Down the Lane

I thought this might be interesting to some of the knitters here. I'm not a knitter myself, but found it interesting anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbfrnIgydho

I would have thought living in the Shetlands that people would need something knitted in a heavy yarn rather than lace.
Dom

You would think so, wouldn't you?

It was often made for trade, in fact. I won't bore you with all the history, but knitted goods were one of the few things that Shetland crofters made or produced that they were entitled to 'own' and sell independently, so it was an important source of family income. Shetland lace is fine enough that you can pull a woollen shawl through a wedding ring.

Shetland women used to knit literally every minute they could, even while doing other tasks, if possible.





Also, they invented Fair Isle knitting, too, of course.

I love knitting fair isle and find the history of knitting around the world fascinating. I think all the beautiful fine lace patterns are wonderful - one thing I've never had the patience for!

Wow that is fine wool isn't it. I have knitted with 2ply.
Very beautiful

That is beautiful knitting....the shetland sheep have characteristics of the Gotlands so I can see where the Scandinavian link could come.

Such a talent to be able to knit with such fine wool, let alone have the patience.

It is amazingly fine work. On the other hand, Anne Eunson, a well-known knitter of Shetland Lace, used the technique to knit her garden fence out of the same kind of twine that fishermen make their nets from.



These are the needles she used to make it. I think that should count as an extreme sport!

Now that is superb. She can do me some chicken mesh.

That's fantastic - Shetland is so on my to do list!

Oh WOW!!!

Mo wrote:Now that is superb. She can do me some chicken mesh.

Me too! It would be the palace of all chicken runs!