Shetland wool socks
On another visit to Scalloway museum, I spotted a beautiful pair of dark Shetland wool socks and was introduced to Emma, a 92 year old knitter, who was working away on some red knitted lace in the museum café. She had made the socks many weeks before and created many knitted items for sale in the museum. It was a privilege to talk to her about Scalloway and her life in Shetland.
Textiles are such an important part of Shetland heritage. When getting an induction to the boat by our skipper, I noticed that many words connected to the boat were similar to those in textiles… warp, making and casting off, tacking, coils, wires
Immigrant by James Sinclair
Fill my pockets with lochs
the wind will fit snug in my wallet.
I will weave a scarf of mackerel, haddock and trout
the good fit of sheep on my feet.
My jacket, knitted peat and heather
with a bottle of good humour for the journey.
Planks of fishing boat bound tight as a belt
the sails making dandy trousers.
My back-pack holds the entire ocean
And last but certainly not least
I will wear the sky beneath my hat.
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