An interest in hand knitting, an avid yarn lover, or a fascination for sheep wool, if you’re drawn to any of these crafts, you’re in for a treat. The Shetland Isles, situated far north of the United Kingdom, are known for their rich history in wool production. Every year, people from all corners of the world flock to these remote islands to learn the art of wool spinning. Here’s how you can be a part of this unique tradition.
Discovering the Shetland Isles
First, let’s take a step back and delve into the heart of the Shetland Isles. They are a group of islands located in the Northern part of the UK, renowned for their distinctive breeds of sheep that yield premium wool. This wool is then spun into yarn, which is coveted by knitters worldwide.
The Shetland Isles are also famous for their annual Wool Week, a celebration of their wool and textile heritage. During this time, knitters, weavers, and spinners gather to share their skills, learn new techniques, and simply relish in their shared passion for wool crafts. For those of you who appreciate the craft and wish to be a part of it, the Shetland Wool Week is a must-visit.
Engaging in the Shetland Wool Week
The Shetland Wool Week is a week-long festival that takes place annually around September. It’s a time when the entire community, local and international, come together to celebrate the traditions of Shetland wool. Throughout the week, there are a multitude of events, workshops, and exhibitions that cater to a wide array of interests.
One of the key highlights of the Wool Week is the spinning workshops. These workshops are typically led by seasoned local spinners, who share their unique spinning methods that have been passed down through generations. It’s an opportunity to learn firsthand about the intricacies of wool spinning, a craft that’s deeply embedded in Shetland’s culture.
Booking a Wool Spinning Workshop
To participate in a wool spinning workshop, you’ll need to book your spot in advance as the number of participants for each workshop is limited. Information about the workshops and their schedules are usually released on the official Shetland Wool Week website months before the event, allowing ample time for prospective participants to make arrangements.
You don’t have to be an expert spinner to join these workshops. They cater to a range of abilities, from complete beginners to seasoned spinners. What’s important is your enthusiasm and willingness to learn the traditional craft.
Preparing for your Workshop
Once you’ve secured your spot in a wool spinning workshop, it’s time to get ready for your trip. Keep in mind that the Shetland Isles have a maritime climate, which means the weather can be quite unpredictable even in September. So, pack warm and waterproof clothing to ensure you’re comfortable throughout your visit.
You might also want to bring a notebook and pen to jot down any tips or techniques shared during the workshop. This will be helpful later when you want to put what you’ve learned into practice.
Sharing Your Experience
After participating in a workshop, you’re likely to go home with a newfound appreciation for wool spinning and a bundle of Shetland wool yarn. Many participants use their spun yarn for personal knitting projects, continue practicing their spinning skills, or even share their learnings with their local craft community.
For those inclined towards entrepreneurship, selling your handmade Shetland wool products on platforms like Etsy is also an option. As an Etsy seller, you can share the richness of Shetland wool with customers worldwide, while also generating income from your new-found skill. However, it’s essential to remember that while selling your products, the spirit of the craft and the respect for the Shetland tradition should always be maintained.
So, there you have it. Participating in a traditional British wool spinning workshop in the Shetland Isles is not just about learning a new skill; it’s about immersing yourself in a community that cherishes its heritage and desires to share it with the world. And who knows, this might be the beginning of your lifelong passion for wool spinning.
Embracing the Shetland Lifestyle and Culture
The Shetland Isles offer more than just wool spinning workshops during the Wool Week. There’s a rich culture and lifestyle to immerse yourself in. Alongside the spinning workshops, you can also explore the distinctive Fair Isle knitting styles, renowned for their intricate design and colourful palette. Hand knitting classes are often available during the Wool Week, where you can learn to create your own Shetland lace or Fair Isle patterns.
The Shetland Museum is another place of interest, showcasing the history of the Shetland Islands, their sheep, and the evolution of their wool industry. Here, you can truly appreciate the significance of wool in shaping the Island’s identity.
For a more hands-on experience, you can visit the local farms to meet the Shetland sheep. Witness the process of shearing, wool collecting, and see the ‘combed top’ wool, which is an essential product in hand spinning. You might even get a chance to feed the sheep cookies, a tradition loved by both the sheep and the visitors!
Local businesses like Jamieson Smith, a wool broker and retailer known for their Shetland wool yarn, offer tours that provide an insight into the wool industry. You can learn about the journey of wool from the sheep to the finished product, while also exploring the wide range of wool yarn types and their usage.
In between your wool adventures, remember to savour the local cuisine. Seafood is a speciality, due to the Isles’ marine location. Explore the local markets, meet the friendly locals, and you might even stumble upon a traditional music session, further enriching your Shetland experience.
Reflecting on Your Shetland Wool Journey
As your journey on the Shetland Isles draws to a close, take some time to reflect on your experience. You’ve learned about the importance of wool in Shetland’s history and culture, the intricate process of turning raw wool into yarn, the beauty of hand-knitting and the complexities of Fair Isle and Shetland lace patterns.
The knowledge you’ve gained extends beyond the practical aspects of wool processing. You’ve experienced the spirit of the Shetland community, their shared passion for wool, and their determination to keep their traditions alive. You’ve seen the respect they have for their sheep, the island’s landscape, and their commitment to sustainable farming and wool production.
Leaving the Shetland Isles with a bundle of Shetland wool yarn, you’re taking a piece of the island’s heritage with you. Whether you continue with wool spinning, take up knitting, or share your experience with others, remember the ethos of the Shetland Isles. The respect for the sheep, the appreciation of the landscape, and the sense of community are elements that define the Shetland wool tradition.
Use your Shetland wool journey as a source of inspiration, whether it’s hand-knitting scarves for your loved ones, teaching wool spinning in your local community, or starting your own Etsy shop for handmade wool products. Remember to share your story, the importance of Shetland wool, and how this traditional British craft has inspired you.
No matter where your wool adventures take you, the experience of participating in a traditional British wool spinning workshop in the Shetland Isles will be a lifelong memory. It’s about keeping traditions alive, honouring the past, and passing on the knowledge to future generations. And who knows, you might find yourself revisiting the Shetland Isles for another Wool Week, ready to learn more and contribute to the preservation of this treasured heritage.
