knitting tours scotland 2023

• 9 Night Shetland Islands and Scotland Knitting Tour

This tour offers you the opportunity to spend time with many well-known instructors and crafters who will share their expertise and knowledge with you. Classes in Fair Isle, the Shetland Knitting Belt and Shetland Lace await!

• Tour Attractions

Tour Overview

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Shetland Island has a long association with knitting over the centuries.

This tour offers you the opportunity to spend time with many well-known instructors and crafters who will share their expertise and knowledge with you.

Classes in Fair Isle, the Shetland Knitting Belt and Shetland Lace await!

Other knitting activities include Edinburgh’s Dovecot Studio, the Scottish Textiles Showcase and the V&A Design Gallery.

Relax in your own comfortable cabin and time to knit and dine on the overnight ferry to Shetland. 

Fantastic yarn shopping, farm and sheep visits, Shetland Museum and Archives, Shetland Textile Museum, Shetland Jewellery studio, an afternoon with Shetland Designer Wilma Malcolmson and Nielanell designer studio are also included.

Explore the ancient stone fort of Jarlshof; relax with evening knitting circles and so much more. You will also have plenty of time to take in the stunning scenery and local wildlife. 

More activities are waiting for you back on the mainland before your return to Edinburgh and more yarn!

A fun packed evening at the Scotch Whisky Experience with a farewell Taste of Scotland dinner round off your tour!

What's included

• Complimentary private transfers on arrival and departure 
• Luxury coach with an experienced driver 
• Accredited Scotland Blue Badge Guide throughout
• Return Shetland Ferry with Ensuite Cabin, Dinner and Breakfast
• Ensuite Hotel Accommodation  for 9 nights
• Full Breakfast daily 
• 6 Hotel Three Course Dinners
• 5 Lunches  
• Farewell Restaurant Dinner in Edinburgh
• Entrance to the following attractions:  V & A Dundee, RRS Discovery and Discovery Point Museum, Shetland Textile Museum, Shetland Museum and Archives, Jarlshof Ancient Settlement. and Glamis Castle 
• Dovecot Studio Visit and See the Weavers at Work
• V& A Design Gallery Tour
• Explore Jarlshof Ancient Settlement
• Visit to Burra Bears Studio to See How the Iconic Bears are Made
• See Shetland Jewellery Crafters at Work 
• Askival of Strathearn Kilt Making Demonstration
• Guided Tour of Shetland Textile Museum 
• Curator Led Textile Talk and Exhibits at Shetland Museum and Archives
• Shetland Ponies!
• Tour of Historic Royal Glamis Castle 
• Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh
• All the Amazing Knitting and Yarn Related Activities and Workshops Below!

Workshops/Knitting Activities Included in This Tour:

• Fair Isle Knitting Class 
• Shetland Lace Knitting Class 
• Shetland Knitting Belt Class includes belt and needles 
• Kathy's Knits Shopping Experience and Guest Talk from Lucy Hague, Knitwear Designer 
• Visit to Silly Sheep Fibre Company - Meet the Sheep, Learn the Process and Get the Yarn
• Shopping at Jamieson & Smith Wool Brokers and Jamieson's of Shetland 
• Evening Knitting Circles
• Nielanell Shetland Designer Visit
• The Scottish Textile Showcase, Edinburgh
• Evening Pop Up Shop for Shetland Knitting Accessories

Tour itinerary

Day 1 - welcome to edinburgh dovecot studios, the scottish textile showcase..

Meet with your fellow travel companions in the lobby of your hotel for introductions. Your Blue Badge accredited guide will provide a brief overview of the tour before your first activity!  Visit Dovecot Studio, home to contemporary art, craft and design - a true bond with Scottish textile heritage and you will get to see the weavers at work. After lunch (included), Join Kitty MacKenzie at The Scottish Textiles Showcase! Kitty’s passion for Scottish textiles is fuelled by the artisans, the amazing Scottish landscape and the craftsmanship into each piece. She wants to celebrate these skilled individuals who embrace and maintain Scottish textile heritage for new generations to enjoy, and support their communities with their living textile traditions. There will be time for you to refresh and relax before your welcome dinner at your Edinburgh hotel. Overnight Edinburgh, Lunch and Dinner included. 

Day 2 - Dundee and Overnight Ferry to the Shetland Islands

Today, we leave Edinburgh and travel towards Aberdeen for our ferry to Shetland. Stop in Dundee on the way to visit The V&A Dundee and the RRS Discovery. The V&A Design Gallery is the first design museum in Scotland. The waterfront gallery explores design from the past, present and future through the stunning displays on exhibit. After lunch (included), we visit the RRS Discovery and Discovery Point Museum.

RSS Discovery and Discovery Point explore the epic voyages of Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton. Continue our journey to Aberdeen, where we join the overnight ferry to Lerwick. Onboard you will find comfortable cabin accommodation as well as a bar, lounge, restaurant, cinema and gift shop. Breakfast will be served the following morning before leaving. Overnight Northlink Ferries, Lunch, Dinner and Bed & Breakfast included.

Day 3 - Silly Sheep Fibre Company & Shetland Museum and Archive

On arrival, we disembark the ferry at Lerwick and set off to explore the island. Our first stop is at The Silly Sheep fibre company, a small family croft in the village of Walls.  They began producing their own yarn from their growing number of sheep, which lead on to being  given or buying other local fleeces to make up the quantity needed for the mill. Wool is addictive and one batch of yarn lead onto experimenting with natural dyes and mixing breeds to give different yarns - to bring them to where they are today! 

Our next stop will be at Shetland Museum and Archives, showing Shetland community heritage and culture. The galleries contain wonderful examples of delicate Shetland lace and your guided tour will focus on knitting related history and its importance to Shetland.  Enjoy lunch before exploring the ancient settlement of Jarlshof. Return to your hotel for a meet and greet with your knitting host, Janette Budge.  Overnight Shetland, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. 

Day 4 - Burra Bears Studio, Shetland Ponies and Yarn and Knitting Fair Isle!

Travel out to gorgeous Burra and Burra Bears. Wendy Inkster makes amazing, highly sought after teddy bears from recycled Fair Isle sweaters and waste panels! Continue on to meet some of the gorgeous ponies Shetland are famous for! We return to Lerwick for you to have a break and a bit of lunch (not included) before your afternoon workshop. Don't fill up too much, as we have homemade scones and cake this afternoon! 

