In Shetland we have the tradition of “First Fitting”. Translated that means “First Footing” This is the act of visiting friends and neighbours after midnight on the 31st December to be the “First Foot” over the threshold to wish the occupants good luck and good wishes for the year ahead. It’s absolutely necessary to bring a gift when you’re “Fi...

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This hat celebrates the 200-year anniversary of the Sumburgh Lighthouse. It bears all the colours of the lighthouse and its environs: the green of grassy banks and lighthouse doors, the fresh lime of moss on the walls, the grey of drystone dykes, the dark blue of the surrounding sea, and the gleaming yellows from the light itself, which steadfa...

This hat or ‘toorie’ as we would call it in Shetland dialect was designed as a fundraiser for the children’s Shetland knitting charity Shetland Peerie Makkers.

The bold, traditional Shetland star motifs of this glowing hat provide an opportunity to practise catching your floats. Variance Hat is the third pattern in the Confident Knitting book and is also available to buy as a single pattern from Janette’s Ravelry store.

This beanie or ‘toorie’ as we would call it in Shetland dialect was designed to be my ultimate winter hat. ‘Bittersie’ in Shetland dialect is a very cold day. “Hit’s a right bittersie oot dare daday” meaning “it’s very cold out there today” often used for a day where you feel the cold in your bones. There are lots of easy ways to customise this...

The 2018 Lerwick Up Helly Aa in Shetland was a special year for our family with my first cousin’s husband in the role of lead Viking, the Guizer Jarl. My cousin asked me to design and knit hats and cowls for a few wives and girlfriends of the Jarl’s squad. This cowl, with its motif inspired by the squad’s unique outfit, evolved from those commi...