We are pleased to be the publisher of Mary Rowe’s book, Knitted Tams. The book is now in digital format, and we have added some of Mary’s recent designs. This SPP contains those new tams, as well as the general instructions. It can stand on its own but it also offers those who purchased Mary’s book in the print format to obtain the new tams without having to purchase the full digital version.

Materials: 100% pure Shetland Jumperweight wool is the authentic material to use for a Fair Isle Tam. One 25g (115 yards) ball of each color.

16” circular needles, approximate sizes US#1 (for the ribbing) and US#3 (for the hat). A set of double pointed needles (or a pair of circulars, or one long circular if using Magic Loop) to bring the top to a close (size US#3).

Stitch marker(s).

Gauge: 7 sts = 1” (using larger needles).

Size: About 10-11” diameter for headband, 11-12” diameter for body

The initial sources of inspiration for these tams are Sheila McGregor’s wonderful book Traditional Fair Isle Knitting, and the tam designed by Elizabeth Zimmermann in Wool Gathering #20 (March 1979); now reproduced in color in WG #95 (September 2016). -Mary Rowe, 2021.