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04/10/2014

A load of Huh and a lot of knitty-related inspiration :)

I was bumbling around the tinternet this lunch time. I had rushed out quickly in my lunch hour to do a few chores, rushed back into work, rushed my lunch and then realising I still had 30 minutes I sat back and escaped into a world of knitty-related insipration.

I learnt something new. Really interesting too.

I have been imbibing - with some envy - the Shetland Wool Week blog and came across something I'd never heard of before - the Foula Froke. Huh? Then I read further and then Dutch traditional ganseys were mentioned. Double huh?  My curiosity piqued, I researched more.

I found some gorgeous old black and white photographs on the Shetland Museum  Archives website with both ganseys and the Shetland froke being proudly worn. I was fascinated by the intricate patterning of the knitted garments. Each fishing family wearing their foula froke patterns with dignity and gravity.
  Drifter's crewmen
Just look at their serious faces :)


A few days ago Amjaylou suggested I go and look at the Shwook hat (Huh? - again) and I am so very glad she did - look at this!
Picture from Hazel Tindall's website

Hazel Tindall has designed the Shwook, a lovely fairisle hat to coincide with Shetland Wool Week and she has released it as a free download! Even better :)
405_galezucker0514_mlegantrig_small2
Then, this evening I stumbled across this - Trig by Mary Lou Egan -  Love it.

I think I have found my inspiration for autumn. Now just need to finish my existing project - Tincanknits' - Estuary Shawl. I am in love with it. I am using the hand spun wool from Jennie Howes and when I saw her at Yarndale she kindly offered to spin me another hank so I could finish my shawl - how lovely is that!?  At the end of October I am off to the St Abbs Wool Festival to make my purchases and visit my guillemot  - I can't wait!

I love the knitting community spirit of creativity and encouragement. Hopefully I've passed on some of that today and you find some inspiration for your autumnal knits and festivals.







8 comments:

  1. Talk about some major inspiration, thanks for sharing your find! It is about time I tried some color work.

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  2. Very inspirational, though I already have so many projects to make before the end of the year I have put them in individual bags and lined them up along the settee. In fact if we have any visitors arrive they'll have to sit on the floor!
    I really like the design of the hats.

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  3. What great designs, just love the last hat. Lucky you off to St Abbs Wool Festival. I'd like to go but too far for a day's travelling. Still I can eagerly look forward to your pictures and details when you post about it.

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  4. love the patterns you've found I hope you're going to have a go at them.. I'm still plucking up courage to have a go at socks @-)

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  5. I would love to go the wool fest in the Shetlands, and fair isle is something I have been wanting to tackle for a bit now. Nice patterns. :)

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  6. I am not surprised you are tempted. Those hats are gorgeous. x

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  7. http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-foula-wool-experience/3040734/1-25#2

    Here is a link to an image of a Foula Froke knitted in Foula Wool, was on display at Shetland Wool Week 2014 opening ceremony.

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  8. Just catching up here. Trig is a lovely pattern, I've knitted it. I should probably admit here that Mary Lou is a friend so I might be biased, but it's still a great pattern.

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