A few weeks ago Oliver and Ella went over to the Shetland College UHI to meet with the Contemporary Textiles students and present prizes for a design competition we set the students earlier this year.
As part of the course the students are often set live briefs and competitions and we took the chance for the students to use and design with the unique Heritage wool, since we now have the yarn available on cone and in ball it was a perfect opportunity to see what the students would come up with.
The students were asked to create short garments which incorporated aspects of Shetland knitwear in a contemporary way.
Dorothy Fraser was inspired by the Old Shell pattern, a traditional lace motif. She reversed the knitting as a design detail and also explored the use of very large needles and traditional stitches which created a very open lacey top.
Elaine Nicolson also used traditional stitches and techniques to create a modern hooded cape.
Using a mix of knitting and crochet Joyce Leask was inspired by vintage garments and she also embellished her garment with fleece, an interesting technique.
Kirsty Nicolsons garment used the traditional technique of Fair Isle, taking a new approach to the Fair Isle yoke, by using a subtle striping effect on the body. The bright Yoke utilises the new shades which we released early last year. Kirsty knitted her prototype on a domestic knitting machine with the possibility of the design being transferred on to the industrial Shimi Seiki machines of which the Colleges Textile Facilitation Unit has three. Kirsty Nicolsons garment was chosen as the overall winner of the competition and Oliver presented her with a gift token for Jamieson & Smith
photo courtesy of Dave DonaldsonOliver said 'Jamieson & Smith have always supported the textile course and College since its conception so we think its a great way for younger and mature students from Shetland and further afield to enhance their skills. We look forward to more design projects with the students in the future in collaboration with Jamieson & Smith, Curtis Wool Direct and the Real Shetland Company'
photo courtesy of Dave DonaldsonThank you to the College for inviting us to see them and we look forward to more projects with them in the future!
