Where did the Fair Isle pattern originally 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.
Why is the pattern called Fair Isle?
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.
What is the Fair Isle pattern?
The Fair Isle pattern is a complex design created by skillfully weaving numerous colored strands into a distinctive motif. It owes its name to ‘Fair Isle’, a tiny island to the north of Scotland in the Shetland archipelago. Just 3 miles long by 1.5 wide, Fair Isle is one of the hidden gems of Shetland.
When did Fair Isle knitting originate?
The earliest objects of “Fair Isle” knitting in the Shetland Museum are two caps that date to the 1860s. The National Museum of Scotland has similar early Fair Isle pieces dating to the 1850s. Both caps in the Shetland Museum; one for a man and one for a woman, are handspun and naturally dyed, and have been used.
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.
Does Fair Isle have an airport?
Fair Isle Airport (IATA: FIE, ICAO: EGEF), is a small airport located in Fair Isle, Shetland, Scotland.
How old is fair isle?
Who does Fair Isle belong to?
The island passed into the ownership of the National Trust of Scotland in 1954. Today, it is home to around 60 people and is a hotspot for ornithologists thanks to its importance as a breeding ground for seabirds, and a stopping point for migrant species.
Is there a pub on Fair Isle?
On the face of it, there isn’t much to do on Fair Isle. There are no pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres or leisure centres, unless you count a tidal rock pool near the south lighthouse.
Is there a ferry to Fair Isle?
How to get to Fair Isle. You can travel by ferry or plane and both must be pre-booked. The ferry ‘Good Shepherd IV’ carries 12 passengers and takes 2.5 hours. It leaves from Grutness Pier at the southern tip of Shetland and once a fortnight (summer only) from Lerwick.
What is a Fair Isle pattern?
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.
Where did the term Fair Isle knitting come from?
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.
Who was the inventor of the Fair Isle sweater?
Flash forward to the 20th century: The “Fair Isle” sweater trend was actually popularized by the Prince of Wales, who wore a Fair Isle design sweater vest (called “tank tops” by the English, much like an American sweater is referred to as a “jumper” in the UK, too) and ignited a trend among his followers and people to do the same.
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.