Meet with Hazel Tindall who is an expert on Fair Isle knitting. Hazel is also the world's fastest knitter! Her half day workshop is on the topic of Fair Isle Yoke Construction and you will learn how to knit Fair Isle Yokes and study some variants of the pattern. Knit your own section of yoke,  experimenting with colour and shaping. Hazel will provide the know how to design your own full Yoked sweater! Return to your hotel for dinner and a knitting circle with Janette who is on hand for all your Shetland knitting questions, tips and guidance! Overnight Shetland, Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 5 - Knitting Belt Workshop with Janette Budge

Your Shetland Knitting Belt workshop this morning is hosted by Janette Budge! Her class teaches you how to work with the belt used by generations of knitters, who had the task of hand knitting for their families. Learn how to add a raepin string at the bottom of your knitting and to see how it changes your tension, speed and ease of knitting. Janette will also demonstrate different techniques for holding your yarns while knitting Fair Isle!

Enjoy lunch at Da Haaf Restaurant before some free time to explore, relax and practice your new knitting skills! Overnight Shetland, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. 

Day 6 - Shetland Textile Museum, Nielanell Studio and Knitting Shetland Lace!

Shetland Textile Museum is a community museum in Shetland – the only one of its kind dedicated to the islands’ textile heritage, especially knitting, both historical and contemporary. The Collection held by the Shetland Textile Museum at The Böd of Gremista in Lerwick comprises over seven hundred items, including Fair-Isle and lace knitting, knitwear, taatit rugs, tools, tweed, and items by contemporary Shetland makers. Continue to Nielanell Studio for 'Shetland Knitwear but not as you know it!' Here it is all about contemporary colour, pattern and texture. 

After lunch at the wonderful Hoswick Visitor Centre, meet with your Lace Designer for a Shetland Lace knitting class, where you will be shown the skills needed to create your own Shetland-inspired lace design. After dinner, enjoy another evening knitting circle with the lovely Janette Budge! Overnight Shetland, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. 

Day 7 - Shetland Jewellery, Bonhoga Gallery and lots of yarn and knitting book shopping!

Start the day with a visit to the picturesque Shetland Jewellery, crafting Shetland, Nordic and Celtic inspired jewellery since 1953. Nestled beside Hellister Loch, watch the detailed craftwork take place first hand, perhaps buying a piece or two that come with a lifetime guarantee! Set within Weisdale Old Mill, enjoy lunch at Bonhoga Gallery and view the artwork on show. 

Return to Lerwick for yarn, yarn and yarn! Visits to Jamieson's of Shetland and Jamieson and Smith Wool Brokers will keep you busy, before a relaxed browse through The Shetland Times bookstore, featuring books on knitting and island life! Board your ferry to the mainland and have dinner onboard before setting sail. Overnight, Northlink Ferry, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included. 

Day 8 - Glamis Castle and Askival of Strathearn Kilt Making Demonstration

Enjoy breakfast on your ferry before disembarking at Aberdeen. Our first stop of the day will be at Glamis Castle, home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne. This castle was the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Macbeth and was also the childhood home of H.M. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The gardens surrounding Glamis Castle are beautiful all year round where you have the opportunity to see a wide variety of flora and fauna.

We continue to Askival of Strathearn for a Kilt Making Demonstration. Here you can see first hand, the process of the traditional tailored kilt making.  Learn the history of the kilt and the Highland attire, the tartans and how a kilt is made. Learn how to tell a well-made tailored kilt from a bad one and how it should fit! Continue on to Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. Overnight Edinburgh, Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 9 - Kathy's Knits and Lucy Hague, Designer. Bill Baber Knitwear, Scotch Whisky Experience and Farewell Dinner at Amber!

This morning we travel to Kathy’s Knits where we meet with knitwear designer Lucy Hague who specialises in the translation of Celtic knotwork into cable knitting. Enjoy a talk and a chance to shop for all your last minute knitting needs! This evening revel in a tour of the Scotch Whisky Experience and a wee dram! Relax over a Scottish farewell dinner at Amber Restaurant. Overnight Edinburgh, Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 10 - Farwell to your Shetland and Scotland adventure!

We will transfer you to  Edinburgh airport in plenty of time to complete check-in formalities and that last minute duty free shopping.

Tour attractions

Tour prices.

• Non-Knitter Partners & Friend

Do you have a partner or friend that doesn't knit? They are welcome to come along, ask our sales representatives about our non-knitter discount!

Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.

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Detailed enquiry form

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Knitting in the Scottish Highlands

8 days from £2,135 pp, your tour includes.

• 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation with dinner on the first and final evenings
• 2 and a half days of knitting workshops with Carol Meldrum, kit included
• Beaded Dorset Buttons workshop with Tania Ashton Jones
• Entrance fees and excursions
• The services of an experienced Tour Manager

Holiday Overview

Join Carol Meldrum in the Scottish Highlands for a week of workshops and excursions with fellow yarn lovers. Staying in Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, enjoy a cruise along legendary Loch Ness, a visit to Knockando Woolmill, an Alpaca Farm and browse colourful wool shops. In the company of like-minded knitters, who share your passion for knitting, enjoy several knitting workshops with Carol Meldrum and a Beaded Dorset button workshop with Tania Ashton Jones.

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Please choose your preferred 8 day itinerary

Day 1 Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa

Meet your tour manager and Carol in Inverness. This evening's dinner is included at the hotel, so you can meet and get to know your fellow knitters.

Included Meals

Day 2 workshop & inverness walking tour.

This morning we will enjoy our first knitting workshop with Carol, starting on your fair isle and lace techniques in the round project. This afternoon a walking tour of Inverness with a local guide is planned. Our guide will show us the highlights including Inverness Town House, Inverness Castle and its views over the city, the Victorian Market, home to quaint boutique shops, and St. Andrew’s Cathedral.

• Inverness Walking Tour

Day 3 Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle

A visit to the Scottish Highlands would not be complete without a visit to the famous Loch Ness. We will take a coach to Clansman Harbour where we will board a boat for a cruise along the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. There will be the opportunity to hop ashore for a 1-hour visit to the iconic Urquhart Castle and discover its historic and turbulent past. Returning to Clansman Harbour, we'll have some free time for lunch before continuing to Achpopuli Farm. At Achpopuli Farm, Katherine, farmer and maker, will introduce us to her sheep and talk about fleece, from which she creates wool, dyed with natural ingredients, as well as woven, spun. felted and knitted items. There'll also be the opportunity to purchase some of her products too!

