Photo of a smiling woman in a sweater kneeling next to a dog surrounded by a foggy, hilly landscape.

Mati Ventrillon

Fair Isle Knitwear

Mati Ventrillon, a master of the intricate and captivating art of Fair Isle knitting, has made her home on a remote island off the coast of Scotland. For Mati, the art of knitting is more than a mere creative pursuit. It is a passion rooted in the cultural heritage of Fair Isle, and one that she has dedicated herself to preserving for future generations.

A person turned away from the camera stands looking off into the distance while wearing a traditional Fair Isle sweater and carrying a big bag full of blankets.

The Work

Through her delicate and complex designs, Mati evokes the rugged and elemental beauty of her surroundings, weaving together hues of wool that reflect the island's wild flora and fauna. With an unwavering commitment to the art and her tireless advocacy for traditional knitting techniques, Mati stands as a singular figure, a true master of her craft and a vital guardian of Fair Isle's timeless legacy. As the creator of the first-ever ‘Made in Fair Isle’ label, the Mati Ventrillon brand is a testament to this timeless legacy.
Exclusively for Old Stone Trade, the Fair Isle Crew Neck—drawing inspiration from Dutch ganseys—and the Fisherman Sweater and Vest, each meticulously knit with a sequence of Fair Isle motifs that never repeat, embody the richness of this tradition in every stitch.