Jacklien Fernendus
Author for handknitty.com
I have worked in the knitting industry for the past 15 years. When I was a child, my grandma used to knit and enjoy spending time with them on an easy chair in the winter to keep them warm and occupied. Now that I work in the modern knitting & Fashion industry, I see the same fascination in my 4-year-old daughter’s eyes when seeing me working.
Shetland Lace Knitting: A Delicate Craft
Shetland Lace Knitting:
Shetland lace knitting – it’s as delicate and intricate as a spider’s web, and just as beautiful! This traditional style of knitting hails from the Shetland Islands, located off the north coast of Scotland, and is characterized by its fine, lacy patterns.
The History of Shetland Lace Knitting:
The origins of Shetland lace knitting can be traced back to the early 19th century, when Shetland women began to create delicate, lacy shawls to sell to wealthy customers on the mainland. These shawls were made using fine, soft wool from Shetland sheep, and featured intricate lace patterns that were often inspired by the natural world.
Over time, the craft of Shetland lace knitting evolved and became more intricate, with knitters experimenting with new patterns and techniques. Today, Shetland lace knitting is still practiced by a small but dedicated group of knitters on the islands, and the delicate shawls they produce are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
The Techniques of Shetland Lace Knitting:
Shetland lace knitting is characterized by its fine, delicate patterns, which are often created using a combination of knit and purl stitches, yarn overs, and decreases. The knitters who practice this craft use fine needles and thin, soft yarn to create their intricate designs, and often work by candlelight to see their stitches more clearly.
One of the most distinctive features of Shetland lace knitting is the use of traditional lace shawl constructions, which feature a central panel surrounded by a border of knitted lace. The knitters who practice this craft often create their own unique patterns, drawing inspiration from the natural world, mythology, and other sources.
The Legacy of Shetland Lace Knitting:
Shetland lace knitting is a delicate and beautiful craft that has become an important part of the cultural heritage of the Shetland Islands. The shawls created by Shetland lace knitters are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts around the world, and the craft of Shetland lace knitting continues to inspire new generations of knitters.
In conclusion, Shetland lace knitting is a delicate and intricate craft that has been practiced on the Shetland Islands for generations. Its fine, lacy patterns and traditional lace shawl constructions make it a unique and highly prized style of knitting, and a testament to the skill and dedication of the knitters who practice it. So, the next time you see a delicate, lacy shawl, remember the legacy of Shetland lace knitting that made it possible. Happy knitting!