• Urquhart Castle

Day 4 Workshop

Today you will have a full-day workshop with Carol.

• Fair Isle Lace Gloves Workshop

Day 5 Beaded Dorset Buttons Workshop & Ripplecrafts

• Dorset Buttons Workshop

Day 6 Alpaca Farm, Knockando Woolmill & Nairn

Today we will visit the Alpaca Farm Shop in Moray, the Knockando mill and enjoy some wool shopping in the town of Nairn. Whilst on our visit to the Alpaca Farm shop, we will be taken to see the female Alpacas and their young. Whilst they do not spin their own fleeces into yarn here, they will give us an insight into the processes that are involved. After some coffee and cake, we will drive to Knockando Woolmill which sits in the Spey Valley. Here you’ll find contemporary designs woven alongside traditional tweeds and classic woollen blankets, all of which are produced with the same traditional skilled craftsmanship. Enjoy an introductory tour here finding out the social history of the Mill and the production and restoration processes. Before returning to the hotel for the evening we will stop in the town of Nairn for some shopping.

• Alpaca Farm

Day 7 Workshop

Today you will have a full day workshop with Carol and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow knitters this evening.

• Fair Isle Lace Gloves

Day 8 Return home

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out.

2024 Workshop: With Carol Meldrum dip into fair isle and lace techniques in the round with these versatile gloves. They are fun to make and can be easily tweaked to make the design your own. Over the week you will look at how to work in the round with either circular or double pointed needles - which ever you prefer using. You will look at working with two colours at the same time without getting in a tangle, then move onto working a lace design, topping things off with a picot cast off edge. You will have a choice of Fair Isle and lace patterns to choose from and learn how to place an afterthought thumb if you fancy.

Tour Notes: You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to get the most out of this holiday. On excursion days you will need to walk a short distance from the hotel to the coach and you should be able to board the coach unaided. On arrival at the excursion destination, you should be able to alight the coach unaided and there may be a walk between the coach drop off point and the excursion venue. By their nature, walking tours, museum visits etc involve being on your feet for a significant amount of time. Whilst our excursions are taken at a leisurely pace, for the enjoyment of everyone in the group you should be able to keep up with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation

You will stay for seven nights at the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa.

Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa

The Inverness Palace Hotel dates back to the 1890s. It is now Inverness’ newest 4-star hotel and offers a contemporary style with elegant interiors.

Hotel Facilities

• Indoor Swimming Pool
• Sauna or Steam Room

Room Facilities

• Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
• Iron or Trouser Press

Single Room Supplement from £769.00

Get to know Shetland like an islander.  The beauty and harshness of everyday life.  The rich heritage & crafts that sustain its inhabitants.

‘i travelled up to shetland and left my heart behind’, knitting holidays to the most northerly point of uk.

At the northernmost point of Scotland, where Oslo is closer than London, you are drawn in by Shetland’s myth and mystique. You’re often curious to know what it feels like at the end of the world. And understand a place where inhabitants have continually shown such versatility and resilience.  Explore native secrets, hiding in the nooks and crannies of the landscape. And get closer to the crafts and industries that have thrived in such a remote environment.

Another step further into the wild

Shetland Wool Adventures group knitting & hiking tour guest

Ankie from the Netherlands

“You will experience the real Shetland, from south to north, from Lace to Fair Isle. Misa is a wonderful tour guide!”

‘Rekindling my curiosity’

Return home with a deepened understanding of the world of Shetland wool. And the skills to create even more beautiful knitwear. Thoughtfully unpick all there is to know about colour-blending, Fair Isle, Shetland lace, dying and vintage knitwear. In each knitting masterclass, you will be met at your own level, with different project options for novice and experienced knitters, alike.  You will knit alongside some of the islands’ top tutors — the likes of Donna Smith, Wilma Malcolmson and Niela Kalra — in a series of generously designed, bespoke experiences for Shetland Wool Adventure tours. In this supportive environment, you will be given the space to get all your stitching queries answered by the experts, too. And of course, there is time to knit and natter at the end of the day, with your fellow Adventurers and your feet up.

Unequalled experiences

Workshops & hands-on tutorials, the cosiest blend of local guiding, tales, nature, knitting, fair isle & food, shetland tours for curious travellers & knitting enthusiasts.

Group knitting tour guest 

Anne from Delaware, USA

“I think Misa's biggest asset is Misa. Honestly, I think her biggest selling point is herself. She's just a remarkable person. She's a very giving person. A very warm person.  She has made friends with or is involved with a lot of the people in Shetland that you want to hear from or learn from. And so she can put those types of educational opportunities together. And they are opportunities that you cannot find anywhere else. That's a huge strength I think.”

One-of-a-kind workshops

There are few places in Britain where you can see the whole garment-making process and learn to do that yourself, within a 35-mile radius. This is your invitation to connect with the crofters and knitters involved at every stage. And experience a refreshing level of intimacy you’d miss on a self-led holiday. From caring for Shetland sheep — learning about flocks in their native environment, led by a traditional shepherd — to sorting and grading the yarn: you’ll be invited inside the Sandness spinning mill, home of Jamieson’s of Shetland yarn.  Walk with us along the path from raw material to finished product. A journey so integral to sustaining our little group of islands. 

Become more connected to the yarn as it moves through your fingers

Explore britain’s most resilient textile industry.

“It exceeded any expectations I had. The people I met – knitters, designers, historians, crofters, wool folk all – were so knowledgeable and generous sharing their knowledge and experience.  I would never have been able to meet such a group by myself and it was so rewarding to be able to ask questions I’ve pondered about for ages.  I’m not usually a fan of organised tours but if you are interested in Shetland knitting and tradition this is a must. I cannot recommend it enough.” 

Delightfully illuminating conversations

Unearth Shetland’s traditions that women have famously upheld through necessity for generations. Dive into the Shetland Archives and Museum. And wander through Unst Heritage Centre’s famous lace collection.  Then, hear stories of smugglers and whalers, amidst the old closses and lodberries, with our 18th century walking tour of Lewick.   Exclusively on our knitting and hiking tours, you’ll journey to Norse settlements, weather-beaten cliffs and other sites of archaeological esteem.  You’ll be given plenty of space to browse at your own pace — all our museum trips, mill viewings and walking tours will be led in our own private group. From Unst to Sumburgh, get unique insight into our history, from the people who know these islands best. 

