Growing up in Shetland I was surrounded by Shetland knitting. Most of my memories are seen through a textile vortex. I learned to knit in my Granny and Grandad’s croft house in Unst in the early 70’s. There is an audio tape recording of it and I am, rather ambitiously, “makkin a cardeen (cardigan) fur Mam”! As I grew up I was in awe of the beautiful lace that was produced in the isle and of the knowledge and skill of the adult knitters around me. Struggling myself to follow patterns, my love of knitting only truly emerged when I laid by (set aside) the patterns and simply cast on and let my own designs emerge from the needles. My passion has led me to design my own patterns and develop my own knitting techniques.
I left Shetland for 4 years to gain a BSc Hons in Applied Physics in Aberdeen. Well, we all make mistakes sometimes! On my return I realised that my really passion lay in Youth and Community Work and then further study led to PG Diploma and a job at the University of the Highland and Islands as an outreach lecturer. I thoroughly enjoyed running workshops and tutorials and supporting folk in their learning.
In 2001, following a bridal tiara commission and inspired by my family story of traditional lace knitting being worn as veils in Unst, I started exploring knitting Shetland Lace patterns using wire to create unique jewellery. This led to a new way of creating and wearing Shetland Lace. I only use precious, silver wire in honour of my heritage and my foremothers who in difficult circumstances created the original Shetland Lace patterns. I love creating this precious Shetland Lace jewellery as it renders something fragile into an everlasting item and has the potential to introduce Shetland knitting to a whole new audience. As a expectant mother at the time I also realised that this gave me the opportunity to craft a knitting based career that I could tailor around my family.
I am very fortunate to have grown that career and now work as a Creative Practitioner combining knitting pattern design, knitting teaching online and in person with Community Art projects.
I love sharing Shetland stories through my designs and projects. You can find out more about these through my blog.
I am now the proud owner of a Shedio or renovated shed/studio that enables me to teach small groups of up to 6 people. I offer classes in knit techniques, enamelling and some jewellery making.
I have never lived far from the sea and only feel truly home when I can taste the salt on my lips and feel the wind through my hair. The shore around Shetland is rich in beach treasure and I enjoy recreating found objects in silver and gold leaf. I love to recreate the feeling of wonder that beachcombing can often bring and especially love when some pieces of my jewellery are mistaken for actual driftwood or bird skulls! I run occasional classes in my Shedio so folk can recreate their own driftwood finds in precious metal.
I am also happy to run private in person or online knitting workshops for family or friendship groups, tour groups and organisations. I can also tailor the complexity of each event to the participants.
My occasional and sporadic emails will keep you up to date with new releases of patterns, in person and online knitting classes and of opportunities to get involved in my community art projects, please join this list so you don't miss out. Thank you, xx
Photo Credits: Portrait of me by Tom Barr
Hentilagets Photos by Mark Sinclair of Phatsheep Photography
Model Shots and styling by Joy Allan
Model and stylist: Ria Moncrieff