When did Fair Isle knitting originate?
It is thought perhaps that the heyday of the style comes from the 1920’s. What is for sure however, is that the fair isle style has constantly changed throughout its history and continues to evolve today as a new generation of knitters and designers is influenced by the world around them.
Where did Fair Isle come from?
Fair Isle knitting originated on the remote island of Fair Isle – a tiny jewel in the ocean lying midway between the Orkney and Shetland Islands to the north of Scotland in the UK, at the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea.
Who invented Fair Isle knitting?
The 17 households on the island took the sailors in. That much is true, and documented. The knitting story is that, in return, the Spaniards taught the islanders the brightly colored patterned knitting now known as Fair Isle.
Who owns the houses on Fair Isle?
the National Trust for Scotland
‘ Fair Isle, which was once home to 400 people, is owned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). Most islanders have a croft, supplemented by a diversity of business activity.
How old is fair isle?
Fair Isle was first populated around 6,000 years ago, and evidence of some of its early inhabitants is still visible today, including Neolithic land divisions, Bronze Age ‘burnt mounds’, and an Iron Age fort at Landberg.
What is fairisle jumper?
“Fair isle” refers to a type of knitwear pattern – named after the island in Shetland – which, in its traditional form, has a restricted palette of four or five colours.
How old is Fair Isle?
Why are there no trees on Fair Isle?
There are numerous shelter belts around the islands and many gardens have a good selection of trees and shrubs. The real reasons for the lack of trees are to do with clearance for firewood and the presence of sheep, which have prevented natural regeneration.
Why is Fair Isle Knitting called that?
Fair Isle (/fɛəraɪ̯l/) is a traditional knitting technique used to create patterns with multiple colours. It is named after Fair Isle, one of the Shetland islands. Fair Isle knitting gained considerable popularity when the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) wore Fair Isle jumpers in public in 1921.
Are there cars on Fair Isle?
Fair Isle can be reached from Grutness Pier on the southern tip of Shetland by the mail boat Good Shepherd IV, or twice a month in the summer from Lerwick. There is no need for a car.
How many Shetland Islands are there?
100 islands
Shetland Islands, also called Zetland or Shetland, group of about 100 islands, fewer than 20 of them inhabited, in Scotland, 130 miles (210 km) north of the Scottish mainland, at the northern extremity of the United Kingdom.
What are Scottish sweaters called?
First, a quick note about what Shetland sweaters are (and aren’t) – Shetland sweaters are knitted from Shetland wool, which comes from sheep in the unsurprisingly named Shetland Isles, a remote area in Scotland. These sheep are known for their fine, hard-wearing wool, which makes for excellent knitwear.
Where is the Fair Isle Island in Scotland?
Fair Isle (/ ˈ f ɛər ˌ aɪ l /; Scots: Fair Isle; Old Norse: Friðarey; Scottish Gaelic: Fara) is an island in Shetland, in northern Scotland. It lies about halfway between mainland Shetland and Orkney. It is known for its bird observatory and a traditional style of knitting. The island has been owned by the National Trust for Scotland since 1954.
Where did the Fair Isle sweater get its name?
WHERE IT’S FROM: The Shetland Islands, located off the coast of Scotland. The island strip consists of 20 different islands, one of which is called FAIR ISLE and is only about 6 square miles. Because this knitting design was born here, it was named after this island.
How many people live on Fair Isle Island?
The island strip consists of 20 different islands, one of which is called FAIR ISLE and is only about 6 square miles. Because this knitting design was born here, it was named after this island. Today, the island has approximately 70 inhabitants living on its southern tip.
What are the main activities of Fair Isle?
Fair Isle is also noted for its woollen jumpers, with knitting forming an important source of income for the women of the islands. The principal activity for the male islanders is crofting. In January 2004, Fair Isle was granted Fairtrade Island status.