Spirit of Shetland Knitting Holiday

3rd - 8th June or 24th - 29th June 2020

6 days from £1,595pp

Join experts Hazel Tindall and Kathleen Anderson as we discover the breathtaking Shetland Islands, whose past is interwoven with a rich history of wool, textiles and inimitable Fair Isle technique.

Shetland lace workshops with Kathleen Anderson
Shetland Fair Isle workshops with Hazel Tindall
Guided visit of Jamieson’s Sandness Mill
Visits to local knitting and textile designers
Visit to the Shetland Textiles Museum and the organic Uradale Farm
Textile Treasures guided tour of Shetland Museum & Archives

The Spirit of Shetland Knitting Holiday

On this 6-day holiday draw knitting inspiration from the coastlines and powerful landscapes, whose diverse colour pallet provides the perfect backdrop to your creative pastime. Learn how the world-famous Shetland wool is farmed, woven into yarn and then transformed by the locals into beautiful hand-crafted items. In the company of like-minded knitters, who share your passion for knitting, enjoy four half-day workshops. Under the professional guidance of the 'World's Fastest Knitter' Hazel Tindall, and the ever-talented Kathleen Anderson, you'll learn traditional Shetland Fair Isle and lace knitting techniques.

A message from our expert:

First time visitors are usually impressed by the scenery as they are driven from the airport to Lerwick. Coastline walks from the hotel are a great way to see seals, birds and possibly otters, especially if you are up very early. The yarn shops are also special places for knitters to visit. During the workshops I give a choice of 2 things to knit, giving opportunity to experiment with colour as well as knitting in the round with 2 colours. One project involves cutting the knitting to give a flat piece. It is possible for the very able knitters to finish both projects.- Hazel Tindall

DAY 1: Edinburgh – Sumburgh
Meet your Arena Travel Tour Manager at Edinburgh Airport for your flight to Sumburgh Airport. On arrival board the coach for a visit to Sumburgh Head RSPB Reserve to see if you can catch a glimpse of the puffins! Continue to the Lerwick Hotel, our based for the next 5 nights.
DAY 2: Sandness
This morning we’ll visit Jamieson's Mill in Sandness. Jamieson’s is Shetland's only commercial mill that completes all the processes of yarn production under one roof.

This afternoon we’ll enjoy our first Fair isle knitting workshop with local tutor Hazel Tindall. Hazel has been knitting for over 50 years and is passionate about continuing the long tradition of knitting on The Shetland Islands. Hazel will be designing a project for us based on her extensive knowledge and experience in Fair Isle knitting.
DAY 3: Lerwick
This morning we’ll have another chance to get creative with Hazel Tindall, who will hold the second of her Fair Isle workshops in the hotel. This afternoon we'll visit the Shetland Museum & Archive, Shetland Textile Museum and enjoy a spot of retail therapy at Jamieson & Smith wool shop in Lerwick.
DAY 4: Hoswick
This morning’s workshop with Kathleen Anderson is a great chance for us to learn and hone our skills in lace knitting. Kathleen is from a family of experienced shawl knitters and during her workshops we’ll investigate the elements of shawl construction - lace edges, picking up, knitting on, finishing and grafting. Kathleen will create a project for us to enjoy!

This afternoon we’ll enjoy the scenery on today's excursion which takes us to Shetland Designer to see the unique knitwear designs of Wilma Malcolmson - one of Shetland's foremost designers. We'll continue to Hoswick with its popular Visitor Centre and shop selling alternative Shetland knitwear. The inventive, contemporary designs are those of local designer Niela Kalra, 'Nielanell'. Her knitwear designs are vibrant and contemporary, and we’ll have time to browse through the yarn and stylish collections.
DAY 5: Burn
This morning we join Kathleen Anderson for our final lace knitting workshop before today's visit to Uradale Farm. After a light lunch in the family home, learn what farming and crofting life in Shetland is really like. We’ll also have the chance to look through the farm's fleeces in a wonderful range of natural colours.
DAY 6: Sumburgh - Edinburgh
After breakfast transfer to Sumburgh Airport for your return flight to Edinburgh.

