This top, featured on the front cover of The Knitter, was inspired by the beautiful traditional Fair Isle patterns which have an enduring appeal.
Horizontal stripes, sometimes produced by strongly contrasting colours in Fair Isle designs, can be difficult to wear and so the choice of colours here is deliberately subtle to minimise this. Bust and waist shaping are design elements also included to flatter.
Fair Isle is so versatile and I imagine this top to be worn, possibly over a voile blouse, with a full pleated “Marilyn Munroe” type skirt or beautifully fitting denims. The yarn used here is very economical and available in a vast range of shades and so you can have fun trying out different colour-ways. Why not buy a few balls of various shades and try swatching in different combinations. One exciting thing about Fair Isle is the completely different look that a change in colour arrangement can produce.
This garment does require a working knowledge of the Fair Isle two colour knitting technique and although knitted flat, stays with the tradition of using no more than two colours at a time. The most efficient way of working is to hold one yarn in each hand – a little tricky, especially on purl rows, but worth persevering. Meantime, knit it up any way that suits you, but most of all, enjoy!