Feel connected to the pioneers of the wool industry 

Heritage & history of shetland.

And there’s plenty of it.  From tea and cake throughout a workshop, to fragrant Shetland lamb and freshly caught fish. Enjoy the local produce, dining at Shetland’s most glorious eateries.  And discover a few little gems you won’t find in the guide books.  It’s all included in your tour. Of course, you’ll be accommodated if you have any dietary needs. Don’t forget, wine with dinner is included too, so you can toast your busy day of new learnings.

Share tasty food to fuel busy hands

Eating & drinking in luxury.

Shetland Wool Adventures group knitting tour guest

“Amazing tour! Misa is a true local!!! She has organised a wonderful tour hitting ALL of the high notes of Shetland! This tour was arranged with precision and joy! I had a great time and Misa orchestrated everything beautifully!  Could never have stumbled on everything she did on my own!! Thanks Misa!”

Seeing what the tourists miss

Get the lay of the land. From the perspective of a local. And as comfortably as if a friend was driving you around. So there’s no need for you to worry about car rentals or bus timetables.  You’ll soak up all their gems of wisdom along the drive, between activities, from our guides. They’re all insured, and accredited by the Scottish Tour Guides Association (who all live on Shetland too).  Let us sweep you along on the ride — a relaxed pace to soak up your surroundings.

Sit back & let the agenda unfold

Transport included with certified guides.

Get to know these designers and knitters on a personal level. And learn in an intimate setting, nestled in the iconic lanes of Lerwick, at Shetland Wool Adventures’ very own creative space. Usually, if you want to be a part of these unique workshops, you’re holding your breath for a saved seat. And then you’ve got to compete for dinner reservations, or somewhere to rest your head at the end of the day as well. Now, with a Shetland Wool Adventures tour, you are able to escape the usual hustle for bookings. All our workshops are always private and pre-booked for you. And each tour is thoughtfully scheduled, so as not to coincide with any other Shetland festivals or major events. Be a part of a unique and intimate learning experience, with group sizes of no more than 8 people per tour. 

Avoid the crowds & queues

Even the tea & cake is included

Book yourself a spot and get your accommodation, activities, your meals, tea and cake, wine, transport all sorted. You’ve just got to get here. And we’ll swiftly take care of the rest.

Jerry from Leiden, the Netherlands

"I travel alone so there is always a nervousness about who to meet. I’m quite shy too. I was intimidated by the idea of being there with new people. But I think there was enough room on the tour that you could do things on your own. So it isn't that you were with people all the time. There was an hour or two before dinner for you to go into town to explore. I think that the classes I did were pitched to enable everyone. So it was a really supportive group because there were knitters of lots of different abilities. I could knit and I could knit colour-work, but I can't hold my yarn properly actually. So, because the group was small, Donna Smith came over and showed me how she does it and that was amazing."

Feeling welcome as a solo traveller

A month before you set off, we will send you a packing list, and any other necessary knitting homework to make the most from your Shetland experience. Plus, you’ll receive details about where to meet for your welcome dinner with Misa on the first night — a friendly face to welcome you to your Lerwick home for the next few days. We can’t wait to meet you!

There’s a warm meal & glass of wine waiting for you

Start conversations with your peers before arriving in Shetland, as we’ll add you to a private WhatsApp group a couple of weeks ahead of your arrival. That way you can coordinate airport transfers and ferry crossings, if you wish. And you can have some company en route and arrive together, even if you’re all from far flung places. 

Get to know your fellow Adventurers

After your spot is confirmed, you will get a bundle of travel info about getting here. Keep an eye in your email inbox for this, so you can get all your ducks in a row, well ahead of time. Then 90 days before you arrive in Shetland for your tour, the remaining balance for the tour is payable.

By sea or by air – you choose

You’ll get more tour details by email, within 7 days of submitting your online application.  You will also be given instructions on how to easily put down your non-refundable deposit (as spots do fill up fast). If you want to go ahead, you can pay your deposit via PayPal or bank transfer — whatever suits you best.

Start your countdown

Fill out the application form below so we can get to know you, and where you are most curious to explore in Shetland.  You can also let us know if there are any particular experiences that have piqued your interest, out of the tours currently featured on our website.

Get curious about coming to Shetland

5 stepping stones to know shetland better, how to book your small group tour of northernmost scotland.

Make your safe and secure online deposit payments with our online payment processor.  Your tour cost will be split equally, into four instalments. (Your final instalment is due 90 days before arriving in Shetland, but we'll pop you an email reminder a few days beforehand, just in case.)  Get every travel detail securely locked in, ahead of time, so you can arrive in Shetland with ease and relief: you'll get a pack of info about travelling here in a welcome email once you sign up, including how to get to the accommodation from the ferry or airport.  And should the world go haywire (again… but fingers crossed it doesn’t), you’ll be covered by financial failure insurance, that’s free when you book your spot on a tour, to make sure your payments stay safe, no matter what. See T&C here Sign up to one of our knitting or knitting & hiking tours and get a beautifully curated bundle of locally made knitting materials, a project bag and a Wool Adventures goodie bag — something to take home and remember your experience by.

Every travel detail, pressed & ironed out

Enquire about a custom, private tour

See full tour details.

If you’d like to hand-pick your textile masterclasses, come explore Shetland on a private, custom tour. Whether it’s you and some friends from your Fibre Guild or knitting circle, we’ll compose a tour just for you (6 people required).

What lights you up the most? The colourwork? The food? The landscape?

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Weave together a custom, private tour

Swa's knitting & hiking tours, swa's knitting tours.

Private, custom knitting tour guest

janice from alberta, Canada

"Five of us from our fibre guild wanted to go to Shetland. Shetland Wool Adventures offered us the flexibility to direct this adventure to meet our multiple fibre goals.  Misa responded quickly to any questions we had. Her genuine warmth and responsiveness gave us confidence that she was reliable and would quickly look after our needs, versus a company that didn't respond in a timely fashion and gave us mixed messages to questions.  The whole group often talk of this wonderful bespoke small group tour of Shetland as the best tour any of us have ever taken."

