Knitting on Shetland Islands The Shetland Islands are the Scottish subartic archipelago which are located across the sea from Norway. Shetland is the birthplace of Fair isle knitting technique.
This is a technique that is in traditional sweaters with it colour work. Having a chance to knit in Shetland and immerse yourself in the rich history while on the islands and see how local people live and work. In Shetland, the knitting tradition and heritage goes back centuries.
Shetland Textile Museum & Archive The museum sits on Hay's Dock in Lerwick which is full of history. This museum provides great insight to Shetland's rich heritage and culture. This Five Star award winning Museum and Archives is a multi functional visitor attraction.
Visitors can journey through the heritage of these beautiful Shetland Islands with an enjoyable and interactive visitor experience discovering a renowned collection. The museum and archives is full of documents and artifacts and is an excellent way to learn and educate about everything on Shetlands.
Fair Isle workshop with Hazel Tindall Hazel Tindall was born and brought up in Shetland, watching knitters – six days a week – from the moment she started to focus on movement. In Shetland, she leads workshops during Shetland Wool Week, and for visiting groups including Arena Travel and Celtic Tours.
She has been a tutor at Edinburgh Yarn Festival, Loch Ness Knit Fest, Dornoch Fibre Festival and Craft Cruises. She finds helping knitters overcome their fears about cutting their knitting, choosing colours for Fair Isle and trying more efficient techniques are the most rewarding parts of leading workshops. Hazel prefers to knit with long double pointed needles and a knitting belt and workshop participants are given the opportunity to try using these.
Jamieson and Smith Wool Brokers purchases Shetland wool from over 700 of Shetland's crofters and farmers. Then transforms the wool into high quality Shetland wool products including yarn, knitwear, blankets and carpets.
Shetlands sheep live on a very natural diet suited to living on the islands as they graze on the islands hills and beaches eating wild heather and seaweed. A culmination of this harsh weather and diet makes Shetland wool soft, strong and warm. The wool is also incredibly natural and a sustainable fibre and is renowned for its warmth. Jamieson & Smith is all about promoting and enhancing the profile of Shetland wool and plays an important role in sustaining Shetland's fragile crofting industry, textile industry and heritage.
Jamieson's of Shetland This is a family owned business that specialises in wool from the native Shetland sheep for 5 generations. The family have a vision and dedication to the survival of this unique fibre as each new generation enters the business.
It is this goal that has become the ambition of the company. The business was started in the 1890's and brought or exchanged goods, knitwear from the local crofters. With the business now in its 5th generation, the business continues to develop and promote the unique products that the Shetland produces. Jamieson's range of Shetland knitwear, fabrics and yarns are now available in premium stores and boutiques worldwide
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