Crowdfunder success demonstrates strong support for protecting Shetland knitting heritage

THE CHARITY set up to preserve the history and promote the accurate understanding of Shetland knitting has exceeded its goal of raising £50,000 towards its work.

Shetland’s Organisation for Knitters (SOK) said 1,071 people  from around the globe had donated towards their crowdfunder, raising a total of £53,665.

About 4,000 were raising in the final 24 hours of the campaign.

The organisation focuses on Fair Isle knitting, Shetland lace (openwark), and home machine knitting.

Reaching the original £40,000 target two weeks ago enabled the group to move ahead with their mission.

SOK trustee Elizabeth Johnson said the response shows strong public backing for work focused on protecting Shetland’s knitting heritage.

“Starting a new project like this is a daunting task, especially when you are not sure of the level of support it will get,” she said.

“But the crowdfunder has shown that knitters and non-knitters are behind us.

“There are donations from all round the world, as well as from Shetland. It tells us how much SOK is needed, and we are especially grateful for the huge response from Shetland.

“We need the knowledge our knitters have to make SOK really work for the future of Shetland knitting.”

Achieving the £50,000 target provides additional security as the organisation prepares to secure premises and begin its firstProgrammes, Johnson added.

The crowdfunder is now closed.