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Makkin Our Way Through Shetland

Spring and Summer 2023

Shetland is highly regarded as the home of two forms of heritage knitting: Fair Isle and Shetland Lace. A thriving community of knitters in Shetland still welcomes knitters from across the world to learn the techniques and insight passed to them from those who came before. With this in mind, I have paired up with the tour company Island Vista to design two knitting tours that focus on either Fair Isle or Shetland lace techniques. What many don’t realize until they visit Shetland for themselves is that it is also home to a wide variety of modern craftspeople and makers. A new tour will debut in 2023 to highlight the work of these modern makers: Makkin Our Way Through Shetland: Contemporary Crafts.

It is with a sense of eager excitement that I invite you to join me, my tour partners at Island Vista , and your fellow travelers as we explore the heritage knitting and contemporary crafts of Shetland! This area of the world is known for its knitting, natural beauty, and history, and each tour is designed to expose you to the best of it all. Our Shetland-born and -raised guides will provide us with the special insights and care that only a local can!

Makkin Our Way Through Shetland: Fair Isle will focus on Fair Isle knitting history and methods. It will run four times in 2023: FI1: April 16 – 23 FI2: April 30 – May 7 FI3: August 27 – September 3 FI4: September 10 – 17 Price: £2,550

Makkin Our Way Through Shetland: Lace will focus on Shetland lace knitting. It will run twice in 2023: L1: April 23 – 30 L2: September 3 – 10 Price: £2,550

NEW! Makkin Our Way Through Shetland: Contemporary Crafts will focus on the modern makers of Shetland. It will run twice in 2023: CC1: May 7 – 14 CC2: August 20 – 27 Price: £2,950

Registration will open on July 21, 2022. A non-refundable deposit of £100 is payable at the time of booking. The remaining balance is payable 90 days before the beginning of each block of tours. Each tour will include instruction with Shetland-based teachers and makers, explorations of historical and modern sites of interest, and time to enjoy the natural beauty of Shetland. To increase your comfort on the trip and maximize access to your teachers during classes, each week of the knitting tours are limited to an absolute maximum of 12 people, and Contemporary Crafts is limited to 8 people. Knitters should have at least advanced beginner knitting skills to participate in the knitting workshops. Classes in the Contemporary Crafts tours are geared toward absolute beginners.

Knitting-positive companions who don’t knit are welcome to join the knitting tours. They can plan to explore Shetland on their own during knitting classes or make arrangements with Island Vista in advance for alternative activities for an additional fee. The classes on the Contemporary Crafts tour are suitable for all travelers. Because there is very little overlap between the tours, and they are designed to run back to back, you are welcome to join us for multiple tours and enjoy a fresh experience each time! Each traveller who books multiple tours in 2023 will receive a discount of £100 off each tour.

What's Included

• Transfers within Shetland on arrival and departure 
• All tours listed on the itinerary with a fully qualified tourist guide and experienced driver
• Seven nights accommodation at a Lerwick guesthouse
• Breakfast daily
• Five to six lunches at a variety of venues, depending on the tour 
• Six dinners in some of Shetland’s finest food establishments
• Multiple classes and experiences with the required supplies. 
• All admission fees to museums, historical sites, and attractions

What's Not Included

One dinner and one to two lunches (assistance will be offered to obtain these meals), transport to and from Shetland, notions and knitting needles required for knitting classes, spending money, travelers insurance. Any additional travel arrangements made with Island Vista.

Fair Isle week will include a class with Janette Budge about Fair Isle yokes, a steeking workshop with Terri Laura, a Fair Isle project and Shetland dialect talk with Viveka Velupillai, and talks about the history of production knitting by Hazel Tindall and color blending with Wilma Malcolmson.*

Lace week will include a day-long workshop with renown lace knitting experts Anne Eunson and Kathleen Anderson, a lace lesson with 2022 Shetland Wool Week Patron Linda Shearer, a lace project and Shetland dialect talk with Viveka Velupillai, and the opportunity to whittle your own shawl pin with Cecil Tait of Paparwark Furniture.*

Contemporary Crafts week includes a talk with Linda Shearer, as well as a class to craft silver stacking rings with Shetland Jewellery, a fused glass workshop with Glansin Glass, a spoon whittling class with Paparwark Furniture, modern wool felting with Peerie Ooricks, an introduction to using a knitting machine with R.A.M. Knitwear, and a lampshade workshop with Julie Williamson.*

*Classes and presentations are subject to change due to health or acts of nature. We shall always endeavor to arrange a suitable, comparable replacement.

I hope you’ll join me in 2023 and learn why I have such a great love for this part of the world. Hospitality, history, and creativity are all waiting for us!

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What's Included

• Transfers on arrival and departure (for arrivals prior to 10:30am on tour start day and on pre-night packages)
• Sightseeing as per itinerary in a luxury coach with an experienced driver and accredited guide
• Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom facilities for 9 nights
• Breakfast Daily
• 7 Hotel table d’Hote Dinners
• 1 Farewell Meal in Edinburgh
• Entrance to the following attractions: V&A Dundee, RRS Discovery and Discovery Point Museum, Shetland Textile Museum, Shetland Museum and Archives, Jamieson & Smith Wool Brokers, Glamis Castle, Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum
• Jamieson’s of Shetland Woollen Mill Tour (subject to groups being taken in 2021)
• Uradale Farm Tour
• Visit Burra Bears
• Neilanell Studio Visit
• Askival of Strathearn Kilt Making Demonstration
• Return ferry from Aderdeen to Lerwick, cabin Accommodation, and Meals included

Workshops / Knitting Activities Included in This Tour:

• Fair Isle Yokes with Hazel Tindall
• Shetland Lace Class with Elizabeth Johnston
• Shetland Knitting Belt Class with Janette Budge (includes Shetland knitting belt worth £50!)

• American Dollar
• Canadian Dollar
• Australian Dollar

Meet Our Local Craft Experts

Elizabeth johnston / shetland islands, janette budge / shetland islands, hazel tindall / shetland islands.

What About Non-Knitters?

Don’t worry, you can bring your husbands, partners or friends that don’t knit.  We can find alternative touring options for them during knitting classes.

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Scotland, the way you have always dreamed about

Scotland and the faroes, june 3-15, 2024 june 15-27, 2024, wait list only.

This unique expedition appeals to those interested in remarkable history, natural fibers, wonderful wildlife and the most endearing people. Traveling from Scotland’s rugged coastline to the deeply remote Faroe Islands and on to the Shetland Islands, this voyage is a “grand slam” for those who have ever dreamed of visiting these historic destinations. 

