Community / ‘Buggiflooer Beanie’ pattern revealed as Alison is named Shetland Wool Week patron
LOCAL nurse and Fair Isle knitter Alison Rendall has been named the 2023 Shetland Wool Week patron during a launch event held at the museum on Friday evening.
The much-anticipated annual hat pattern, which is synonymous with the launch of the patron was also released.
Designed by Rendall, this year’s wool week hat, takes its inspiration from nature and is called the ‘Buggiflooer Beanie’.
She said: “It was a total surprise to be asked to be this year’s Shetland Wool Week patron. This is the kind of thing that happens to someone else, but I never expected it to be me!
“I am delighted and honoured to be asked. I hope to use my time as patron to showcase Shetland’s unique culture, heritage, language and especially the makkin.”
Rendall grew up in the early 1970s surrounded by knitters in pre-oil industry Shetland.
Deeply influenced by the designs and colours of her Nan’s knitting, she has never forgotten the Fair Isle allover and yoke jumpers her mother made for her each year.
She learned to knit when very young, and progressed to Fair Isle knitting at school when she was just eight or nine years old.
“Knitting is a great relaxing therapy for me and has seen me through tough times. It is easy to become absorbed in a world of my own, especially in Fair Isle colourwork,” Rendall continued saying.
“I often think about the talented makkers of the past, many of whom have gone unrecognised, and this is what drives me to share my skills. I believe it is important to keep Shetland and Shetland maakers on the map.”
Her hat’s distinctive design incorporates traditional elements together with a flower motif depicting that of a buggiflooer, the Shetland name for sea campion.
The beanie is available in five different colours using Shetland yarn from local companies Jamieson’s of Shetland; Jamieson & Smith; Uradale Yarns; Laxdale Yarn and Aister Oo.
Chief executive of wool week organisers Shetland Amenity Trust, Hazel Sutherland, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Alison has agreed to take on the mantle of wool week patron.
“Linda Shearer has done a sterling job for us, and we know she will pass on her tips to Alison.
“Alison is an established designer in her own right. She is a proud supporter of Shetland’s heritage, with her inspiration for this year’s hat pattern rooted in Shetland’s landscape, nature and language.”
The hat pattern is available to download from the Shetland Wool Week website for £1 and is also available as a printed version for £2 from the Shetland Museum and local wool shops.
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