This lively course will introduce the basics of color selection for Fair Isle knitting. We will learn about the use of color over the years in traditional Fair Isle knitting and move beyond developing our own personal color schemes. Using the Tamto Mitts from Mary Jane's book Fair Isle Weekend as a template, we’ll analyze how different color combinations can completely change a motif's appearance. Knitting a quick swatch will quickly illustrate new concepts. For inspiration, Mary Jane will bring all her samples from her new book, Grand Shetland Adventure Knits, co-authored with Gudrun Johnston, stacks of colorwork swatches, and extra colors of 2 ply jumperweight yarn to experiment with.

Technique Requirements: knit/purl, cast on/bind off, working in the round, chart reading, have knit a few accessories, easy colorwork

With any color yarn, cast on 48 sts. Work k2, p2 rib for 1 inch. Don't worry too much about what color to use! It's just so you don't spend time in class casting on and knitting the rib. MJ will show you how to change the rib later it if you want to.

Purchase the Tamto Mitts Pattern; a 50% discount code will be sent to those registered for the class. ($3.50 after discount.)

Yarn: Six or more colors of fingering-weight yarn (20–25 yards of each color). More colors will allow for more choice and experimentation. Shetland wool is preferred because of the amazing array of colors, and the unique properties that make it ideal for colorwork. Make sure to have 3 light colors and 3 dark colors. Dive into your stash! Bring extra for experimentation. Mary Jane encourages you to choose your own colors, but there’s no shame in using the colors in the Tamto sample. Note, in class we will be making a swatch and thus you can just bring enough yarn for a swatch.

Needles and Notions: Your preferred US3 [3.25mm] needles for working a small-diameter pieces in the round, dpns or long circular needle for Magic Loop. Stitch markers, tapestry needles, post it note or highlighter tape, and colored pencils (optional).