Description: ShetlandPeerieMakkers aims to preserve traditional hand knitting techniques in Shetland and the use of Shetland Wool Yarn. The organization aims to ensure these invaluable skills thrive and the future of Shetland's rich knitting culture is secured for generations to come.
In contrast, Shetland’s profile as a place with a hand-knitting heritage continues to grow nationally and internationally. A clear example of this is the growth of Shetland Wool Week over more than a decade. However, immensely valuable though Shetland Wool Week is, its primary purpose is not to provide practical support for the growth of Shetland knitting skills and knowledge among young people in Shetland. BLT, following consultation with a group of experienced Shetland knitters and textile enthusiasts,
Brough Lodge Trust believed that Shetland’s textile tradition was not only a vital part of the islands’ heritage, but would be integral to the Trust’s efforts to conserve Brough Lodge, on the island of Fetlar. The restoration of the building was some years away, but trustees agreed that, in the meantime, support for the knitting culture should become a priority. Following public consultation in August 2014, the decision was taken to develop a pilot project which would restore hand-knitting in schools.
The name chosen for the project was ShetlandPeerieMakkers (meaning Shetland small knitters) and its objectives were: