I was never more stylish than I was in the days when my mother dressed me, and back then, one of the best pieces in my wee six year-old wardrobe was a rather perfect hand-knit Fair Isle cardigan: red, blue, and white, with big coin buttons. It’s long gone, of course, but it lives on in my mind as the platonic ideal of such things, and I’ve been searching for a suitable replacement for literally decades.
Meanwhile, here’s a cute cardigan at a very nice price.
I like the nubby texture here, and the chill little pop of yellow.
Some of my favorite Fair Isles are ones that take liberties with the design, and this one is pretty excellent in that respect—nice and minimal.
Just a happy burst of primary colors.
I think this is great because it reads like a chunky sweater, but actually isn’t, so it doesn’t add bulk. Here it is in smaller sizes.
I know there’s a lot of yellow in this post today; I guess I’m still really feeling that color after last week’s mustard yellow extravaganza. The dropped, puffy shoulders here are a bold touch.
A nicely subued (and slightly cropped) option from Vince.
The Fair Isle pattern here is reversed out, which is clever.
Black and white is pleasingly graphic here.
I have an irrational fear of tops and sweaters that don’t reveal my collarbone, but I might make an exception for this mock-neck.
The shorter sleeves here streamline this sweater.
This looks like a decades-old handmade vintage store treasure.
This is just kind of happy.
This cardigan is from the Sundance catalogue (where, if you dig, you can sometimes find good stuff) and I think it’s so bright and adorable. On really cold days, I’d layer it over a thin cashmere hoodie.
I just posted a “nordic” sweater on Instagram that I had when I was five years old. My mother was a saver. Instagram account is: candbetty if you want to take a gander (I hope it’s okay that I am posting that!). Not Fair Isle, but close. I’d go for the Sundance cardigan because I need something cheerful.
I still have my hand-knit Fair Isle cardigan from my childhood–it’s tan, blue, grean, black and white, with daisy-patterned pewter buttons. It’s rather moth-eaten now, but I will never give it up. NEVER.
Agree on the Sundance Catalog!
Any more info. on the Fair Isle Pullover in the top photo?
Yes, please!
That’s a street style photo, so I’m afraid I have no idea.
I love the first fair isle cardigan. Where is it from!
Oops. *not a cardigan
I’m sorry, but the Sundance catalogue blows. 🙂
Not for everyone. How about voicing your opinion in a kinder manner?
I think Fair Isle must be an East Coast thing…I’ve never seen anyone here in SoCal wearing one. I’m tempted to get one, and perhaps start a trend?
I was unfamiliar with Sundance until a recent visit to Colorado, and I ended up in their brick & mortar store, and bought a stunning sweater coat. https://www.sundancecatalog.com/product/winding+paths+cardigan.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=&from=fn
Their jewelry is nice, too.
Doooooo it, MaryAlice! Doooooooo it …
I have one tucked away somewhere. It doesn’t fit but I liked it that much.
I’ve found several cool jewelry pieces by Dana Kellin and Jane Diaz.
Verily I like this post. I like the Sundance too.
Any one of these would brighten my day!
Fun! One of these days I might knit myself one. I dug this one from J. Crew too–has a similar graphic vibe to the street style pic IMO: https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/sweaters/pullover/mockneck-fair-isle-cashmere-sweater/K3161
I like the SUNDANCE one. SUNDANCE! Will wonders never cease??
Fair Isle always takes me back to college in my mind, 501’s, clogs and all. Those were the days. I love the slightly sophisticated vibe of the Minnie Rose one! I’m going to check the shop in Montauk where I worked – they carry TONS of Minnie Rose.
So ordering that J.Crew one, the color scheme is totally my vibe. I haven’t looked at the Sundance catalog in ages but I think I’m going to give it a workout this afternoon!