It’s taking me a while to get back into my usual routine after the amazing experiences of Shetland Wool Week. Apparently they call it Shetlag.
I was on Shetland for two whole weeks with some friends – my knitting wives as they became know. We knitted, laughed, at cake and laughed some more. It was such a life affirming experience and one that I will never forget.
In this post I wanted to tell you a bit more about the workshops I was lucky enough to attend.
The first was book binding with Fair Isle fabric. I have done book binding before but our tutor, Mary, taught us some really useful tips. There is something very soothing about folding paper and sewing a book block. When we visited the Jamieson’s factory shop I picked up some jumper panels that were seconds. They have now been felted and are waiting to be turned into more books for Christmas presents.
Next was a workshop I was very intrigued by called FISS Knits with Helen Robertson who is a very talented jeweller as well as a master knitter. This new technique allows you to use 3 colours in your Fair Isle knitting by blending the stranded technique with slipped stitches. It was absolutely fascinating and pure genius. A very simple idea that gives and impressive results. I need to get some more swatches knitted so I can really take you through it.
My final workshop was called Crowning Glory with Donna Smith who you may know from Ravelry or The Book of Haps. I have long been fascinated by the star shapes you see on the top of Shetland hats but didn’t know where to start designing them. Despite it only being a half day workshop I was able to crack 3 different ways of graphing out the crowns. I have a hat design ready that was just waiting for me to finish this workshop so watch out.
I learned so much from each of my tutors and I am so grateful for excellent teaching and exceptional skills.
What an amazing experience. I so enjoyed following your trip on Social Media. Thanks for taking us along. xx
It was quite the most wonderfully memorable holiday I have had in a long time. Hope you get to go one day x