It's been many years since I did any Fair Isle knitting and my stitches are not very even yet. I just need more practice. I actually had the correct size circular needle for this one, so didn't have to do it on 4 needles like the tea cosy. A circular needle gives a much better effect - I think it was tricky stranding the floats between needles on the tea cosy, which gave a 'bumpier' effect. (That's my excuse anyway!)
I'm sure I knit more tightly than I used to and (close your ears you purists) I never make a tension square. Can't bear it. I would rather make the whole thing again! Well, I guess I would for a 'proper' garment, say, if I ever made Blaithin...
...although I'm unlikely to ever do that in this same yarn. Much too scratchy. And not cheap.
Anyway, the colours I chose for Caller Herrin were not sufficiently contrasting, as I didn't understand the need for that contrast until I knitted the pattern. Also, they looked lovely in the skeins, but rather boring when knitted - the lovely seaweedy shades of green and rich mulberry and damson shades of the contrast simply became school bottle green and maroon when knitted up!
Added to all that it is fairly small (I know - I should have done that tension square) so will probably only fit a child. Next time I'll use a larger needle.
The pattern model looks like this...
...and my next one will too, as I have bought the same colours used originally!
6 comments:
Your not the only one not to do a tension square. I'm afraid I'm a bit guilty too.
You probably don't knit tightly until it comes to Fair Isle. I think all that stranding probably pulls the work a bit.
A shame about the colours all turning out poorly. I think there's a knack to getting the right colours to go and blend together for Fair Isle.
I'll look forward to your next attempt with the recommended colours :)
I love the look of Faisisle, but have never been courageous enough to try it.
G'day Penny. I have a friend who makes Limoncello and I love it, especially over ice cream. Love your latest project. Take care. Liz...
Such beautiful knitting!! I'm in awe of your skills : -)
Loving the Fair Isle Penny. I have a Fair Isle project that I need to start. Never done it before but I'm quite looking forward to the challenge! Yours looks very neat to me and you knitted soooo much.
love Fi x
The hat is looking really good, what a shame about the colours. They did look lovely in the box. I started the lid of the tea cosy but it has gone wonky, I think I am one stitch short after casting off the last steek. I'll undo it and try again.
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