung nicht so ansprechend ist, ist dieses Buch ein Grundlagenwerk das jede Stricker*in, die sich für das Vielfarben Stricken interessiert, begeistern wird. Es beinhaltet sowohl kulturgeschichtliche Informationen, als auch Technische, Mustervorlagen, Grundsätzliches zu Farbauswahl und Farbverteilung. Ein wirklich tolles Buch, das es lohnt zu kaufen (bzw sich schenken zu lassen).