Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.8°C   NE Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / ‘Wool is our common language’

Sarah Laurenson with her new book - Photos: Hans J Marter/ShetNews

ALMOST 100 wool and textile enthusiasts from Shetland, the UK and overseas gathered in the Shetland Museum and Archive boats hall to celebrate the opening of the fourth Shetland Wool Week, on Monday.

Highlight of the evening was the launch of a beautiful new book covering almost 3,000 years of local textile history. Edited by Sarah Laurenson, Shetland Textiles: 800BC to the Present brings together the latest research on a subject at the centre of Shetland identity.

The treasure of a book contains contributions from nine authors plus reminiscences from 30 others.

Laurenson said writing and editing the book had been an “amazing journey”. (She details that journey in her own words here).

“I considered myself interested and passionate and reasonably well informed before I started, and I have been just constantly amazed by how much I didn’t know.

“There is so much out there – and this book brings it all together,” she said. 

Participants in this year’s wool week will be treated to a number of events and workshops across the isles, including those hosted by this year’s guest patrons Felicity Ford and Tom Van Deijnen.

An artist and lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, Ford describes herself as a “listener” who is interested in the everyday sounds associated with wool and woollen textiles.

As such she has recorded the sounds “that tell us more about Shetland wool”. Samples can be found at: http://aporee.org/maps/work/projects.php?project=shetlandwool

“What is incredible about Shetland is that the working textile industry here is still transparent; you can pick up a sweater in Shetland and understand exactly where it is from. For me, sonically and culturally, that is very exciting.

“The fact that the knitting is really embedded in the culture here and that the wool industry is still alive, and the possibility of connecting regional textiles with regions is irresistible for me as a knitter and a listener,” she said.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Self-taught knitter Tom Van Deijnen meanwhile focuses on his work of fixing things.

He became passionate about darning after realising he couldn’t throw away his first pair of knitted socks, and became immersed in mending and patching up. He now teaches different techniques for repairing knitwear.

“The fact that you want to fix it means the garment is something special to you; something that you want to keep wearing.

“I am here to run a few darning workshops to teach people how to darn,” he said.

Wool Week runs until Sunday and is packed with events across the islands. A full programme is available at www.shetlandwoolweek.com/assets/files/Shetland-Wool-Week-programme-2013.pdf

The week will be followed by the North Atlantic Native Sheep and Wool Conference. Details at www.shetlandwoolweek.com/assets/files/NANSW_Programme.pdf

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.