Knitting From Fair Isle

Knitting From Fair Isle: 20 Contemporary Designs Inspired by Tradition

By Mati Ventrillon

For this captivating collection of 20 beautiful patterns, knit designer Mati Ventrillon drew her inspiration from the colorful designs that were created by the women of Fair Isle more than two centuries ago. Mati's original interpretations of the traditional craft have appeared on the Chanel catwalk — and they can appear in your wardrobe, too, and those of your lucky friends.

Written for experienced knitters, this vibrant guide features projects that range from contemporary versions of sweaters, scarves, and fingerless gloves to a poncho and traditional fishermen's hats. In addition to her step-by-step instructions, Mari includes expert tips on yarns and finishing along with pointers on experimenting with colors and backgrounds. She also presents the real-life stories of women who knitted Fair Isle masterpieces as well as striking photography that portrays the remote Scottish island where this distinctive craft originated. Knitting from Fair Isle blends the practicality of a how-to book with the allure of a travelogue and a journey of self-discovery.

Mati Ventrillon was born in Venezuela to a French father and a Venezuelan mother. She trained as an architect and lived in London until 2007, when she moved to Fair Isle. Although she had no experience of knitting, she joined the Fair Isle Crafts co-operative and by the time this dissolved in 2011, she had grown to love the knits so much that she decided to launch her own business.

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