Pattern Preview for Fair Isle Weekend by Mary Jane Mucklestone

Mary Jane Mucklestone’s Fair Isle Weekend takes you on an exciting trip to Fair Isle, a windswept island in Shetland, famous for its traditional colourwork knitting. During her many trips to Fair Isle, Mary Jane has been fascinated and inspired by the island's rich textile traditions, learning about Fair Isle knitting by looking at old textiles and sharing stories and knowledge around a cup of tea. Now, she has created a gorgeous collection of designs which she would take for a weekend trip to Shetland when a carry-on bag is all you can travel with. The book contains 8 colourwork patterns ranging from small projects like wristlets to yoked sweaters.

Mary Jane Mucklestone is a knitwear designer, teacher and author who has specialized in Fair Isle knitting, also called stranded knitting. Her work has been featured in publications like Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits and various books. Mary Jane has a varied background in art and textiles earning a BFA in Printmaking from Pratt Institute, studying fashion at Parsons School of Design and Textiles and Historic Costume at the University of Washington. With her friend Gudrun Johnston, they host popular once in a lifetime trips to Shetland. Fair Isle Weekend is her fifth book.

Kokkaloorie is a yoked sweater that features a small yoke with subtle colouring to circle the neckline like a collar. 

Kuvvel is a cowl with a twist. The wee twist makes sure it stays in place around your neck when the winds begin to howl. 

The large flower motif is the centre piece of Buness. The classic flat tam shape is achieved by blocking over a dinner plate. 

Maalie is an aran weight hat with simple Fair Isle peerie patterns. The brim is folded double to keep your ears warm and hold the hat in place, even in gale-force winds. 

Lower Leogh is a V-neck, boxy sweater with just a hint of Fair Isle patterning above the waistband. 

For the Veesik vest, Mary Jane chose subtle colours of sandy beaches, pale blue skies and wispy clouds. 

The pretty Tamto mitts mold to your hands with wearing, so you won’t even notice the absence of a gusset. 

Rinner wristlets are super-handy for using up bits and bobs from your stash: tiny balls of leftover yarn become a goldmine of possibilities!