Bookshop

We've put some books up today. Some are lovely and shiny and new, others we just hadn't put on our online bookshop. There will be more coming over the next few days but here's what's up so far...

We love love Margaret Howell

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So maybe in the abscence of a full wallet we could knit our own Whalsay Aran? This raglan cable knit (last image), designed by local designer Andrea Williamson a few years back, has become a Jamieson & Smith classic. Well, you can't beat a bit of timeless unisex.

First 2 images from DazedDigital, jumpers by Margaret Howell A/W 2011.

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Whatever could it be?

A mystery, to be revealed shortly...

Sneak preview

We are getting very excited about stocking beautiful products from Aamos Designs as part of the J&S Cooperative, which aims to promote products made using Real Shetland Wool. 

Aamos Designs is a local textile design company based in Scalloway. Owner and designer, Emma Blain, combines traditional and contemporary elements to achieve striking pieces which are fashionable, timeless and just plain cool, all at the same time. 

The range of cushions and blankets use Jamieson & Smith 2 Ply Jumper Weight, and will be available very shortly from www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk. Ooh, and we've got more exciting stuff lined up...

'Sea and Be Seen' Jamieson & Smith and Lu Flux.

Jamieson and Smith sponsor Lu Flux A/W 2011 knitwear at London Fashion Week. The collection 'Sea and Be Seen' is inspired by the sea, which we have in abundance. 

Head North

See here for  Mini Textile Tours run by the lovely Andy Ross at the Centre for Creative Industries. 

And keep eyes peeled for more...

Shetland Hap Shawls: Then and Now.

 

 Just rediscovered Heirloom Knitting's Shetland Hap Shawls: Then and Now. 

It's a beautiful book and invaluable resource. And it contains a pattern for this beauty.

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sunday is beach day

last sunday's frothing foamy sea colours: 2ply Jumper Weight shades - 1, 202, FC45, FC34, FC41, FC47, 132, 142.

Weird colour growth

Weird Winter light: 2ply Jumper Weight shades - 77, 14, 54, 101, FC6

Sparkly reds and greens (and some Shetland Sheep!). 2 Ply Jumper Weight shades - 1A, 002, 005, 087, 122, 1403, FC12.

Twinkly moss: 2 Ply Jumper Weight shades - 001, 004, 34, 82, 118, 87, 141, 203, FC12, FC55.

Zero Waste

Reading about the Zero-Waste course at Parson's School of Fashion reminded me of just how great hand-knitting is, particularly in terms of how little waste it produces. This is before you even start to consider the sustainable qualities of real wool as a fibre. 

Then I had this mini brainwave, where I was reminded of just how amazing Shetland Wool really is. I mean, we all know that it's lovely, but when you're working with something every day, or knitting with it all the time, you forget  - I guess this applies to a lot of lovely things that get lost in the sea of everydayness! Most Shetland Sheep have a completely natural diet, and their wool is processed in the only plant in the world to be recognised for it's grounbreaking environmental and ecological standards.

So, this post is a reminder to myself not to forget (does that even make sense?) how great Shetland Sheep and their wool is. And maybe even a reminder not to forget other nice things too.

Now if only we could hand-knit denim jeans, the world would be an even better place!

Zero Waste Garment / course description:

"This course presents a new way of exploiting and building upon the students’ existing design and technical skills with focus on sustainability in fashion design. It introduces the students to designing a garment without creating fabric waste in the process. In designing and producing a zero-waste garment, the students will develop a deeper understanding of the relationships between cloth, fashion design, patternmaking and draping, and in a broader sense, the connections between material, design process and final product. On completion the students will be able to utilize patternmaking and draping as tools for innovative, sustainable fashion design. In this course sustainability provides a tool for the students to examine their design practices in a critical light."

PS. We love Ecco-Eco, where I found out about Zero-Waste.

Love in Japan

Using Jamieson & Smith 2ply Jumper Weight beautifully:

In Japanese, Chevalier Mittens from Kayo.

In English, Anemoi Mittens from See Eunny Knit.

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