Journal
Shetland Wool Adventures Journal. Volume 4
Explore the iconic Fair Isle with us, home to Fair Isle knitting.
The unpredictable weather and the wild landscape might be off-putting to some, but it hasn’t stopped its inhabitants from thriving. From knitters and designers to artists and writers.
It’s been wonderful to work with Susan Williams and travel to Fair Isle with her to document the place.
The wind-swept photography will transport you here, just as soon as the kettle’s boiled.
inside the journal
Inside volume 4, you’ll discover...
6 new knitting patterns, 2 local walks, an article about books from Shetland, a sprinkling of recipes, and 9 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
Brindister Slipover from Rachel Hunter
Taing Fair Isle Socks from Janette Budge
Lochside Lugwarmer from Ella Gordon
Firegowl Cowl from Wilma Malcolmson
Storm Dennis Fisherman’s Kep from Marie Bruhat
Storm Dennis Slipover from Marie Bruhat
Of Wondrous Colours and Patterns
How far back can we trace Fair Isle knitting history, and how has it weathered the storms? Anne Sinclair investigates.
The Treasure in the Box
A family heirloom makes a surprise reappearance at Douglas Sinclair’s home — what could he learn about this beautiful piece of Fair Isle knitting?
Shipwreck!
Douglas Sinclair reveals the story of the Lessing, a ship carrying emigrants from Bremen to New York, which ran aground on Fair Isle early one foggy May morning.
Sheep of Many Colours:
Janette Budge talks to Rachel Challoner, a crofter in Fair Isle who has recognised the desire for natural shades of Shetland wool, and is adapting her flock.
Shetland Knitting — Through the Lens of Time
The harsh reality of Shetland’s historic knitting industry — Laurie Goodlad considers Shetland’s knitting past.
A Life in ’Oo:
In this interview, Laurie Goodlad speaks to ‘Wool Man’ Oliver Henry from Jamieson & Smith about the changes he’s seen in Shetland’s world-famous wool industry and why, at the age of 72, he’s still in his boiler suit, packing wool.
Gansies, Spencers, Granvilles and Lennons
In the 1970s, Fair Isle knitwear was a thermal necessity and not always a fashion asset. Tom Morton looks at. Tom Kidd’s photographs and things about fleeces.
An Island Between Tides
A trip to Fair Isle is determined by the weather: how you arrive and how long you stay. Susan Molloy made the most of her adventure, falling into the island’s own seductively communal rhythm.
START YOUR SHETLAND WOOL ADVENTURE NOW
Printed Journal
Digital PDF
"I am fascinated with Fair Isle knitting and the beauty and art and culture in Shetland.
No other publication provides the breadth and range of topics that this Journal does.
There are many talented designers and the knitting patterns are always gorgeous. The stories about the people who live there are beautifully written and articles about exploring Shetland add to the longing to go visit. The photography is stunning. I could go on and on…”
— Marcia, Journal reader from Whidbey Island, Washington [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