Knitting from Fair Isle: 15 Contemporary Designs Inspired by Tradition

Modern interpretations of Fair Isle knits, including fishermen's sweaters, scarves and gloves, as well as the traditional long hats known as keps



Mati Ventrillon's inspiration comes from the technique of creating patterns with multiple colors that was first used by the women of Fair Isle, one of the Shetland Islands, more than two centuries ago.




Her designs, which have been featured on the Chanel catwalk, are inspired by tradition but use her own modern interpretation of color and pattern arrangement. The book includes fisherman jumpers with high, crew and slash necks, a poncho, neck warmer, cowl and long scarf, fingerless gloves and hand and wrist warmers, as well as the traditional fisherman's hats known as keps.


The patterns demonstrate how to experiment with color and play with backgrounds. They are accompanied by expert tips on yarns and finishing. The book also features stories of the women who spent their lives knitting masterpieces, despite harsh living conditions and inclement weather. Inspirational photography provides a window into life on this most remote of Scottish islands.

Mati Ventrillon was born in Venezuela to a French father and a Venezuelan mother. She trained as an architect and lived in London until 2007, when she moved to Fair Isle. Although she had no experience of knitting, she joined the Fair Isle Crafts co-operative and by the time this dissolved in 2011, she had grown to love the knits so much that she decided to launch her own business.