Community / Latest wool week hat pattern unveiled
THE SHETLAND Wool Week hat pattern for 2021, designed by patron Wilma Malcolmson, has been launched.
Due to the cancellation of last year’s physical event, the wool week committee invited Malcolmson to continue her patron role for 2021.
Da Crofter’s Kep features traditional Shetland motifs and has been designed in five distinctly different colourways using Shetland wool from Jamieson and Smith, Jamieson’s of Shetland, Uradale Yarns, Shetland Handspun and Foula Wool.
It follows confirmation earlier this year that the 2021 Shetland Wool Week would, for a second year in a row, be online only due to the continued impact of coronavirus restrictions.
Wilma Malcolmson said: “I was honoured to be asked to stay on as the SWW patron for a second year, but I knew I would have a challenge on my hands coming up with another Wool Week hat design.
“It has been quite overwhelming to see how many of the ‘Katie’s Kep’, my hat design for 2020, have been knitted by so many people from all around the world.
“This time I knew that I wanted to pay tribute to my father Tammy Fraser. He was a crofter who worked the land throughout his life. Although this involved long days, difficult times and many struggles, he loved what he did and I remember the great pride he had in his achievements.
“So, just as ‘Katie’s Kep’ was a tribute to my mother and all the knitters like her, ‘Da Crofter’s Kep’ is my way of honouring the people who work the land here in Shetland.
“For generations, and in all weathers, their commitment to their land and livestock has ensured that families are provided for and this special way of life has not been lost. Without them there would be no Shetland sheep, no wool and no yarn…imagine that.”
The organisers of Shetland Wool Week said: “We are delighted that Wilma has agreed to stay on as SWW patron and it was important that we have a new hat pattern for the year as the hat is the common bond for the event.
“Whilst it is disappointing that we have had to cancel the physical event again, we are determined to keep the event running in the best way that we can.
“Currently we are developing plans to build on the success of last year’s virtual Wool Week with a programme of online talks, interviews and classes.
“We are grateful to all our sponsors who have continued to support us throughout this difficult time. Shetland Wool Week is a fantastic example of how local heritage, industry and community can work together in partnership.”
The hat pattern is available to download for free from the wool week website, while a range of merchandise is also on offer.
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