The Joy of Color: Fair Isle Knitting Your Way

by Janine Bajus

Have you always wanted to knit your very own Fair Isle garment, but been unsure how to start? This type of color knitting seems very complex, but The Joy of Fair Isle Knitting Your Way will guide you, step by step, through every part of designing and knitting whatever you dream bold or quiet, traditional or modern, bright or pastel. The author has taught workshops on Fair Isle design to hundreds of knitters. The Joy of Color is her workshop in book form, offering a proven method for starting and finishing a Fair Isle garment. The book is divided into six 1. Getting Started 2. Color 3. Motifs 4. Garments 5. Techniques 6. Getting It Done Each chapter includes case studies of the author's garments, action steps, suggested resources, and inspirational quotes. Also included in the book are stories by 13 students about the development of their garments, sharing their successes and disappointments. This is not a pattern collection, but there are templates for small projects (cap, tam, fingerless mitts, scarf), useful for testing designs. A comprehensive index is included.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction

156 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2016

Reviews

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview on how to plan and execute a fair isle sweater, starting with one's own inspiration, rather than relying on other designers' patterns, which may not be entirely what one actually wants. Richly detailed and illustrated, this book is like having the author at your side encouraging you through every step of your journey. Highly recommended.

[Jillian Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and engaging discussion of Fair Isle knitting and color!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting; I had bought this book yrs ago and hoped to take the workshop, and finally read it. Inspiring for sure, but a bit intimidating just by reading!

[Judi Pfancuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own a lot of knitting books, and rarely do I read them cover to cover. I have read most of Elizabeth Zimmermann's books cover to cover, and I have read The Joy of Color cover to cover. Every page contains valuable insights into Fair Isle knitting, and I'm not a beginner. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Fair Isle knitting and wants to gain confidence modifying and even writing their own patterns.

[Ligaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a ton of craft books, particularly knitting ones, but I shy away from anything color-theory. I'm an artist, I know color, right? My first knit 40 years ago was a Fair Isle child's vest with yarn I had hand-dyed. So, what's left to learn? PLENTY. This one is going back to the library, 3 weeks overdue, and onto my "buy" list. The book is organized in a way I'm not inclined to like. There are sidebars on most every page, plus illustrations, graphic backgrounds, inset photos galore, and the dreaded inspirational quotes. Despite the busy design, the author's voice is steadying and informed. Her step-by-steps take you from a pile of pretty yarn to a roadmap for an amazing garment. Her strong advice to work from a visual color inspiration is a pass for me, but it was interesting to see how the knitters in this book went from inspiration to finished piece. Can't wait to map out a "real" Fair Isle for myself.