Fairlight Isle is a modern slouchy-style hat of stranded color-work that contains 2 colors per row, as in Fair-Isle tradition. The design pays tribute to the wonderful variety of colors available in the 2-Ply Jumper Weight line, produced by Jamieson & Smith Yarn Wholesalers of Shetland. The brim and crown are knit with the gauge-compatible Supreme Jumper Weight, which features undyed local wool in 9 color-based varieties.

Yarn:
1 color of Jamieson & Smith Supreme Jumper Weight, 60-100 yards
6-8 colors of Jamieson & Smith 2-ply Jumper Weight, 20-50 yards each
(Obtaining one skein for each color used will include yarn sufficient to create 2-3 hats.)
Any wool fingering weight yarn in a variety of colors will work as a substitute for the above, and Spindrift by Jamieson’s of Shetland is an ideal option.
Download the pattern and read the section entitled “Suggestions for Substituting Colors” for more information.

Size: The hat is designed to fit an adult head of 21-23”, but can easily be modified by increasing or decreasing the number of 20-stitch repeats. An increase round can also be omitted to create a less oversized hat.

Needles: 2.75 mm - 3.25 mm 16” circular needles or DPNs are suggested for the hat body, with a smaller needle size for the brim. This is an estimate, and should be tested for gauge and adjusted to reflect the individual knitter’s tension.

The knitter can choose to follow instructions and charts exactly as provided; or use them as a springboard from which to suit to their own tastes. Each chart is numerically coded in an effort to make color substitution easier.

In addition to multiple options for colors themes, instructions are included for 2 different cast-ons, a stranded brim versus a one-color ribbed brim; as well as for a one-color crown or a simple stranded crown featuring a spiral. Charts have been created for both of these optional stranded elements.

As this is a free pattern, you are encouraged to download the pattern for any other desired details.

A note from K.2.The.Moon/ Lisa Maslowe:

This project was borne from an impulse to knit with as many J & S colors as possible. So many combinations waiting to happen! I began with a simple color chart, in order to create a template that would enable me to play with different color combinations.

For several years after learning to knit, I avoided any pattern calling for more than one color. I was truly daunted by stranded colorwork. But as soon as I gave it a try, I realized it was no more difficult than knitting with one color. And as I have a background in painting, it soon occurred to me that this was basically a way to paint with yarn. And it was truly addictive!

I started to help out at the internet yarn shop, Fairlight Fibers, in early summer of 2021, and that was how I became introduced to Jamieson & Smith yarns. I was already fascinated with Shetland, as I love reading mysteries that take place in that region. I became enamored and intrigued by the colors available in 2-ply Jumper Weight. Meanwhile, something about the feel of the Supreme Jumper Weight, and the knowledge that each color was derived from actual sheep (ACTUAL SHEEP!), caused me to perceive a special magic therein.

“Attending” the virtual Shetland Wool Week in September 2021, I was further captivated by the heritage, craft, and history of Shetland. I wanted to express my attraction to the region, and to pay tribute to the seemingly unending glorious colors developed by J & S.

I learned so much throughout the process of designing this hat. I knit 12 hats, and with every one, I found a way to improve on the last one. This made it very difficult to commit to a certain combination of elements-- and if you read through the pattern, you’ll see that I never managed to narrow things down to one design. Instead, I hope that people will be able to use the bits and pieces they choose; or that, if inclined, my charts and instructions will allow someone to replicate one of the designs.

I approached one of the Fairlight Fibers customers to ask if she would be willing to test-knit this hat. I believe it was a truly serendipitous moment, as Carol Tsang took on the task with the focus and commitment of a paid tech-editor. I feel significantly more confident in the quality and cohesiveness of this pattern, thanks to her contributions.

The Fairlight Isle Hat is the second collaboration between K2TheMoon and FairlightFibers.com-- a small business on-line yarn shop. In addition to Jamieson & Smith, the shop carries fine yarns manufactured by companies in Denmark, Sweden, England, and more. See fairlightfibers.com for more!