Hello from the SWW team – and we can’t believe that we’re already in February. It’s been a whirlwind of a start to the year with plenty going on. In this newsletter we’ll be updating you on our plans for the 2023 event as well as offering a special discount on Shetland Wool Week Annuals and merchandise. But first, a look back at a very busy start to the year.
Yes, we’ve had what feels like endless gales, snow and horizontal rain but we’ve also had stunning moments of calm and the northern lights have been unexpectedly dazzling. As the weather warms up, it’s been a joy to see the buds of snowdrops and crocus as they begin to push through the earth.
Pristine, snow-covered beach at West Voe, looking towards Sumburgh Head. © Sumburgh Head Instagram
The fiery season, also known as Up Helly Aa started in January, too – Shetland’s superb celebration of Vikings past, craftsmanship and fantastic torchlit processions which culminate in the burning of a hand-built galley. The last Tuesday of January saw the main UHA take place in Lerwick (having been postponed for the previous two years due to Covid) and our colleagues at Shetland Museum welcomed tourists and the Jarl squad for an eventful afternoon of laughter, song and community spirit. As well as admiring the costumes, we loved seeing the torches lit in the historic Hay’s Dock as well as hearing the squad’s rendition of Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ (UHA can be a slightly surreal experience!)
The same week we also celebrated the unveiling of Harriet’s portrait. Some of you may remember Harriet from her incredible fundraising efforts for the Shetland MRI scanner appeal. Back in 2019, Harriet led a community knitting programme and set up the MRI Maakers Group.
Harriet Middleton standing by her portrait during the unveiling.
There was worldwide interest in Harriet’s Hat, a Fair Isle design she created herself, and patterns for this, together with other knitted items were sold and auctioned online to a global audience, including many SWW supporters.
We’ll be sharing a full story on Harriet’s amazing story in this year’s SWW Annual.
In the meantime, you can check out the pattern on the Jamieson and Smith and Jamieson’s of Shetland websites.
SWW CURATOR FOR 2023
We have some exciting news too regarding the development of this year’s SWW programme. We’re delighted to announce that we have invited renowned local knitwear designer, Donna Smith to help curate the event.
Donna Smith wearing her Jemima’s Jumper and Cowl which she designed for the 2022 SWW Annual
Born and brought up in Shetland, Donna has firmly established a name for herself in the textile industry. As well as tutoring, she now produces and hand dyes her own Shetland wool, Langsoond Yarn, and last year published her first book of knitting patterns. She is also a popular knitting tutor and speaker with a wealth of experience in dyeing, Fair Isle and Shetland lace knitting.
Hazel Sutherland, chief executive of Shetland Amenity Trust which manages Shetland Wool Week said: “It is a pleasure to have Donna onboard as part of the SWW team. She comes with a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Shetland’s textile heritage, and we’re looking forward to working closely with her to develop this year’s programme. Donna is bursting with creative ideas and contacts, and this, combined with her pragmatic approach will help deliver a varied festival with quality at its core.”
Donna Smith said: “I am honoured to have been asked to join the SWW team and help curate the programme. Having been involved with the festival since it started, as both a tutor and a patron, SWW has played a significant role in my life over the years. It has been interesting to see it change and grow and I am looking forward to bringing forward my ideas to help shape it so that it continues to appeal to a broad audience, whilst retaining the skills, stories and techniques that have put Shetland’s textile heritage on a global platform.”
We’re looking forward to sharing Donna’s plans for the programme with you over the coming weeks.
SWW CURATOR FOR 2023
We have some exciting news too regarding the development of this year’s SWW programme. We’re delighted to announce that we have invited renowned local knitwear designer, Donna Smith to help curate the event.
SWW SALE ON THE ONLINE SHOP
For a limited period we’re offering a 20% discount on all SWW stock on the online shop. This includes the 2022 and 2021 Annuals, as well as various SWW merchandise including bespoke items that feature exclusive artwork.
* Our sale will end at midnight on Sunday 5th March GMT
How cute! Ella Gordon’s ‘Sunbeam Dog Coat’ modelled by Dudley. The pattern is included in our 2022 SWW Annual
@themanymakesofvivian shares her progress on Donna Smith’s ‘Jemima’s Jumper and Cowl’ design from the 2022 SWW Annual. Beautiful!
For all lovers of Shetland heritage, you might be interested to see the extended offering on our online shop – it now includes a series of knitting books, knitting belts, gifts and stationery including heritage inspired items such as this lace notebook, mugs and cards, as well as a range of popular Emma Ball items.
Our beautiful range of Shetland lace products are available to buy online – the laser-cut detail on these notebooks and cards is a lovely feature within the Shetland lace pattern.
Have a browse and see if anything catches your eye. All sales will help support the SWW event – visit the SWW Online Shop
Coming soon…..
The new SWW Patron and hat pattern will be announced in April and the 2023 programme will be released in early summer.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.
