Journal
Shetland Wool Adventures Journal. Volume 2
Resilience of the island & the myths that lie in the landscape.
Where the North Sea meets the Atlantic, Shetland is a celebration of — what seem to be — contradictions. Yet you’ll see it is thriving with creativity.
In volume 2, you’ll dive into these extraordinary islands’ lace, ruins, festivals, and their dark history too.
And, as always, 6 unique knitwear patterns, exclusively designed for Shetland Wool Adventure Journal readers. With illustrations and instructions to guide you.
For curious creatives who have a desire to feel the windswept coast of someplace new.
inside the journal
Inside volume 2, you’ll inveil...
6 new knitting patterns, 3 local walks, 2 articles about books from Shetland, a sprinkling of recipes, and 11 island stories, interviews, and some personal insights into the lives of the isles’ top knitters and craftspeople.
Here are just a few of our favourites
New knitting patterns, photographed by Susan Williams & illustrated Lorna Reid
Atlantic Waves Slipover from Anne Eunson
Up Helly Aa Gansey from Rachel Hunter
Hesti Mitts from Ella Gorden
Nighthawk Slipover from Wilma Malcolmson
Hillside Handwarmers from Barbara Cheyne
Hamar Slipover from Linda Shearer
The Origins of Up-Helly-Aa
Douglas M Sinclair delves into the surprisingly modern history of Shetland’s most famous festival.
Firing up the Sea in Clay
Louise Thomason meets potter, photographer and sea-lover, Ellie Duncan.
Food and recipes
A Menu for the Lengthening Days: Marian Armitage’s glorious menu of Shetland produce will put a spring in your step! Salmon, beef and gooseberries to set the taste buds tingling.
A Trow, a Mermaid and a Spider’s Web
Douglas M Sinclair explains the mythic, magical and practical origins of Shetland lace.
Kate Davies Interview
Strength and beauty in endurance: knitting it all together. How she built her business from scratch.
Shetland’s Darkest Days — the Clearances
The Highland Clearances are known for the cruelty shown to 19th century tenant farmers, who were expected from their homes and land. Laurie Goodlad looks at how the Highland Clearances affected Shetland.
Top of the World
Deborah Lamb explains that it may not be quite all that it seems on Mousa Broch, one of Shetland’s most recognised visitor destinations.
START YOUR SHETLAND WOOL ADVENTURE NOW
Printed Journal
Digital PDF
"I had done some dreaming and reading online about Shetland, and quickly started planning a trip to visit. But there's only so much information you can get online. I don't always know where online information is coming from. I like reading materials that are written by authoritative sources (like people who live and work in Shetland).
I wanted the Journal so I could connect the knitting, the land, and the people in my mind. I love the knitting on its own, but learning about the land, the sea, the people and the animals makes it all so much richer.
I decided that it was too beautiful to pass up, and I figured my purchase would help support a small business in a place that I really hope to live in some day!"
— Leanna, Journal reader from Denver, Colorado [verified]
"I worked in printing/graphic arts/typography in a previous life and I still like a freshly printed hard copy publication. The first thing I do is take a deep inhale of a freshly printed page - I love the smell of paper and ink! I appreciated your design aesthetic and the journals are beautifully produced.
The Journal is a wonderful way to sustain my love of all things Shetland. There is something magical about the place that you capture beautifully in the Journal."
— Linda — Journal reader from Calgary, Canada [verified]
“Starting the Shetland Wool Adventures Journal has been my dream for a long time, and I am so delighted it is now coming together.
Created during the world pandemic, it hasn’t been an easy feat, but it has brought me joy and a destination to steer towards during these difficult and uncertain times. I am delighted to have been able to start this new venture which will hopefully spread the joy of creativity and positivity further afield. And since travel is on hold for now, this way I might be able to bring a little piece of Shetland into your home too.
My aim is to inspire you through our stories, beautiful photography, knitting patterns, walks, interesting interviews, recipes and personal insights into our lives here.”
— misa hay