Hand Knitted Fair Isle Purse

In Shetland, we have a tradition of hand-knitting.  When I was at primary school in the 1980's we were lucky enough to have classes in knitting each week.  Now it comes down to volunteers to go into schools with Peerie Makkers to teach the traditional knitting techniques.

It was whilst volunteering at Peerie Makkers that I came up with the idea of making the  Hand-knitted Fair Isle Purse.

I hand-knit each purse flap using Shetland Wool using traditional Fair Isle knitting charts.  I use the colours of Shetland as inspiration for each variation of the purse flap.  There are only ever two purses with the same colours and pattern combination.  So if you have one purse there is only ever one other out there that is the same.

The purse features:

  • 2 cash slots
  • 3 compartments
  • 1 zip pocket
  • magnetic clasp
  • Denim outer
  • Cotton interior

I've had customers from all over the world buy Fair Isle purses, especially during Shetland Wool Week (if you knit its a must-do trip)