A Jamieson & Smith wedding

 

1 Old Shetland Wedding 2 Shetland Lace Wedding Veil

source: Shetland Museum and Archives Photo Library

Derek (wool man, crofter and creator of the soon to be released Jeannie) got married last Friday. Cue a last hour of cake and presents and cups of tea  (and no doubt some whiskey and beer) round at J&S HQ.

Warriston

A while back, we mentioned that we'd be putting a kit together for Kate Davies' lovely Warriston. Well it's here. At last.

We mentioned quickly that the patterns come with Kate's new digital magazine, Textisles. This was before we'd had a chance to look through it properly, but now we have and my goodness it is good. Seriously worth a read. It's wonderfully researched, beautifully written and presented and is just generally one of those things that will make you want to curl on the couch and lose yourself - with a cup of tea, of course.

 

Also, there is an ultra creative collective of contemporary textile artists in Shetland who go by the name Text-isles. In fact, the group includes the Emma Blain of Aamos Designs who is a part of the J&S Cooperative and Andrea Williamson, who designed the Whalsay Aran. We're working with the group on a little project at the moment, and can't wait to see the results.

Also reminds me that we've got two new additions to the J&S Cooperative, which should be up shortly. Yoohay!

Gulden Leeuw

 So we left off on Friday on our way to the Gulden Leeuw for breakfast. It was docked just below our stores, and was very lovely. So lovely, in fact, that Oliver and I briefly discussed how amazing it would be to have a kind of floating extension to the yarn store, in the form of a beautiful Tall Ship. Brilliant plan.

Anyhow, back to reality. All the ships left for Norway yesterday after being delayed for a day due to bad weather (shocker). The skyline looks strangely empty.

But... there are still lots of visitors around, including Varian Brandon who popped in to see us with her current projects this morning. 

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Gloria, Columbia

  

Off to the Gulden Leeuw...

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Tall Ships

The Tall Ships Races kick off in Lerwick today. We can hear the sound checks from the stages along the harbour ahead of the first concerts this afternoon, and there are lots of visitors and sailors milling around. It's all a little bit exciting!

Truth be told, we've been looking forward to this weekend for a little while, and Sandra couldn't help but design a special edition Tall Ships Toorie pattern featuring sea, sky, sails, boats, anchors and the obligatory Shetland flag!

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PS. This post is also a warning that this woolly blog is going to turn into a blog full of sails for a couple of days. You can spy on all the ships arriving in real time (and this morning's well timed rain shower) with Promote Shetland's  harbour webcam (hint: town centre cam is probably quite amusing from mid afternoon into the wee small hours).

The loveliest 50 things you ever did see!

We just got a (late) delivery of Lucinda Guy's new book 'Knitting Motifs for Babies and Kids' and oh my goodness, we're totally smitten. The book of 50 charted designs, in Jamieson & Smith yarn, are just so lovely. The first section has ridiculously helpful advice on choosing colours and yarn, and placing motifs. The designs are then split into sections, and are followed by helpful instructions on finishing and using different stitches and techniques.

Although these motifs have been developed for little ones, I think they can work just as well on adults garments. I'd like a kitsch cardigan with little kettles and flowers. Well, actually... I'd like  one with carrots and radishes, one with elephants and hearts, one with birds and cats, and a big sloppy jumper with robots... I could go on and on, there are so many combinations and oh, have a look for yourself.

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Handmade by Rosalynn

We just had a visit from Rosalynn Fraser, of RoLo, who has been hand-making these cute (and exceptionally well made) brooches and necklaces at her home in Tingwall. She brought us some lovely pieces to have a look at, all needle felted from Jamieson & Smith Combed Tops.

Keep and eye out for RoLo at local craft fairs and online, and at the Craft Fair later this year.We can't wait to see what she does next...

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