Fair isle in a wide range of colours appears to have made a big comeback. Crew necks, cardigans and tank tops. I used to associate it Granville from Open all Hours but I'm now strangely drawn to them underneath an Ivy jacket. Will no doubt be looking at the sales.

Funny enough I've been looking at Fair Isle vests and sleeveless cardigans myself to wear under a corduroy jacket. I've been out of luck with the Jamiesons as the ones I like are not in my size. I was in Guildford Christmas Eve and there's a Brora shop and I clean forgot to look in there. Too busy thinking about getting to the pub.

"a lovely Jamieson one in pillar box red."

Walking back from the shops today I was very impressed with a pillar box with a knitted top. It's been a feature for a long time, but the top changes with different features and figures on the top. I spotted a couple admiring it and thought they might not be from these shores, but they then walked into a detached house a couple of yards from the box itself.

It has not been vandalised or removed by the authorities and a bit of care for the surroundings is a welcome change from graffiti. I do get nostalgic for shops that only sell wool or net curtains. They are mostly a feature of Northern markets now.

Heroes of Telemark on TV with Kirk Douglas and Co in Norwegian winter jumpers.

I'm tempted along with others here and had a look at Jamiesons, Dick's, The Croft House, ShetlandWoolen, ShetlandKnitwear, Cordings, JS and others.

But know I am unlikely to wear the heavy patterns, so finger still hovering over the button for now.

I think I admire rather than want one really. But I will be getting plain Shetland and Fisherman Rib jumpers, likely from Croft House in future.

Last edited by An Unseen Scene (2025-01-03 14:15:17)

Fairisle patterned sleeveless sweaters (tank tops) were fashionable at one point in the early 70s.

Aside from that its a very British look and seems to be favoured by hipsterish types who are trying to create a pre or post war vibe. I’m sure I’ve seen Henry Cole wearing one in some vintage motorcycle TV program.

I’ve got one in the bottom of the knitwear drawer but it rarely sees the light of day. When I put it on I always feel as if I should be riding off to the Goodwood Revival on an old Raleigh bicycle with rod brakes.

I have a Jamieson fairisle waistcoat. Down the pub I was told by a Glaswegian he had similar as a child. Somebody else said they had a carpet in the same pattern. I still like it. The straight edge is not an issue for me. Leaving the bottom button unbuttoned  almost creates peaks like a traditional waistcoat.

This morning was the annual post Christmas return-of-presents day.

As it was below freezing I decided upon a multi layered strategy that included an old Polo navy based fair isle tank top. As it's Ralph it isn't a genuine pattern or colour way. It's far more subtle and goes well with an old navy cord Keydge and BB chambray shirt.

It's one of the things I most admire about Ralph. He takes the often ill-fitting, loud or boring and makes it far more interesting.