Join Gudrun Johnston and Mary Jane Mucklestone for a once in a lifetime exploration of Shetland’s fibery awesomeness, rich history, stunning natural beauty, unique culture and welcoming island community. This week long trip will take place during the popular Shetland Wool Week event. There will be knitters galore from all over the world thronging the streets of Lerwick and plenty of great activities to participate in. Mary Jane will join us half way through the trip and share her expertise on Fair Isle knitting. Trip Highlights: - A full day dyeing workshop with Niela Nell and a chance to see her work and studio. - A full day of warp weighted weaving with Elizabeth Johnston at the Hoswick Visitor Center. - A tour of both of Shetland’s wool producing facilities, Jamieson & Smith and Jamieson’s. (Leave space in your luggage for Shetland yarn!) - A visit with the true Shetland breed of sheep at a local croft (and maybe some tea and cake)! - A day trip to Unst, the northern-most island in Shetland (and the whole of the UK), where we will ogle at some beautiful Lace knitting in the Unst Heritage Museum, perhaps do a little cliff walking (if weather permits) and take in a few Viking sites along the way! - A visit to the Lerwick Museum, with a talk from Dr Carol Christianson and a chance to see knits from the archives not on public display. - Drop in stops at the studios of local designers. - And free time to do your own exploring!
Dates Friday 3rd of October- Friday 10th of October 2014 Cost $2750 A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due upon registration with the balance being paid by June 30th . What’s Included: 2 full day workshops, 2 half day workshops, travel within Shetland, 7 nights accommodation in shared rooms with ensuite facilities, all meals.
Of course we will spend some time relaxing and enjoying delicious meals at our accommodations! We’ll be staying in a charming 18th Century guesthouse on the remote west side of Shetland. Located right by the water’s edge, Burrastow House boasts stunning views and divine eating, based largely on locally sourced seafood and produce. There are lovely walks to be taken right outside the door with the chance of seeing seals, seabirds and even otters.
Please note that the cost of this trip does not include travel to Shetland. You will be responsible for arranging your own flights. However we are more than happy to advise you on the options available. Shetland can be reached by a plane or boat from mainland Scotland. You are also strongly advised to obtain your own travel insurance. Most of the rooms in our accommodation are shared rooms and vary in size, but all have ensuite facilities. Unless there are specific requests participants will be placed in rooms by the discretion of Gudrun and Mary Jane. If you require your own room then you will need to let us know as soon as possible and you will be expected to pay a single supplement of $300. A full trip itinerary will be available closer to time of departure and will include a detailed list of what to bring. Although trip highlights have been provided here, and we will do our best to honor these activities, it may be that events out with our control alter the schedule. Note that participants are expected to be in a fit enough condition to walk for up to approx 1-2 hours on rugged terrain. (Not that we’ll be doing this all the time! But do know that there are many beautiful walks to be taken). Participants will be expected to sign a Terms and Conditions document, which will be emailed separately if you express interest in the trip.
Mary Jane Mucklestone loves to knit, especially with color. She’s the author of 2 new books featuring stranded colorwork; the stitch dictionary 150 Scandinavian Motifs, and Fair Isle Style a contemporary take on colorwork featuring 20 projects from 18 popular designers. Her first book 200 Fair Isle Motifs was an instant classic and has been translated into many languages. Mary Jane travels the world to study traditional knitting techniques and to learn more about the history of the craft. She’s a popular teacher specializing in lively, fun and informative classes. She feels lucky to be invited to teach all over the world, and is eager to share knitting
Gudrun Johnston was born in Shetland in the 70's when her mother was running the successful knitwear design company, The Shetland Trader. Some 30 years later and now living in the U.S, Gudrun has followed in her mother's footsteps by reviving the Shetland Trader name, and has made a name for herself in the knitwear design industry.
Gudrun often includes aspects of her Shetland heritage in her designs, mostly utilizing traditional lace patterns in a contemporary context. She also loves to design using seamless construction methods and is always adding new methods to her seamless knitting skills.
knowledge with her students. She aims to give students She mostly self publishes her patterns but has also the courage to try something new! appeared in Interweave publications, Twist Collective, Mary Jane’s inventive handknitting designs are featured
Knitty.com and Brooklyntweed collections.
in many books and magazines as well as on her website MaryJaneMucklestone.com.
She is currently at work on a new collection of Shetland
inspired designs.