We are delighted to announce that the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers has been named as the official patron for 2025. The news was shared today at a special launch event held at Shetland Museum and Archives.
The prestigious accolade recognises the Guild’s dedication to preserving and promoting Shetland’s rich textile heritage. With over 70 members, the Guild plays an important role in keeping traditional Shetland skills, techniques, and patterns alive while passing them on to future generations.
The keenly awaited hat pattern, which is synonymous with the launch of the patron was also released.
This year’s hat, the ‘Aal Ower Toorie’ has been designed by Guild member, Rachel Hunter, and takes inspiration from a traditional vintage allover pattern from the 1930s – blending historical motifs with a contemporary aesthetic.
Shetland Wool Week 2025 will focus on the theme of ‘Shetland Ways’, exploring the variety of methods Shetlanders have used – and continue to use – in traditional maakin (knitting). The Guild’s appointment as patron is a fitting tribute to this year’s theme, celebrating their invaluable contributions to Shetland’s textile heritage.
On hearing the news, chair of the Guild, Elizabeth Williamson said:
“We were first invited to be the Wool Week patron earlier this year, but we had had to keep it secret until now – with only three of us in the know! It was a challenge, but now that the news is out, we’re thrilled to be able to share it with all our Guild members!
“The inspiration for the Aal Ower Toorie came from last autumn’s popular ‘Allover’ exhibition by Chris Morphet at the Shetland Museum. The exhibition photographs clearly depicted the strong design and vibrant colours of vintage Fair Isle knitwear and this is what we wanted to achieved in our hat. Building on the allover theme we replicated a 1930s pattern from the Guild publication, A Shetlander’s Fair Isle Graph Book, as the basis for our toorie. The hat features a diamond grid allover pattern. The name Aal Ower Toorie not only highlights the design’s continuous pattern but also pays tribute to our Guild members, who reside ‘aal ower’ Shetland.”
The Aal Ower Toorie is available in three distinctive colourways using local yarn from Jamieson’s of Shetland, Jamieson and Smith and Uradale Yarns. The Jamieson’s and J&S versions feature eight shades emulating vintage and kaleyard colours respectively. A slightly simplified version using five natural shades from Uradale Yarns is also available. Later in the year, the Guild plan to release a second pattern designed to use up any remaining yarn, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Follow the Guild on facebook and instagram, as they share updates throughout their year as the SWW Patron.
Jamieson and Smith – Kaleyard
Uradale Yarns – Shetland Naturals
Jamieson’s of Shetland – Vintage
The Aal Ower Toorie design includes a tassel which you attach securely to the centre of the crown. Check out this tutorial for guidance if required – Knitting Help – Making Tassels
Hazel Sutherland, CEO of Shetland Amenity Trust, which manages the event, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Guild has agreed to take on the role of Wool Week patron. The Guild and Shetland Wool Week have enjoyed a longstanding partnership, with many Guild members serving as tutors or volunteers at the event. Their commitment to passing on traditional skills and sharing knowledge makes them an ideal, and popular choice for this year.
“Our outgoing patrons, the Doulls, have done an incredible job highlighting the importance of the Shetland Flock Book Society in maintaining the quality of Shetland wool. Their Islesburgh Toorie was a fantastic celebration of Shetland’s sheep and wool, and we sincerely thank them for all their work and dedication to the role.”
The Aal Ower Toorie pattern is available to download from the Shetland Wool Week website for £2 and is also available as a printed version for £4 from the Shetland Museum and local wool shops.
Next week…
We will share photos of our launch event and an interview with the Guild in a newsletter next week.
In the meantime enjoy choosing your colourways, join in with the Aal Ower Toorie KAL page, and remember to share your creations with us using #aalowertoorie
Happy knitting!
