Knitting in the Shetland Isles
with Jane Crowfoot
Sun 19 May – Thurs 23 May 2013 Ref: 13007
£1249 per person (twin share) Single supplement £175
Deposit £200
Itinerary
Day 1 Fly Edinburgh to Shetland – Welcome Dinner
Independent travel to Edinburgh Airport in time for the late lunch-time flight to The Shetland Isles. (Arena Travel is happy to assist with making airline or hotel reservations for pre-holiday travel arrangements.) Mid-afternoon arrival into Sumburgh Airport on the southern tip of the mainland, followed by transfer by private coach to the first-class Lerwick Hotel.
Time to get to know your fellow knitters during a welcome dinner in the hotel, hosted by DebbieAbrahams or Jane Crowfoot.
Day 2 Knitting Workshop – Knitting Shops – Jamieson and Smith – Dinner
After breakfast, Debbie (or Jane) will lead the first of her workshops focussing on Fair Isle and lace knitting.
Free time for lunch and then to explore the local knitting shops such as The Spider’s Web – an Aladdin’s cave of items made by knitters in their own homes, including plenty of Fair Isle and Shetland lace.
Afternoon visit to Jamieson and Smith, producers of pure Shetland wool, for a fascinating insight into Shetland sheep breeds and the handling of the wool from fleece to yarn. Established in 1930, the firm purchases wool from over 700 of Shetland’s crofters and farmers, and transforms it into high-quality yarns, knitwear, blankets and carpets. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 3 Shetland Museum and Archives – Shetland Textile Working Museum – Shetland Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Knitters
Following breakfast, a visit to the Shetland Museum and Archives to discover the Museum’s collection of knitted Shetland items under the expert direction of the Curator. Situated on the waterfront within a strikingly restored 19th-century dock, the Museum tells the story of the Shetland Isles.
After time for lunch, it’s onwards to the Shetland Textile Working Museum, where you’ll be able to watch demonstrations, as well as exploring the extensive collection of textiles showing the history of spinning, knitting and weaving in Shetland. During the visit you will meet the talented members of the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Weavers, Knitters and Dyers. Members of the Guild play a vital role in preserving and passing on traditional Shetland skills and here’s your chance to pick their brains, learn newskills and forge new friendships.
Dinner in the hotel.
Day 4 Knitting Workshop – Local Craft Visits – Farewell Dinner
Breakfast, followed by the second of Debbie Abraham’s/ Jane Crowfoot’s knitting workshops.
After free time for lunch, enjoy a memorable afternoon visiting the workshops and homes of talentedlocal craftspeople. Shetland’s craft tradition stretches back to the distant past but is still thriving today, with local artisans working in a range of materials and media, including knitting and lace-making, spinning, dyeing, weaving, and rug-making.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. It’s time to pore over your experiences in Shetland at a farewell dinner hosted by Debbie or Jane.
Day 5 Return flight Shetland to Edinburgh – Homeward Bound
After breakfast, transfer to the airport at Sumburgh for the mid-morning flight to Edinburgh.
Arrival into Edinburgh is scheduled for 13:15 hours, at which time you will be free to start your journey home.
