"Charlotte Fairlie" and a Fair-Isle Jumper

I started reading Charlotte Fairlie this morning, for the D.E. Stevenson list's current discussion.  I knew for certain that I didn't own it, and ordered it a month or so ago from a bookseller in New Zealand, of all places ($10! $11 shipping! still a bargain, especially for a Stevenson first UK edition), and I had vague suspicions that I had actually never read it before, wh. were confirmed before I was five pages in.  It seems already a classic Stevenson -- witty, generous, perceptive.

I am so pleased to have a "new" Stevenson that I thought I'd commemorate it with a "Knitting with D.E. Stevenson" category, along the lines of the apparently-defunct Knit the Classics.  This is only a virtual knitalong, mind -- although sometimes it might be a real one -- posting a knitting pattern or project that goes with the Stevenson book I'm reading at the moment.  Charlotte Fairlie was first published in 1954, and I know already, from the blurb and the kilted chappie on the dust-jacket, that the heroine travels to Scotland, so something like this --

It isn't "real" Fair Isle, obviously, but it has a Fifties flair to it, with its fitted silhouette and its vividness. This particular jumper is from Skiff Vintage Knitting Patterns' 1950s page.  It's sold out, but the pattern would I think be fairly simple to re-create.  I'm seeing it in Rowan tweeds, actually ...

Comments

[Mary Lou]

Don't forget the circle stitch undergarment to give you that perfect 50's look! Skiff is a fun site, I haven't visited before. Thanks.

[Haya Meyeiowitz]

I have just been introduced to your writing and have throughyenjoy reading it, printed out instructions for your charming sophie lace scarf, many thanks. I am not familiar with the writer D.E> Stevenson, but wonder if you have ever ordered books from the Book Depository on line. They list one of her books on a pre release discount and during the months of April and May all their books have an addition 10% discount. However there biggest bonus for me, living here in Israel is that they add no shipping charges, package and send each book out separately so they often arrive directy to my mailbox and thus do not require my heading over to the neighborhood postal I have no connection with this frim other than as a very satisfied customer.
I want also to note that when attending concerts I often close my eys as you mention doing when listening and viewing via youtube.. All the best and again many thanks, Hay meyerowitzsubstation.