Day/Date/Time:
Sunday, 4/11/2027 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Agenda:
Tea and scones from 9:00 to 10:00 am; Class Sessions from 10:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 3:30 pm; Participants are on their own for lunch or may order Jimmy Johns with the group for delivery (please have correct cash for your meal).
This event is a learning event with proceeds donated to the Shetland Peerie Makker program that teaches youngsters in Shetland to knit. Led by volunteers, children learn at after school programs. Our donation helps keep this tradition alive in a very real way. Meanwhile, on this side of the ocean, we will be learning, too.
We have options for those that would like to learn to knit in the Fair Isle style, those that would like to step up their glove and mitten knitting skills, and those who want to fine tune their understanding of color interaction. There will be goodie bags for each participant. and most of your tuition (and all of your contributions) are forwarded directly to Shetland to support the SPM program.
Fee
$75.00
If you cannot attend, but want to support this important knitting cause click on the drop down menu to make a donation that will be forwarded to the Shetland Peerie Makkers.
Volunteer Instructors
Mary Brandau, Cherie Cornick, Debbie Wood, Joan Sheridan. Mary, Cherie, and Debbie are all certified TKGA Master Hand Knitters.
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Introduction to Fair Isle with Debbie and Mary
This is an excellent opportunity to give Fair Isle Knitting a try. Mary and Debbie have started many knitters on the Fair Isle knitting path. The small class size and plus two experienced teachers ensure that you will get all the help you need to be successful. Fair Isle knitting is fun and rewarding when you know the basics.
Required Supplies/Equipment/Books
Needles in sizes US #1 and US #3 for knitting a hat in the round (most knitters opt for 16” circulars), tapestry needle, and locking stitch markers. Select two contrasting colors of Shetland jumper weight yarn (J&S or Spindrift). You will also need a spare set of any size/length of US #3 needles (no single pointed needles).
Prerequisite
Must be able to knit and purl while working in the round.
Pre-Class Prep
Decide if your dark or your light color will be the background. Knit headband ribbing as follows: Using smaller needles and background color, work six rounds 2x2 (knit two, purl two) ribbing. Switch to larger needles and increase as follows in round 7: k9, m1, (k14, m1) 9 times, k9 (154 sts). Leave on needles and bring to Fair Isle Day.
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Thumbs and Fingers in Shetland Gloves with Cherie
Gloves can seem to be a mysterious and daunting accessory to knit but knowing some techniques can make them surprisingly easy. In 2025 we worked on understanding thumbs and gussets. This year we’ll review the technique for closing the gap in an after-thought thumb and apply that to closing the gaps in fingers. The pattern provided will offer options for open or full fingers. You can choose to come with the hand of the glove complete and ready to put in the fingers and thumb or with a swatch that will allow you to practice the techniques. We will have a fun day expanding your Fair Isle skills and thinking of the Peerie Makkers in Shetland.
Required Supplies/Equipment/Books
The sample in the photo uses one skein of 315 Heron (MC) and less than half a skein for 1400 Mirrydancers, 122 Granite, 104 Natural White, and 525 Crimson. Feel free to use these colors or select your own. You may choose to use just 2 colors to make it simpler. You will also need US #1.5 and US #2.5 needles for the style of circular knitting that suits you.
Prerequisite
You need not have taken Cherie’s past classes at Fair Isle Day to attend this class, but you must be a relatively experienced knitter with Fair Isle/stranded knitting and small diameter knitting experience.
Pre-Class Prep
Knit the entire hand with waste yarn where the thumb will be inserted or knit the swatch for thumb and fingers. The pattern for the gloves and alternative swatch will be forwarded to you when you register or about two months prior to Fair Isle Day (whichever is later).
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Fair Isle Day Doodle Hat with Joan
Using Doodle designs mingled with traditional Fair Isle designs, we are each going to make a unique hat. Nothing to be afraid of—the math has been (mostly done) and you will be provided with a template that just needs YOUR pattern added. We have the whole wall of Shetland jumper weight yarn from which to draw inspiration. The cool thing about adding Doodle designs is that you can totally customize the hat for YOU. Going to Dublin or Edinburgh? Make a travel hat. Love cats or dogs or farm critters? Have them run around your hat! This will be super fun. If you have knit Fair Isle, you can do this! Limited to 7.
Required Supplies/Equipment/Books
Bring your collection of Spindrift and J&S jumper weight for help in making hat decisions, US #1 and US #3 needles to knit a hat in the round (or your usual size needles for working Fair Isle), scissors, stitch markers and usual knitting kit. Plus, a Doodle Deck or one of the Doodle books or pattern sets (check our website for what is currently in stock - options rotate). Bring any Fair Isle motif books that you may have (Joan will have plenty available, should you not own any).
Prerequisite
Must have worked the Fair Isle knitting technique before and be ready to go on a colorful adventure.
Pre-Class Prep
Gather your supplies and look through the motifs/patterns and use a sticky note to mark ones that have caught your eye.
