I traveled up to Shetland and left my heart behind

“As I turn each page of the Journal, Misa’s writing and photography, a blend of thoughtful words and pictures, transports me northwards.
My heart soars and flies away up to Lodberries, and stone steps that lead down to a small sandy beach lapped by the tide. I’m reminded of a wonderful week where the scent of warm wool — sharp and nose tickly — greets you in some of the shops.
Even though travel isn’t an option for me at the moment, through Misa’s beautiful Journal I feel that I am still able to enjoy Shetland, and bring a little of that experience into my home through pottering over the stove with one of her recipes.”

Cherished by both hobbyists & knitting professionals

“Substantial in every sense of the word, this publication is a truly beautiful thing – a purposeful and joyous celebration of so many of the things there are to love about Shetland.”

I know I can escape, whenever I need it

“During the pandemic, it's been a welcome escape as travel continues to be challenging and frankly, unappealing.
I love the patterns, but aside from that I like the variety of information and the magazine format - physically it's like a book, so it will store nicely on the shelf and stand up to reading and time better than a magazine.”

I feel like I’m getting more, as opposed to a magazine

"It's not just about place, it's about history. It's about tradition, it's about immersing oneself in something, a place that feels quite fantastical and dream-like.
It's kind of better than Disney for me really.
Having read and read the journal so many times, I feel that if I went tomorrow, I could turf up one of the Crofts and say 'Hi, I've read about you in the journal', and it feels like I might already be welcomed in. It feels like you're amongst friends. So with that escape also comes an invitation.”

Popular with knitters & non-knitted alike

"I love everything about the SWA Journal. I like supporting Misa in her small business. The pictures are beautiful and remind me of the very happy week we spent visiting the Shetland islands. I love the articles where I learn more about the history of the islands and the lives of the people who live there. I love the knitting patterns.
As a matter of fact, my husband, who has never been to Shetland and who does not knit, also loves the Journal! They are a lovely resource for anyone who has an interest in the islands."

Slowing down to connect with local voices

“Social media is kind of superficial for knitting content. It doesn’t go in depth. So I bought the Journal as I had a desire to learn more in depth about everyday life of people and handwork.
I often wonder, how did Shetland women ‘manage it all’? How was life lived in isolation? The historical meaning of handwork, I believe, holds the key to a more sustainable society and climate change. Knitting for example was not a leisure activity as many see it today, it was a means for surviving.
I remember one about lighthouses (I find lighthouses fascinating! People actually lived in them, such an important job!) and one about the ‘multitasker knitter’. These are the kind of stories I personally want to read about, everyday moments. After all, as Annie Dillard says: ‘How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives’.”

A soothing balm in these challenging years

“The journals are like receiving a little slice of Shetland and have been a soothing balm in these challenging years. Like all good things, they are worth waiting for.
Also, a very wise friend gave me your cookbook for my birthday a few weeks ago and I’ve already tried several recipes and they are fantastic. Your lentil soup is the best I’ve ever tasted!”