Fair Isle Crochet Workshop
By Natasja Vreeswijk, Search Press, 2020, 80 pages, $16.95
I came across this pattern book in the library and it caught my eye. As one who knits and crochets, I’ve experienced the Fair Isle knitting technique and was immediately drawn into
Natasja’s adaptation of the technique into crochet. As one who prefers to crochet, the vintage style of Fair Isle Crochet Workshop offers lots of gorgeous patterns to make in geometric patterns from blankets, pillows and ottomans to plant baskets, wall hangings and creative bags. The patterns are accompanied by clear color charts and beautiful photographs of the finished projects.
The book begins with a clear explanation of the Fair Isle crochet technique in which several different colors of yarn are used to create geometric patterns. You work with one color and allow the other yarn(s) to be carried throughout the entire piece. In essence, what you’re doing is crocheting around the yarn not in use. This results in the finished work being thicker and stronger than normal crochet. If your row is a single color, Natasja suggests carrying the same color yarn across the row by cutting a piece a few inches longer than your finished row in order to maintain texture and thickness. Since Fair Isle crochet only uses one stitch, it is easy to follow the pattern, and a conversion of UK terms to US terms is included.
Two patterns stood out as I paged through this pattern book—the Scandinavian-style Throw and the Clutch Bag. The black and white base colors of these designs are timeless and clean. The crisp lines make the geometric patterns and rows of color pop. Make in the yarn and color choices suggested or adapt them to fit your personal decor.
Go one step further in crochet while opening up a whole new world of possibilities by utilizing the Fair Isle crochet technique (a derivative of mochila and tapestry crochet) to create any of the 15 projects found in Fair Isle Crochet Workshop. These stunning items are easy to make and will add a touch of style to any room in your home.
Fair Isle Crochet Workshop is available at www.searchpress.com and www.amazon.com.