Description ~ Fair Isle Tams

This Fair Isle class is for knitters who would like to venture into two-color knitting but haven't had the chance. A small tam comprised of ribbing, a border pattern area, and the wheel area will be knitted on double points or a circular needle, in four colors, although never more than two in a round. The class will end with a discussion of alternate ribbing treatments and designing a tam.

Materials Needed ~ Fair Isle Tams

•     Four colors, 1 to 2 oz. each, of worsted weight, solid-colored wool yarn.  Be sure there is some contrast between each color.  Space dyed yarns, heathered yarns and fuzzy yarns will obscure the patterns and are not recommended.

•     16" circular needles in size 5.0 mm, and one set (8" or shorter in length) double pointed needles, in sizes 3.75 mm and 5.0 mm.

•     Tapestry needle, scissors, st markers

•     Sticky notes or magnetic board to keep your place on the chart

•     Optional: colored pencils that correspond to the yarns you've chosen to color on the chart, if you don't like working with chart symbols.

Note:  Knitters who prefer and are proficient in working with 2 circulars or Magic Loop instead of double pointed needles, may bring the appropriate needles.

Homework ~ Fair Isle Tams

The Ribbing:  With size 3.75 mm double pointed needles and your chosen main color yarn (one of the darker colors, or your choice!), cast on 74 sts.  Slip on marker, join circularly and work k1, p1 ribbing for 1 inch.