Absolute loveliness and soul of the pattern aside, one of most useful things I’ve found working with this book is the instructions on carrying long strands, which has been one of the most frustrating parts of Fair Isle and colour knitting for me.

I knew there was a way to tack a float in as you carried it along, to reduce the chance of pulling or catching it, but every attempt I’d made to follow other instructions had turned out so badly I’d often just woven them in after the fact.

However, this book describes them so clearly and so simply I was encouraged to give it another try and able to follow on the first time through.

The tacking takes a touch longer, but creates a more even fabric with less chance of snagging. It’s beautiful.

This is a skill I will use throughout colour knitting, and I appreciate it.

12/2 - Definitely a Cranberry Slouch Hat with using the thicker weight yarn! Finished everything tonight except weaving in the umpteen ends and can’t wait to see it on my Grandmother during the holidays!

Photos by The Yarn Studio