Knit n' natter Shetland style

The highlight of the morning was working with three Shetland ladies demonstrating the traditional knitting techniques. I had a go at doing some Fair Isle knitting using a Makkin belt, or knitting belt, that is the traditional way of knitting in these islands. I was fascinated to learn that in the past women would actually be knitting whilst carrying the cut peats back to their houses. Whenever they stopped for a break they were never idle, they were constantly knitting and even whilst cooking their needles were busy.

The chat with the ladies was full of laughter and insights into the history of the islands and also what it is like living there today. I could have stayed all day just knitting and chatting with these wonderful people.

I bought myself a knitting belt as it was a comfortable way of working once I had got the hang of it and I also indulged in a new book, A Legacy of Shetland Lace produced by the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers. I had heard of Shetland Lace but had never really seen it for myself. The pieces on display in the museum took my breath away. They are so fine and intricate that the mind boggles how they were ever knitted. I had a vague notion that one day I would love to have a go at learning how to do it.

Visit to Unst

It wasn’t until I visited Unst, the most northern island, that I was truly inspired to give it a go. Lace knitting originated on Unst, and the pieces on display in the heritage centre there were truly mind blowing. An historic lace shawl is so fine that it can be pulled through a wedding ring. A large shawl could take a year to produce and many of the woman who knitted them didn’t even use a pattern!

In the shop there were some knitting kits for sale so I took the plunge and bought the simplest one which was aimed at beginners. The Peerie (small) Lacey Piece was apparently an easy pattern to tackle and although I liked the more complicated designs of the other kits, for once I decided to be sensible and not run before I could walk. Thank goodness I listened to myself!

All set with my kit and my knitting belt.

Let's knit!

That evening I made a start thinking it shouldn’t be too difficult as I’m a fairly accomplished knitter. How wrong I was. My first attempt was a bit of a disaster as it looked nothing like the picture on the kit. Trying not to be too deflated, I started again and managed the first section successfully this time.

The concentration required though was surprising. I can usually knit in front of the tv but if my mind wandered for even a second I lost my place in the pattern. After a couple of hours and a couple of cups of tea later, I had managed an inch of knitting. I was beginning to think I would take a year just to complete this small, simple(!!) piece.

The next evening I moved on to the next part of the pattern feeling more confident that I had got the hang of things. I managed the next inch of the pattern with all going well until a few stitches fell off my needle.

Disaster! I couldn’t pick up the stitches however hard I tried. Because of the lace patterns the stitches simply seemed to disappear. I ended up having to undo the inch that I had spent so long knitting and was back at the same place where I had begun from that evening. I actually felt a sense of achievement that I had managed to get the correct number of stitches in the right order again.

At the time of writing this, I have now nearly reached the milestone of getting half way through the pattern! I am determined to finish it and even rashly bought some more cobweb wool before getting the ferry home as I plan to make a scarf. Whether it will get done this year is another thing though.

My husband has been watching me throughout with wry amusement. He said it looked very complicated and then he asked a simple question:

Why am I doing this?

Good point.

Although I like knitting I certainly don’t have the same passion for it as I do for embroidery. The technique is very slow and torturous and I’m finding it hard work.

My answer however was simple.

• I wanted to challenge myself.
• I wanted to try something new and see if I could master it.

I know I’ll never manage to make a large shawl but if I could even finish one scarf I’d be happy.

I have also been thinking while I’m knitting that perhaps I could try using two colours to add stripes or make up my own patterns. I know I’m being way too adventurous here though! I find trying something new or setting myself a challenge is a great way of keeping me fresh and my mind active. It’s so easy to play it safe and stick to what we know and are good at.

Challenge, making mistakes and even failing is not a wasted activity. I may never use Shetland lace in my work or ever accomplish a finished scarf, but knowing I had a go and learning a new technique is what counts.