Fair Isle Knitting and Textile History

2:00pm - 8:00pm, Friday, November 20,2026

Learn to knit Fair Isle style stranded colorwork with textile historian Dr. Jennifer Daley, who lived and worked in Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland.

All knitters and skill levels are welcome in this class!

Whether you’re new to stranded colorwork or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop is all about learning, creating, and connecting through the rich tradition of Fair Isle knitting.

We’ll explore color selection, managing floats, reading charts, and techniques for smooth, even tension — all while working on a beautiful Fair Isle project you’ll be proud to wear.

You’ll receive hands-on instruction, guided support, and a cozy space to learn at your own pace.

Students are required to purchase one Fair Isle knitting pattern of their choice at www.knittingjenny.com, which they will be knitting during the class.

Bring to class your Knitting Jenny pattern, yarn and needles, and we will knit our way through the class!

The class includes:

All Fair Isle knitting instruction delivered in person by textile historian Dr. Jennifer Daley, who lived and worked in Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Fair Isle knitting tips, tricks, and techniques
A guided exploration of traditional Fair Isle patterns and motifs
An explanation of ideal yarn properties for Fair Isle knitting
A discussion of Fair Isle knitwear design, including color dominance and color theory
A presentation of Fair Isle textile history and Shetland knitting tools
A Fair Isle knitted hat-blocking explanation
A steeking discussion on how and why to safely cut your knitting

Beware, there is homework! Prior to class, the “homework” in preparation is to cast on and begin knitting your Knitting Jenny pattern ---- and knit your project until the Fair Isle patterning begins.

When we meet in person in class, we will all begin knitting our Fair Isle stranded colorwork together.

That way, during class we can focus on Fair Isle knitting techniques, rather than spending time casting on or ribbing.

If you cannot (or do not want to) complete the “homework” prior to our class it is ok, not ideal, but ok!

We want to encourage students to start the pattern before class, so that our in-person meeting time is most productive. What you do is your choice, of course!

This class requires a minimum of 15 students

Registration and Cancellation Policies

If you prefer to register over the telephone, please call Quixotic Fibers at 903-564-3740.

If the minimum number of students have not signed up 3 days before the class, we will unfortunately have to cancel the class. We usually require a minimum number of students only for classes where the instructor has to travel some distance. If we have to cancel a class, you will be notified 3 days in advance and will be given a full refund.

Cancellation: There is a $2 cancellation fee. At least 3 days' notice is required for cancellation without additional charges. Cancellations with 24-72 hours' notice are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice are not refundable.

Fair Isle Knitting and Textile History

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