Day 1: Depart from Aberdeen

Day 2: North Ronaldsay, Orkney Islands

Day 3: Fair Isle & Noss Head

Day 4: Lerwick

Day 5: Fetlar & Unst

Day 6: Torshavn, Faroe Islands

Day 7 Vestmana, Faroe Islands

Day 8 Suduroy, Faroe Islands

Day 9: Stornoway and Shiants, Outer Hebrides 

Day 10: St. Kilda

Day 11: Loch Scavaig and Canna

Day 12: Iona and Staffa

Day 13: Oban

* The June 15 Tour will depart in the opposite direction, leaving from Oban and ending in Aberdeen.

full brochure

If large, resort-style vessels accommodating thousands of passengers are your ideal, then the MS Island Sky is not the vessel for you.  You will not find floor shows nor round-the-clock buffets,  But you will find an intimate atmosphere where every morning begins a new adventure often traveling by Zodiac to remote landing sites and unique opportunities.

Few ships are large enough to navigate the open water to the north, yet small enough to weave among the smaller islands along the Scottish coast. The MS Island Sky with just 95 fellow passengers is the ideal choice, combining both elegance and expedience. To duplicate this trip by road, air, and sea would be a logistical nightmare, requiring nearly twice the time—and dollars. To visit the small communities of Westray, Unst and Fetlar along with the uninhabited St Kilda into one itinerary is rare; when combined with the towns of Torshavn and Lerwick is an adventure that rarely comes along. 

Things that make this trip unique

It's impossible to overstate the itinerary from both a wildlife and a wild fiber perspective. for many, a visit to scotland let alone the shetlands is a dream come true. to venture to the faroes, visiting with farmers, crofters and knitters while surrounded by the beauty of the north sea is part of what makes this trip unique. and then there's the ship, which feels like home from the moment you lay your head down to sleep..

Save £300 for a limited time (Pricing is quoted in UK pounds and converted from your currency at time of payment.)

A non-refundable 10% deposit is required to secure your reservation.

A word about expedition cruising

Questions and Answers

What's the weather like, temperatures  in summer typically stay in the 50s. however, the damp ocean air often makes it feel cooler. rain is not only possible, it's all but guaranteed. why else does the grass perpetually stay green. the further north we travel, the colder and windier it will get. then again, there are those perfect days in june when the sun is shining brightly and not a breath of wind to be found., what about seasickness, typically, the seas in this are rather active., although the summer months are known to be calmer than other times of the year. however, for those who are prone to seasickness, advance preparedness is the key. , if this is an expedition, what are the physical requirements, each person must be ambulatory, the amount of walking or hiking is at the sole discretion of the individual and may limit access to certain destinations.  if walking long distances or along uneven surfaces is problematic, hiking poles are strongly recommended., itinerary changes, we make every effort to stick with the itinerary. however, the weather ultimately dictates our schedule and it is possible we may have to switch landings on a certain day.  occasionally, we might have to miss a landing completely. please know these decisions are always made based on making your safety our top priority..

Scotland: Knitting in Shetland

Even those who think they know all there is to know about the art of knitting can pick up a thing or two in Scotland's scenic  Shetland Isles , and we’re not just talking about those pesky dropped stitches...

As anyone who’s been lucky enough to visit the Shetland Isles can surely attest, it can get a bit chilly. It should come as no surprise, then, that one of their most famous exports is as warming as the welcome we receive on landing there.

There are workshops aplenty, both starting off our mornings and rounding off our afternoons. These present the perfect opportunity to hone our skills — and perhaps even learn some new ones — under the watchful eye of experienced local tutors.

But knitting knowledge isn’t the only thing available for us to take home — a visit to the elegant  Nielanell Design Studio  is the perfect opportunity to pick up a stylish souvenir (whether you gift it or keep it for yourself is up to you, although we recommend the latter). Along with other wool- and textile-related visits, we also take the opportunity to sample some of the other delights these remote yet fascinating islands have to offer, such as the historic archaeological site at  Jarlshof  and the spectacular sea cliffs at  Sumburgh Head.

We travel in comfort aboard the large, purpose-built overnight ferry that plies between Aberdeen and Lerwick, lending a scenic cruising dimension to this most relaxing yet instructive crafting holiday in beautiful Scotland.

Up-grade to an outside cabin and enjoy sea views from the comfort of your cabin.

Outside Cabin Supplement: £55pp.

departures: Select Your Departure Date

• Save £150.00 on this tour with our pay in full discount.

What to Expect

• Three tutored knitting workshops
• Learn from local experts
• Visits to textile galleries, museums and woollen mills
• See the Nielanell Design Studio at Sandwick
• Discover Scalloway and its ruined castle

Related Tours

BrightWater is part of Specialist Journeys, an award winning UK-based tour operator.

Tour Enquiry

The team is available Monday to Friday from 8am – 6pm (GMT)

Call us: 01334 657 155

Join Patty for AffiKNITy Scotland, A 9-Night Luxury Knitting Retreat for Knitters and Beyond—Sept 2024

We are sold out – and the wait list is full. please join the newsletter to keep up to date for next trip.

Scotland awaits, knitting enthusiasts! Mark your calendars for September 6-14, 2024, as I invite you on a once-in-a-lifetime knitting and crafts tour through the picturesque landscapes and rich traditions of Scotland. Join us for an unforgettable journey, blending the art of knitting with the beauty of Scottish culture.

So Much More Than a Knitting Retreat

AffiKNITy Scotland* is not just a knitting retreat; it’s a rare opportunity to create some unforgettable memories, knit together. And here’s the real magic: This isn’t your typical knitting tour. Sure, we’ve got incredible workshops and fiber-related activities galore, but we’re also going on a mix of exclusive experiences that even non-knitters will LOVE! That means that you can bring your partner, friend, or spouse (I’m bringing my husband David, who past AffiKNITy attendees may remember) and they’ll also have an incredible time!

Picture this: Sightseeing in a luxury coach with a seasoned driver and guide, sipping tea at the Old Course in St. Andrews, enjoying a quirky Tea with a Naughty Sheep, savoring the essence of Scotch with our Whisky Experience, mastering Scottish cuisine in an exclusive cooking class, and exploring attractions like Stirling Castle, Old Town Jail, Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier, Oban Distillery, and the iconic Edinburgh Castle!

*For those who want to wait for AffiKNITy to return to the US, please note that our next US event will be in Spring of 2025!

