I have just returned from an incredible week exploring the wind swept shores of the Shetland Islands. These remote islands proved to provide a wealth of inspiration from the their dramatic scenery, the vibrant Up Helly Aa celebrations, astonishing wildlife to the active domestic craft industry that is still alive and kicking. No more so than with the famous Shetland wool that provided jumpers for numerous polar expeditions and the wonderful Fair Isle knits. This industry still shapes the landscape and its products are dictated by that same landscape.
The breathtakingly beautiful soft purple, russet, green and deep brown heather and peat moors interspersed by the soft cream of the roaming Shetland sheep. The moors sweep down to astonishingly vivid seas of turquoise and petrol blue. These are colour combinations made in heaven and have no need of any d'Erlanger and Sloan tweaking.
What could be better in these storm beaten days than to draw from and landscape that has withstood it for thousands of years. Use these incredible hues as the colour inspiration for your room, then light a fire, you will never want to leave. Snuggle under a beautiful Shetland knit and batten down the hatches. You never know, you may even be inspired to knit something yourself...
 |
| The procession, Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Sheltland |
 |
| The Viking ship is surrounded, Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland |
 |
| The Guizer Jarl, leaves his ship to he flames, Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland |
 |
| Blanket from Vaila Fine Art, Lerwick, Shetland |
 |
| Natural wool rugs from Jamieson & Smith, Lerwick, Shetland |
 |
| Fair Isle Tea Cosy, pattern from Jamieson & Smith, Lerwick, Shetland |
