Free Pattern: Boreal Headband

I created a new project and pattern for my most recent two-handed stranded colorwork class.  I am now offering this pattern as a free download at my Ravelry Pattern Store.

The double layer headband was designed as a teaching project in two-handed, stranded Fair Isle knitting. It could also be used for swatching your colorwork knitting in-the-round as you check gauge for a larger project. There are two versions: one for worsted weight yarn and one for bulky weight yarn. 

© Carolyn Kern

Pattern: Boreal Headband by Carolyn Kern

Worsted weight version made with Cascade Yarns Cascade 220,

100 yd (91 m) MC, 30 yd (27 m) CC

 US 7 (4.5 mm) and US 5 (3.75 mm) needles

© Carolyn Kern

Pattern: Boreal Headband by Carolyn Kern

Bulky weight version made with Cascade Yarns Eco+,

50 yd (46 m) MC, 30 yd (27 m) CC

 US 10 1/2 (6.5 mm) and US 10 (6 mm) needles
 

Though, I will always think of this technique as "Fair Isle", this is not entirely accurate.  Here is an interesting quote from the Wikipedia article Fair Isle (technique), as it appeared on April 21, 2013:

"Some people use the term "Fair Isle" to refer to any colourwork knitting where stitches are knit alternately in various colours, with the unused colours stranded across the back of the work. Others use the term "stranded colourwork" for the generic technique, and reserve the term "Fair Isle" for the characteristic patterns of the Shetland Islands."

For some time now, I have been planning to post a short "Stranded Colorwork Tutorial".  Look for this in the not too distant future.