Journal
Shetland Wool Adventures Journal. Volume 3
Shetland is a patchwork kind of place.
Half-way between mainland Scotland and Norway, Shetland is a place where separate strands are woven together to create something new. Not just the textiles, but the language and the architecture also intertwine multiple influences, to add texture to these islands.
This most authentic way to connect you with Shetland, even when you’re not here. Or if you were lucky enough to experience this colourful place on a past trip and want to keep your personal memories alive.
Made by those who live, love & breathe Shetland.
inside the journal
Inside volume 3, you’ll unravel...
6 new knitting patterns, 2 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 Molloy & illustrated Lorna Reid
Vegar Jumper by Barbara Cheyne
New Shell Scarf by Barbara Cheyne
Blosta Hat by Amy Gair
Halliara Spencer by Alison Rendall
Oyster Gloves by Wilma Malcolmson
Culswick Snood by Mary Fraser
Lerwick’s Hidden Past
Those of you who have participated in Shetland Wool Adventures or Shetland Wool Weeks may have passed these mundane-looking buildings without a second thought. Douglas M Sinclair unearths the fascinating histories of some well-known Lerwick buildings.
Packing for Shetland
What do you wear in a climate that boasts four seasons in one day? Laurie Goodlad gives suggestions for what the well-prepared traveller should be wearing in Shetland to make the best of their adventure.
Walking the landscape
In volume 3 we join Gill Nadin, SWA’s very own accredited tour guide, on a circular walk at Sumburgh Head and explore the wonderful remote headland of Lunna Ness.
Food and recipes
An ode to rhubarb by Hayley Anderton: It’s the stuff of crumbles, plain pies, and worthy chutneys. Usually, it gets remarkably little love. In Shetland it’s different.
Beacons of Hope
The sea has long been an alluring force, but can be a cruel and unpredictable mistress. Lighthouses have saved thousands of lives over the centuries. Laurie Goodlad looks at the profound influence of the Stevenson family on their existence in Shetland.
Spinning a web of wonderful wool
Jamieson’s of Shetland is Shetland’s only spinning mill where raw fleece is made into yarn, cloth and knitwear, all under one roof. Garry Jamieson speaks about running the business, from 1890s to today.
The Many Incarnations of the Spencer
Once a formal officer’s jacket, how on earth did the spencer become a piece of lady’s underwear? Carol Christiansen pulls the wool away from puzzled eyes.
A language under threat
“Language adds layers to our culture; it enriches our heritage and fosters pride in our communities.” Laurie Goodlad looks into the way Shetlanders speak and why it is more than a dialect.
START YOUR SHETLAND WOOL ADVENTURE NOW
Printed Journal
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“I keep all my issues in a basket I can easily grab for reference. I pour through them all the time. I may not read everything all at once, but I always go back to the basket.
I keep them for the patterns and as a Shetland reference and look at them over and over and over again. They're timeless and inspiring.”
— Barbara — Journal reader from Stamford, Connecticut [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