My Fair Isle Adventure: The Roosty Tank Top

For quite a while, I’ve been drawn to Fair Isle and colourwork in general. I love the interplay of colours, the fabulous patterns, and the way it’s all knitted in the round — and then you cut your knitting!

Until now, I hadn’t been brave enough to tackle anything more adventurous than a wee bit of colourwork around a yoke or sock cuff. Then I fell in love with the Roosty Tank Top by Ella Gordon.

I’d ordered a few of the Shetland Wool Week Annuals over the years, and that’s where I first spotted it. As well as loving the colourwork, I do love a good tank top!

Fair Isle tank top being knitted, laid out with yarn.

Taking the plunge

I’d watched quite a few YouTube videos about steeking, and Kylie, who’s been knitting for much longer than me, was brilliant at encouraging me to give it a go.

I taught myself to hold a colour in each hand, got into the rhythm of the colourwork and thoroughly enjoyed the whole process.

And when it came to steeking? I didn’t even hold my breath. I just got my scissors out and went for it! 😄

My sewing machine and I don’t always get along, and I couldn’t risk another falling out, so I used the crochet method to secure the steek instead.

Making it my own

I’m a loose knitter, so I used the recommended needles but knitted size 2 to aim for a size 3.

My row gauge was quite different from the pattern, which meant following the instructions for the armholes and neckline would have made them far too big. Instead, I measured another garment that fitted me and worked the pattern until I reached the measurements I wanted.

A little bit of improvisation, but it worked!

Finished Roosty Fair Isle tank top on a hanger.

The finished tank top

It’s become one of my most beloved tank tops. The fit is a little wider and boxier than I expected, but I wear it with pride as often as I can.

And I’m rather pleased that cutting into my knitting turned out to be nowhere near as terrifying as I’d imagined!

Gill wearing her Fair Isle tank top outdoors.

Project details

Pattern: Roosty Tank Top by Ella Gordon

Yarn: Vintage Purls — Jessie Wilcox Smith Christmas colourways, December 2023, from an indie dyer in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

Colours: A — dark blue; B — grey; C — copper; D — light grey; E — yellow.

Needles: Recommended pattern needle sizes. Sizing: Knitted size 2, aiming for size 3.

Modifications: Adjusted armhole and neckline placement for row gauge and used a crocheted steek.