Two important dates to jot down:

• Tour Date: September 6 – 15, 2024
• The registration application site opens on January 6, 2024, exclusively for my newsletter subscribers. (Sign up for my newsletter HERE today!) Act fast as space is limited to 24-26 spots, so make sure to make your application the day it opens.

Itinerary Highlights:

CLICK HERE for detailed itinerary, including suggested itinerary fun for non-knitting companions!

• Explore Dovecot Studio and Scottish Textiles Showcase
• Welcome dinner with fellow travelers

Overnight Edinburgh, Lunch and Dinner Included

• Attend the Scottish Yarn Festival , which brings together independent yarn dyers, producers of single original wool, and all fibre crafters. Attendees will be able to shop OR attend an exclusive workshop put together just for our group (additional fee for workshop). Goodie bags included!

Overnight Edinburgh, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Included

• Stirling Castle and Old Town Jail exploration
• Exclusive Scottish-themed dinner cooking class

Overnight Edinburgh, Bed & Breakfast Included

• Gansey knitwear workshop with Di Gilpin; er workshop explores different gansey patterns in either blanket squares or a long sampler
• Visit V&A Design Gallery – Scotland’s first dedicated design museum

Overnight Dundee, Breakfast and Dinner Included  

• Lace stitch pattern workshop with experienced lace designer,   Karie Westermann —learn to de-mystify how lace works and design your own project in just a few hours!  
• Visit Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier — a twice winner of the World Gold at the International Chocolate Awards for his unique velvet truffles!

Overnight Inverness, Breakfast Lunch and Dinner Included  

• After breakfast, enjoy a knitting workshop with Patty Lyons (ME!)
• Tour Prickly Thistle , an artisan tartan design studio

• Travel south skirting the beautiful Loch Ness for a craft demonstration of either peg loom weaving or needle felting (TBC) at Achpopuli Farm
• Visit Oban Distillery , one of Scotland’s oldest sources of Single Malt Scotch Whisky, nestled beneath the steep cliff that overlooks Oban

Overnight Inverness, Breakfast Lunch and Dinner Included

• Auchindrain Township experience and waulking demonstration
• Tea with Naughty Sheep at Beccy; enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the company of some hilarious pet sheep
• Love of Yarn shopping and yarn dyeing demonstration

Overnight Glasgow, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Included  

• Explore the Royal Mile , St. Giles’ Cathedral, and National Galleries
• Tour Edinburgh Castle
• Scotch Whiskey Experience and farewell dinner in Amber Restaurant in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle

Overnight Edinburgh, Breakfast and Dinner Included

* Not a knitter but want to join the fun? No worries – this retreat is open to everyone! We’ve got some recommended plans for non-knitters, allowing you to explore on your own!

Included in This Tour:

• Transfers on arrival and departure (on tour start and finish date); arrive no later than 11:00 am on tour start date.  
• Sightseeing as per itinerary in a luxury coach with an experienced driver and accredited guide  
• Accommodation in 4 Star Hotels for 9 nights  
• Scottish breakfast daily  
• 7 hotel table d’hote dinners  
• 4 lunches  
• 1 Farewell Meal in Edinburgh Restaurant  
• Afternoon Tea at the Old Course, St. Andrews  
• Tea with a Naughty Sheep Experience  
• Scotch Whiskey Experience  
• Exclusive Scottish-themed dinner Cooking class  
• Entrance to the following attractions: Stirling Castle, Stirling Old Town Jail, Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier, Oban Distillery, Edinburgh Castle  

Workshops & Knitting/ Fibre Related Activities Included in This Tour:

• Patty Lyons Knitting Workshop  
• Gansey Knitting Workshop with Di Gilpin  
• Lace Stitch Pattern Workshop with Karie Westernman  
• Waulking with Wool performance at Auchindrain  
• Achpopuli Farm visit and needle felting or peg loom weaving demonstration (TBC)  
• Visit to Prickly Thistle, Dovecot Studio and V&A Design Gallery  
• Scottish Textiles Experience  
• General Admission Ticket to Scottish Yarn Festival in Perth with exclusive goodie bag (workshops not included)  

In addition to all the other knitting fun, Patty will be presenting an exclusive retreat pattern that we can all work on during our trip!

(Wool and patterns are included in all workshops, just bring your own needles and sizes will be advised)  

6 – 15 September 2024 – Price £5595 per person sharing (single + £1531) £ 200 discount for non-knitters

NOTE: retreat will be charged in the currency of your country.

Terms and conditions for AffiKNITy Scotland.

Registration for Patty Lyons Scotland Tour 2024 opens at 11 am Eastern Standard Time on 6th January 2024. The registration applications will open to my newsletter subscribers first. You will need to check your email for the registration link that will go out the week before. Sign up my newsletter HERE !

Optional, pre and post tour packages:

Pre Tour Arrangements ( Optional /Additional)

1 x Pre-Nights at Edinburgh City centre hotel

Per person sharing one room £177 Supplement if single room is required £158

1 x Pre-Night at Edinburgh City centre hotel

Arrival Transfer

Hop-On Hop-Off One Day Sightseeing Ticket

Per person sharing one room £247 Supplement if single room is required £228

Post Tour Arrangements ( Optional /Additional)

Per person sharing one room £162 Supplement if single room is required £155

Important Notes:

• Once registration opens, if you have had trouble receiving the email or didn’t get it, please email me at [email protected] and I’ll send out the link.
• 72 hours after the registration application, the first people to apply will receive the booking link. You will have 48 hours to complete the booking and pay the deposit before we go to the next person on the list.
• Please refrain from purchasing flights or other travel until the tour is confirmed!
• For those looking for a roommate, we will have a thread set up on our Ravelry group and Facebook group.

More Photos from the Excursions (click to enlarge):

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15 comments.

I really want to go on this trip!!! I have followed Patty Lyons for years and I love her book and all the very helpful hints in her newsletter and on her blog. I’m looking for to the registration day.

This sounds wonderful. My husband and I want to go to Scotland and I love knitting and fiber and he loves scotch and golfing. Do to think this trip would give him time to golf in a few of the areas?

I don’t see why not. He’d be on his own to get to the golfing areas. I would say, take a look at the itinerary and see where we go and then he can do a bit of golfing research. Should be a lovely time of year for it.

You’ve got a great trip there, have a fab time over here in Scotland. One wee thing – Scotland makes whisky, not whiskey!

Hi there, I’m VERY interested in the Scotland trip and signed up for your newsletter but didn’t get the email this morning (a friend told me about it). Could you please forward the email to me, and make sure that I’m on the distro for Saturday? I don’t want to miss out!