Included in our package:

Return flights from Edinburgh to Sumburgh with 1 piece of hold luggage
Airport transfers
5 nights in accommodation on a half board basis
Coach travel as described in the itinerary including driver tips
Guided visit of Jamison’s Sandness Mill
Visit to the organic Uradale Farm
Visit to the Shetland Museum & Archives with Textile Treasures guided tour
Visit to the Shetland Textiles Museum
Visits to local yarn stores and Shetland knitting & textile designers
2 half day workshops on Shetland Lace with Kathleen Anderson
2 half day workshops on Shetland Fair Isle with Hazel Tindall
Yarn Kit
The services of an experienced tour manager throughout

Hazel Tindall

Hazel Tindall was born and raised in Shetland, surrounded by knitters who depended on the craft to earn an income. Speed & efficiency were the key – something Hazel picked up from an early age and has carried through her career. In 2004, Hazel was recognised as the World’s Fastest Knitter, knitting an impressive 255 stitches in 3 minutes! Throughout her career, Hazel has designed countless patterns, contributed to various publications, recorded two instructional knitting DVD’s and knitted thousands of fair isle inspired knitting pieces. Her main ambition is to help fellow knitters produce high quality knits as efficiently as possible – a nostalgic goal inspired by her childhood.

Kathleen Anderson

Coming from a family whose women are talented knitters, Kathleen began knitting at a young age. Her speciality lies in knitting fine lace shawls, the first of which she knitted some forty years ago. She has won many prizes exhibiting at the Annual Royal Highland Show, including the prestigious Championship Award for the best craft item in show, which she has won five times! Her shawls have sold all over the world, including a commissioned shawl for the arrival of Prince William and Kate's first born Prince George, and a commissioned stole for the widow of pop artist Roy Lichtenstein.

Fly from Edinburgh

Return flights from Edinburgh are included in our package on our specific arrival and departure dates plus one item of checked in luggage, per person.

Transfers will also be included on our specific arrival and departure dates to take you to your holiday destination. If you choose to arrive or depart on a different day, there may be an additional supplement charged to cover your transfer costs.

Meet us at our hotel

If you would like to make your own travel arrangements, you can meet us at our hotel. This package will not include flights or transfers. If you require any further information to assist with your travel plans, please contact our friendly reservations team who will be happy to help.

Please contact us to enquire about our ‘meet us there’ holiday discounts.

Dates:

3rd June or 24th June 2020: 6 days

Prices:

All prices listed below are per person

Twin/double share: from £1595
Double room for sole use: from £1834
Non-crafter discount: £50
Deposit: £250

Our 'Stitch Together' Programme

Our ‘Stitch Together' Programme helps our guests with the costs of a single occupancy room. If you are a single traveller but would be willing to share a room with a fellow crafter, please let us know and we will get in touch if anyone else joins the programme for the same tour.

Overview

Nestled on the shoreline, the comfortable Lerwick Hotel enjoys a fabulous location with stunning views over beautiful Brewick Bay and the island of Bressay. During your stay there’s every chance of seeing seals basking on the rocks just a stone’s throw from the hotel. There’s no better view than from the hotel’s restaurant where you’ll enjoy hearty breakfasts and delicious 3-course dinners bursting with the freshest Shetland flavours. Just a 10-minute walk from the hotel is the bustling town centre and harbor of the Shetland Islands capital.

Hotel Facilities & Amenities

Guests' comfort is of the utmost importance at the Lerwick Hotel, which operates a 24-hour reception desk and bar service, and also 24-hour room service. Testament to the hotels' standing is the local appreciation for the Hotel - as it proves to be a popular spot for guests old and new!

The comfortable Club Lounge is a great place to grab a relaxing coffee or chat amongst other members of the group. There is also great cuisine on offer at the Bay Brasserie infused with local ingredients and of course catches fresh from the bay itself.

Room Facilities & Amenities

All rooms are en-suite and are well-appointed with modern furnishings. Some enjoy spectacular views over Brewick Bay and all rooms offer the following:

Flat-screen TV with satellite channels
DVD player
Direct dial telephone
Wi-Fi available. Charges may apply
Tea and coffee making facilities
Hairdryer
24-hour room service.

Spirit of Shetland Knitting Holiday

3rd - 8th June or 24th - 29th June 2020