GUDRUN & MARY JANE’S GRAND SHETLAND ADVENTURE 2014
Join Gudrun Johnston and Mary Jane Mucklestone for a once in a lifetime exploration of Shetland’s fibery awesomeness, rich history, stunning natural beauty, unique culture and welcoming island community. This week long, fun packed adventure will introduce you to Shetland’s wonders (knitting and otherwise) with a personal touch and an insider’s savvy. Trip Highlights: - A tour of both of Shetland’s wool producing facilities, Jamieson & Smith and Jamieson’s. (Leave space in your luggage for Shetland yarn!) - A visit with the true Shetland breed of sheep at a local croft and a viewing of a clipping! - A day trip to Unst, the northern-most island in Shetland (and the whole of the UK), for an immersion in lace knitting and cliff walking (not at the same time of course)! - A visit to the Lerwick Museum, with a talk from Dr Carol Christianson and a chance to see knits from the archives not on public display. - Drop in stops at the studios of local designers. - Knitting classes with Shetland teachers. - A special design workshop with Mary Jane. - An optional boat trip to marvel at Shetland’s craggy coastline from sea. (This is weather dependent and entirely optional.)
Of course we will spend some time relaxing and enjoying delicious meals at our accommodations! We’ll be staying in a charming 18th Century guesthouse on the remote west side of Shetland. Located right by the water’s edge, Burrastow House boasts stunning views and divine eating, based largely on locally sourced seafood and produce. There are lovely walks to be taken right outside the door with the chance of seeing seals, seabirds and even otters. Dates Sunday 27th of July- Sunday 3rd of August 2014 Cost $2750 A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due upon registration with the balance being paid by April 1st. What’s Included: 3 knitting workshops, 1 dying workshop, travel within Shetland, 7 nights accommodation in shared rooms with ensuite facilities, all meals.
Please note that the cost of this trip does not include travel to Shetland. You will be responsible for arranging your own flights. However we are more than happy to advise you on the options available. Shetland can be reached by a plane or boat from mainland Scotland. You are also strongly advised to obtain your own travel insurance. Most of the rooms in our accommodation are shared rooms and vary in size, but all have ensuite facilities. Unless there are specific requests participants will be placed in rooms by the discretion of Gudrun and Mary Jane. If you require your own room then you will need to let us know as soon as possible and you will be expected to pay a single supplement of $300. A full trip itinerary will be available early in the New Year and will include a detailed list of what to bring. Note that participants are expected to be in a fit enough condition to walk for up to approx 1-2 hours on rugged terrain. (Not that we’ll be doing this all the time! But do know that the walk out to the puffin and cormorant thronged cliffs of Unst is a precious highlight of the trip. Truly, truly, something never to be forgotten.)
Mary Jane Mucklestone loves to knit, especially with
Gudrun Johnston was born in Shetland in the 70's when
color. She’s the author of 2 new books featuring stranded
her mother was running the successful knitwear design
colorwork; the stitch dictionary 150 Scandinavian Motifs,
company, The Shetland Trader.
and Fair Isle Style a contemporary take on colorwork featuring 20 projects from 18 popular designers. Her
Some 30 years later and now living in the U.S, Gudrun has followed in her mother's footsteps by reviving the Shetland Trader name, and has made a name for herself
first book 200 Fair Isle Motifs was an instant classic and in the knitwear design industry. has been translated into many languages. Mary Jane travels the world to study traditional knitting
Gudrun often includes aspects of her Shetland heritage
techniques and to learn more about the history of the
in her designs, mostly utilizing traditional lace patterns
craft. She’s a popular teacher specializing in lively, fun
in a contemporary context. She also loves to design using
and informative classes. She feels lucky to be invited to
seamless construction methods and is always adding
teach all over the world, and is eager to share knitting
new methods to her seamless knitting skills.
knowledge with her students. She aims to give students She mostly self publishes her patterns but has also the courage to try something new! appeared in Interweave publications, Twist Collective, Mary Jane’s inventive handknitting designs are featured
Knitty.com and Brooklyntweed collections.
in many books and magazines as well as on her website MaryJaneMucklestone.com.
She is currently at work on a new collection of Shetland
inspired designs.