If you can't wait until October for Shetland Wool Week, you'll be delighted to know they're organising a six day wool holiday in Shetland from Thursday 16th July to Tuesday 21st July. If you're enthusiastic about Shetland knitting and all things woolly it's the perfect holiday for you to discover our unique textile heritage. The holiday is designed to give an insight into Shetland's textile traditions, industry and lcoal crofting community, as well as giving people the opportunity to explore the islands.
On the first day, you'll receive an exclusive tour of the Shetland Museum and Archive's textile collection by Dr Carol Christiansen and in the afternoon, you'll have a masterclass with the world's fastest knitter, Hazel Tindall. Day Two wil see you heading to Burra to see native sheep and have lunch in the restored Easthouse Croft; in the afternoon you'll visit the Sandness Mill and in the evening you'll wind down with a short night class. On Day 3, you'll be heading north for a walk at Eshaness, you'll have high tea at Busta House Hotel and be treated to a masterclass by 2015 SWW patron Donna Smith. The 4th day sees you heading even further north, to Unst to visit the Heritage Centre and view their famous lace collection and a masterclass in Shetland lace. Shetland Wool Brokers is the first port of call on Day 5, before setting off for St Ninians and a visit to Sumburgh Head. And on the final day, you'll have time to explore Lerwick and the local knitting shops - after a visit to the charming Textile Museum. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you can find out more by downloading the Shetland Wool Holiday poster.
Edinburgh Yarn Festival
You might also be interested to hear that the Shetland Wool Week team will have a stand at the Edinburgh Yarn Festival. The event is taking place at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March so if you are in the area and are interested in textiles make sure you stop by and say hello.