The Fair Isle cardigan above was designed and knitted by our world-renowned Watermill tutor Jim Cox 45 years ago – and he‘s still wearing it! Like all of Jim’s renowned knitting designs. it has stood the test of time. And he’ll share his secrets with you on his next convivially creative knitting week at the Watermill, from 29 August to 5 September 2026.

So, what’s the story behind that Fair Isle sweater?

Jim says: “About 45 years ago I asked a sister who had a loom if she would make me fabric for a coat. When the fabric arrived, the box also contained an assortment of leftover yarn. I asked my mom if she would knit me a sweater. She replied: “You’re smart, knit it yourself.’”

 “So I did, using a tiny book titled ‘How to Knit’ and a cardigan pattern found at a Woolworth’s store. Then, taking inspiration from a Fair Isle sweater in my closet, I rewrote the pattern and created my first knitting project.

“Since then, I have created all the patterns for everything I have knit, which I gladly share with knitters around the world.”

And he’ll be doing just that on his 2026 knitting week at the Watermill.

You will also learn all about the magical technique of mosaic knitting. Jim says: “If you enjoy colour work but do not like handling multiple bobbins of yarn, you will love mosaic knitting. It is amazingly simple and extremely rewarding.”

At the beginning of Jim’s week  you will select your yarn from various colour options, choose a stitch pattern that fits your own personal style, then receive a knitting pattern to create a little two-colour, light-weight scarf as a fashion accessory.

In the second project for my course Jim is focusing on a pattern for a cute little hat that is really fun and colourful. created with the helical knitting technique.