We’re delighted to announce that we are now taking orders for the bumper new edition of the SWW Annual for 2022 which features some very special patterns.
The publication is a celebration of firsts for us – it includes two heritage patterns: working with the Unst Heritage Centre, Shetland Museum and Donna Smith, we have revived and reinterpreted two distinctly different vintage garments for today’s knitter. Additionally, after many requests, there will be the option to buy the Annual as a digital option for the first time.
Now in its eighth edition, the SWW Annual is a true celebration of creativity, crofting and textiles heritage as well as a showcase of the versatility of Shetland wool in all its different hues. With stunning photography that captures the essence of the islands, there are 13 patterns from 11 designers which include Fair Isle, lace and weaving. There is a good balance of projects from stash-busting ideas which include smaller accessories to bigger, more challenging knits.
Jemima’s Jumper and Cowl designed by Donna Smith
Something special – Shetland Heritage Patterns
It’s been a long-held aspiration of ours to recreate and share some of Shetland’s vintage knitwear. We’re honoured to have collaborated with the Unst Heritage Centre and Donna Smith who have written the patterns for and adapted two very different garments from Shetland’s history and designed them into two wearable pieces. Merran’s Cardigan and Jemima’s Jumper and Cowl are a celebration of Shetland lace and Fair Isle knitting respectively, and we can’t wait to share them with you.
Unst Heritage Centre: Merran’s Cardigan
In addition …
We have transitional pieces that can be layered; cosy accessories to snuggle into and lighter items that will be a pleasure to make and wear. We also have something for all those dog lovers, too!
There are 13 beautiful patterns lined up in a glorious selection of colours and all made using Shetland wool. Here’s a closer look at what’s included. We’ll be sharing more information on social media over the next few days.
Nesbyen Socks designed by Linda Shearer
Heritage Patterns Revisited
Ristie Poncho designed by Rachel Hunter
Other patterns:
Palm Beach Mitts by Kathleen Anderson
Features:
As well as the heritage pattern features, we have:
The SWW Annual 2022 will be available from 24 September to coincide with the start of Wool Week.
This year there are three options available to purchase:
International Orders: We have listened to customer feedback and are now sending all international orders using a tracked service. This has led to a small increase in shipping costs. We hope you understand.
Thank you to our contributors
Thanks as ever to all of the designers, but also to the people behind the scenes who help to pull the publication together and work into the wee small hours: Photographer Ciara Menzies for her stunning images which capture the essence of Shetland and the details of the knitwear, Steph Boardman, our tech editor, who has gone above and beyond this year; and graphic designer Diana Lukas-Nulle, who artfully pieces together the jigsaw of images and charts and makes the Annual flow effortlessly.
Thank you also to our extremely smiley model Karlin Anderson: a joy to work with. Following in our ‘tradition’ of working with creative Shetland women, Karlin is a talented jewellery designer maker based in Hoswick and her studio is a must visit. As well as creating unique and distinctive bespoke jewellery she has a beautiful collection called ‘Oppenwark’ which is inspired by Shetland fine lace knitting. Her ‘Freedom’ range is very special too with a donation from every sale going to the anti-modern slavery organisation Hope for Justice.
Her work is available to view online too.
We hope this sneak peek has whet your appetite for what’s inside the new SWW Annual. We will be sharing more on social media together with yarn requirements over the next few weeks.
Make sure you’re signed up to the SWW newsletter, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram or our SWW blog to hear all the latest updates.
Please know that by purchasing a copy of the SWW Annual you are supporting Shetland’s textile industry and the future of Shetland Wool Week as an event. We appreciate every single order, comment and your words of encouragement.
We can’t wait to share our publication with you.
With best wishes,
The Shetland Wool Week team.
