Today is this first day of Virtual Shetland Wool Week 2021 and for the second year running we are embracing technology and going online. Over the next nine days (from 25 September until 3 October) there will be films, tours, talks, classes, music and a market all showcasing Shetland, our hardy sheep, the beautiful wool, SWW expert knowledge and skills, and the islands’ rich textile heritage. If you haven’t already purchased your 2021 membership it’s not too late.
To kick things off we’d like to say a big hello and welcome from the extended Shetland Wool Week Team. As always we would much rather see you in person, but we have enjoyed keeping in touch online and admiring all the wonderful Crofter’s Kep pictures and colour combinations you have shared with us on social media.
We hope this ‘peerie’ video makes you smile…..introducing our friendly Wool Week welcome starring the fabulous Crofter’s Kep and some of our SWW friends from around the world.
We are excited to reveal our exclusive collection of crofter inspired merchandise, which is available to buy from today. It features Gilly B’s striking artwork and illustrations by the talented artist Cathryn Worrell.
Our 2021 ranges includes a zipped project bag, enamel mug, trinket tin, notebook and a pack of art prints (postcard size).
If you are a SWW Member you will receive an email with your special 10% discount code to be used on our new range of merchandise.
This beautifully packaged selection of prints feature intricate details of the motifs and stitches from the eight official SWW hat designs. They’d look great framed or can also be used as postcards.
Thank you all for your amazing response to the launch of the SWW Annual 2021 so far. We’ve enjoyed sharing photos of all the designs on social media over the last few weeks, and that there’s still time to pre-order.
Join us online for this year’s SWW Fair Isle Friday – we love seeing your photos and it’s a great way of raising the profile of Fair Isle design and Shetland’s textile heritage.
All you need to do is wear and share your favourite Fair Isle and upload it to Instagram using the hashtag #swwfairislefriday so that we can share it throughout the day.
We’d love to see all your Fair Isle knitwear pictured around the world – you might want to take your photo in a location unique to your home town or city, next to a popular landmark, beautiful nature spot or maybe just at home – wherever you choose we’re use the knitwear will steal the show.
Our popular Makers’ Market will go live at 9am on Saturday 2nd October – with members receiving advance access on Friday 1st October at 12noon.
Browse through the selection of local makers, view more information and shop a fantastic and unique range of products.
It’s not too late to purchase 2021 membership which will give you access to our series of specially commissioned Shetland Wool Week films produced throughout the spring and summer months. Films vary in length, from 5 – 60 mins each and feature weaving, spinning, crofting, Shetland lace, Fair Isle knitting, natural yarn dyeing and rooing. There are also three masterclass tutorials from Elizabeth Johnston of Shetland Handspun and more bonus material to enjoy.
You can view them as they go live throughout virtual SWW, or revisit and watch at your leisure as they will be exclusively available for SWW Members until the end of December 2021. For more detailed information on all the films, click here.
Members will also receive a special discount code to be used on this year’s merchandise collection.
TICKETED EVENTS
You don’t have to be a member to purchase tickets from our online event programme and there are still a few spaces left – you can browse all event listings here.
We hope you enjoy what we have lined up and keep an eye on our events page throughout the week for any Virtual SWW news.
And make sure you’re signed up to the SWW newsletter, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to hear all the latest updates.
