gallery & testimonials

“My Fair Isle knitting holiday with Marie was just wonderful. I learned so much about machine knitting and I now have the confidence to use the machine I inherited. Marie is so patient and sorted out my mistakes for me which meant I managed to produce a lovely cowl, wristwarmers and a headband and I’m sure I’ll be able to transfer all I learned and make things by myself.

Add to the learning the warm welcome, the fabulous food, and the range of other things Marie arranged for me to do and see and it was just the perfect knitting holiday. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone!”

Mary R.

“Though I thought myself an experienced machine knitter, I haven‘t played with the original carriage on my machine much, mostly I just use the intarsia carriage. Marie taught me tricks that no manual will teach, and explained the levers in the carriage better than anyone else on YouTube that I have watched. I thoroughly enjoyed being on Fair Isle, meeting the locals and learning about life there. Marie‘s home cooked meals were excellent. Every time I wear my Fair Isle Jumper I remember all of my fond memories of my time there with Marie. I also very much appreciate Marie’s design help.”

Emily R.

“I spent 7 wonderful days on Fair Isle on a knitting holiday with Marie in July 2021 – and loved every moment of it. Marie balanced the week’s activities perfectly to give me both a good understanding of the process of knitting Fair Isle by machine, and a real feel for life on Fair Isle. I met other Fair Isle residents, saw the whole island, visited the lighthouse, was lucky enough to take part in Sheep Hill and help shear some sheep – and still we had ample time on the knitting to choose pattern and colours, learn the process, and knit and finish my chosen project. Marie is a great teacher and very knowledgeable on machine knitting. The accommodation at Taft cottage is beautiful and comfortable, Marie is a very welcoming host, and her cooking is amazing. All in all, a fantastic holiday, and 7 days flew by. I left with a finished fair isle cowl, hand warmers and two hats – as well as the knowledge to machine knit and finish fair isle items on my own. Also, a strong desire to visit Marie and Fair Isle again in the near future. Highly recommend this holiday.”

Jane M.

“I highly recommend Fair Isle with Marie Knitting Holiday! From beginning to end, my experience was phenomenal. Marie is a true professional who walks you through the design process; lends her expert eye in color selection and customizing a garment to fit your needs. She is a gracious host who has opened her home and made the knitting machine experience comfortable and motivating. Every meal Marie prepared for us was delicious and unforgettable (a favorite of mine was the lemon cake!) During breaks, we had time to walk around the island and take on breathtaking views at Marie's recommendation. A knitting holiday set on Fair Isle was a dream come true for me. Thank you, Marie for your positive attitude, professionalism, and your genuine love for Fair Isle and knitting. “

Lorraine C.

“One of the most wonderful experiences of my life! A mix of everything I love...travel, nature, wildlife, learning a new skill through creating, making new friends and eating the BEST food ever. :) Marie is an excellent host. She has tremendous knowledge and skill with colour, design and machine knitting. She's a patient and structured teacher. She's also a super cook. :) I would urge anyone to go on this holiday, you'll have the best time.”

Rebecca S.

“My sister and I had a magical time with Marie on Fair Isle. She is a superb host and great teacher. We learnt so much about knitting on a machine and finishing, as well as coming away with a greater understanding about Fair Isle and its culture. Marie's cooking is amazing! I highly recommend booking with Marie - you'll have an amazing time.”

Mary H.

“My sister and I had a week in Fair Isle with Marie in 2022. We had a wonderful time, the weather was gorgeous and Marie proved to be an excellent host. She expertly guided us through the intricacies of Fair Isle knitting and patiently helped us with the knitting machines. And the "cherry on the cake" was Marie's superb, gourmet cooking. What a week! Merci mille fois!”

Helen W.

“Staying with Marie, in her home, experiencing her way of life is like no other “holiday” you will ever experience. Transport to and from the island is unique and at the whim of the weather. Be prepared for a proper adventure to a remote and friendly isle, Fair Isle.

The joys of running a knitting holiday business, along with contributing to island life as a retained firefighter, as well as being an island crofter with sheep to look after, as well as dealing with the everyday challenges that living on Fair Isle brings could be overwhelming for some, but Marie is full of warmth and has such a passion for her way of life that is infectious. Given the choice, I would never have left!

Knitting, looking after the sheep, running over the hills to catch sheep, seeing Orca swimming past, catching the last glimpses of the Puffins in late August and being part of a Storm Petrel survey will be treasured memories forever.”

Christina H.

“Our long-awaited knitting holiday was postponed for 2 years due to COVID. But when we finally in June '22, after an additional week's stay on the other islands of the Shetlands, we finally landed on Fair Isle with that small plane, our dream came true. In the following week under the guidance of Marie, we get on track with Fair Isle knitting on the machine. But just as surprising was her cooking with which she surprised us every day. This tiny island has so much for you. The views & nature and the calmness far from your hectic life. I still want to go back... Doesn't that say enough? “

Kaat v.O.

“My knitting holiday on Fair Isle took place in September, 2022, and was a superb adventure from start to finish - and one I shall always remember.Marie is an excellent tutor and, with her guidance, I made a beautiful sleeveless jumper with an all-over Fair Isle design - unique and a treasure. From this, I have been gifted an enduring and absorbing hobby, creating knits on my own knitting machine (although much more slowly!).

The light plane to Fair Isle, the Good Shepherd homeward; birds; breathtaking cliffs; walks with my knitting buddy; Fair Isle history and culture; changing seascapes and sunsets, as well as excellent meals cooked by Marie, and great company throughout - plus the astonishing knitting : I loved it all, and can highly recommend Fair Isle With Marie. Thank-you for a wonderful experience.”

Lorna M.

“I stayed with Marie in September 2022 for a fantastic week's knitting, walking and generally enjoying life on Fair Isle. Two of us stayed for the week - Lorna travelling from Southampton and me from Staffordshire. Our paths met at Lerwick air strip! We didn't know each other before but enjoyed each other's company and encouragement during the week.
Marie was a very good host, she clearly enjoys cooking so whilst we were trying to figure out the machine M would be in the kitchen cooking up lovely meals. We did have free time so enjoyed walking on the Island, meeting the locals who were very hospitable, and visiting the nearby museum. There is no doubting Marie's passion for every aspect of knitting - her knowledge on one so young was impressive, and she wasn't going to let us leave the island without finishing our garments ... we had a great week, so if you're just thinking about visiting Fair Isle - 'just do it' as the saying goes! “