Sooooooo exciting!!!!!

Don’t worry. Everyone who signed up recently will get the email sent today. It sends in batches. I’ll double check that it sent to you. Make sure to add me to your white list.

Sounds Like a well planned and very exciting trip Patty! I love that it is small group. Now I just have to convince my husband that it might be something he would enjoy!

Looks like a great itinerary and a wonderful trip! Do you know if vegetarian options will be available for all included meals? Thanks.

Of course. You’ll be asked for dietary restrictions at registration (after the application is accepted).

This trip looks wonderful. I knit at a beginner to intermediate level . What level of knitter would benefit most from the workshops and experiences?

I think if you are open to learn, all levels of knitters will learn from the wonderful teachers.

Sounds like a great trip! Just want to be clear with the pricing / if my husband wishes to join me is it 5595 for me and 5395 for him with the 200 discount? If he doesn’t wish to come and I want a single room the fee is the 5595 plus the 1531 surcharge for a total of 7126 plus airfare in each scenario? Does the cost include gratuities for all the meals/hotels:drivers, etc.? Thanks for your response!!!

Yes, we take care of all gratuities so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Hi Patty, Four of us signed up as soon as the site opened, but other than noting that we were interested in sharing with another knitter, there was not a space to indicate that we already had a roommate in mind. While I am confident that there will be a place for this information if we get in, it seems that the organizers may want to know this ahead of time.

Thanks for the heads up. When we go through the applications, we’ll make sure to check for those that marked that they were rooming with another knitter to match them up with their desired room mate.

Once you’re in, you’ll be sent a registration link.

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Shetland Wool Week is a fantastic time to visit the isles. The atmosphere is incredible as hundreds of wool afficinados from all around the world travel to Shetland to celebrate all aspects of wool and textiles.

If want to visit Shetland to explore the wool scene, but the timing of the annual Shetland Wool Week isn’t suitable for you, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many independent travel companies offering specific textile tours throughout the year, please see below for more details:

Island Vista – Wool Holidays To find out more about the 2024 ‘Makkin our way through Shetland’ tours contact Island Vista.

Fair Isle Knitting Holidays A week to immerse yourself and live on Fair Isle.

A fully tailored holidays for only 2 persons at the time. From transport and accommodation to visits and workshop we take care of everything. A magical time to connect with the tiny island that gave its name to the world famous knitting technique.

Newsletter sign-up

Subscribe to our mailing list.

For more information about Shetland go to: www.SHETLAND.org

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Amy Detjen Knits and Travels

Bespoke Knitting Tours with Amy in 2024

Scotland and shetland islands (may 23-june 4) with amy d and heather black.

For those of you keeping track, this is about my millionth tour to Shetland. I just can’t stop. I love this place and these people with all my heart.

Because I have visited so many times, I’ve made many friends and great contacts there, ensuring that my traveling companions get wonderful treatment everywhere we go. I have found stellar nooks and crannies to share with you, and we will have the very best time!

First, a few days on the Scottish mainland (or “south” as the Shetlanders call it). We will:

• Meet with amazing celtic knitware designer Lucy Hague .
• Visit the remarkable Scone Palace .
• Spend a day with Marion of Askival to learn the true history of the Scottish Kilt in her stunning studio.
• A visit with Di and Sheila at the Di Gilpin studio and have a mini workshop on Gansey squares.

Then we hop a small plane up to Shetland, where we’ll spend 5 days visiting:

• The Shetland Textile Museum
• Jamieson’s of Shetland
• The Wool Broker (Jamieson & Smith)
• A day of sightseeing and shopping at Uradale Farms (yarn), Burra Bear Studios (bears), Red Houss Shetland (jewelry and prints) and Donna Smith Designs (yarn).

All that, and also private lessons or lectures with  Hazel Tindall ,  Donna Smith ,  Janette Budge , Terri Laura Leask , and  Oliver Henry . 

Click here to see the downloadable brochure with full itinerary and pricing.

Click here to see the downloadable registration form, shetland wool week in september (sept 27-oct 6) with amy d heather black.

I don’t usually advertise this tour, because it just fills up by word-of-mouth. I have some frequent travelers that head to this iconic event every fall!

If you have ever thought about attending Shetland Wool Week but were intimidated by the mere scope of the adventure, just come along with me and Heather – we will handle all (well, most) of the hard stuff for you! You will get to experience all of the SWW fun, without having to book accommodations, rent a car, memorize a map of Shetland, rely on a compass, or hire a pack mule. We’ve got you covered.

We have not worked out the details for 2024 yet, but our usual tour includes (but is not limited to)

• Seven nights (and 7 amazing breakfasts) at the lovely Lerwick Hotel , centrally located in Lerwick. A little old, a little odd, but I rarely stay anyplace else. It’s the very best. The only reason we get these amazing accommodations is that I have been staying there with tour groups for 10 years, and we book 24 months in advance. People at Wool Week always ask “How did you get in there? They are always booked up?”. Because I’m sneaky! And a good customer.
• Two nights (with breakfasts) at the Busta House Hotel where we get to relax at the end of our stay, away from the hustle and bustle of Lerwick.
• Two spectacular banquet meals: a welcome dinner at the Lerwick Hotel, and a farewell dinner at Busta House.
• A visit to the Unst Heritage Center (including transport, ferry fees, admission), and lunch at Victoria’s Vintage Tea Room .
• A visit to Uradale Organic Farms with a chance to meet actual sheep.

Travel with Amy

SAWMILL CREEK  FIBER EVENTS

"In a ball of yarn is the potential to make a dream that you have come true."  Melanie Falick

Retreats, trips, adventures...see what we've got planned....

We're looking forward to new opportunities to share a love of knitting, learning, travel, and community!

Here are some of the highlights...

Crooked River Wrap - November Retreat project

Sail and knit 2024 june 19-23.

Join us for a 4-day adventure in Maine aboard the schooner J&E Riggin.  We've teamed up once again with The Cashmere Goat to offer this amazing trip around Penobscot Bay - visiting the islands and towns, hiking, relaxing and...knitting!  Details and registration here .

Only  TWO spaces are left!

2024 Retreats

July and August Workshops

July 14-17  - Stranded Knitting

August 11-14  - Nature's Rainbow - dyeing with Lisa Check of Flying Goat Farm

Details and Registration for both workshops are now open!

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