What a delight to see Claire White, Shetland musician and broadcaster, cosy in her Nielanell Smookie jumper for a new episode of the popular BBC TV series Jules and Greg's Wild Swim.
In the show, the outdoor swimming fans (actors Jules Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill) visit several beautiful locations around the islands.
Sea swimmers do need to keep warm: this is good news for knitwear enthusiasts. There are plenty of gorgeous Shetland woollens to admire!
The range of knitwear being worn illustrates just how much knitting and textiles are still a vibrant part of life here – and an important part of the islands' economy. We have highlighted a few of the featured knits below, along with some other interesting things in the episode.
Where to watch (UK viewers)
The Shetland episode of Jules and Greg's Wild Swim will be broadcast on BBC Scotland at 9pm, Monday 20 Jan.
For viewers in the rest of the UK, head to iPlayer. This series has five episodes, all featuring locations in Scotland's islands (the whole series is already available).
Photo: Gilly B
A dip at St Ninian's Isle
Haar Sauna hosted the swimmers at a spectacular swim spot: the sandy tombolo of St Ninian's Isle.
Fired by wood, Haar Sauna uses the sea as its plunge pool.
This beach is actually pretty close to us – 10 mins drive from Hoswick. If you're coming to see us, you could also book a sauna at Haar! All sessions must be booked ahead online and we'd advise you do this well in advance – the sauna is popular with locals and holiday makers.
The tombolo is a spit of sand that connects St Ninian's Isle to Mainland Shetland.
It's here at St Ninian's that Claire and her fellow musicians joined the swimmers for few tunes around the fire.
Lots of knitwear to be spotted!
Hannah Mary of Haar Sauna is wearing the vintage Fair Isle jumper by Joanna Hunter. If you've been to Lerwick you have probably visited Ninian, Joanna's lovely boutique in the historic town centre.
Also wrapped up in Shetland knitwear, Callum of Haar Sauna is wearing a jumper by world-renowned Jamieson's of Shetland. One of few vertically integrated mills in Scotland (and the only one in Shetland) Jamieson's work with Shetland wool from raw fleece to finished knitwear (their yarn for handknitting is equally famous).
We love pattern on pattern; Callum's Fair Isle cowl is by Bakka.
Using contemporary production techniques, Mary Macgregor of Bakka bases her patterns and colours on heritage pieces of Fair Isle knitwear found in the collections of Shetland Museum and the National Museum of Scotland.
Nielanell Smookie jumper
In the show, Claire is wearing her own Nielanell Smookie – made in our home village of Hoswick. We are so chuffed she chose to wear it for this!
Hers is one of our most popular colour combinations: cosmos blue and pale nuage grey, with a poppy red highlight on the stripy storm cuff (we have some available in the online boutique just now).
Photo: Solus Productions
Shetland Musicians
Claire White is an accomplished musician: do visit her website where you can sample her music and buy her album. Also playing in the beach band are two of the North Ness Boys, Trevor and Clive Jamieson. Visit their Facebook page to find out more.
The Islesburgh Toorie, pattern by The Doull Family. Photo by Alexa Fitzgibbon for Shetland Wool Week.
Handknitting
Traditional handknitting is represented, too. Emma Williamson, one of the dedicated outdoor swimmers who Jules and Greg swam with, gave them each a Fair Isle hat (knitted by her and her mum) – lovely!
Katie's Kep, pattern by Wilma Malcolmson. Photo by Susan Molloy for Shetland Wool Week.
FAIR ISLE HAT PATTERNS
Reds, pinks & blues: Shetland Wool Week 2020 hat, Katie's Kep by Wilma Malcolmson (Jules' hat);
Naturals: SWW 2024 hat, Islesburgh Toorie by the Doull Family (Greg's hat).
Bag from Gilly B, made from recycled sails.
Shetland made, but not knitwear!
When Greg and Jules meet up with Lerwick swimmer Euan for an urban dip, Greg is sporting a capacious swimming bag a bit like the one shown above.
The bag was made by illustrator Gilly B and sailmaker Sew Far North in their converted church studio (ten minutes walk up the road from us).
Crafted from recycled sails and other repurposed materials, these robust bags are great. Keep an eye on Gilly B's Etsy shop for stock updates.
All in all, a lovely bit of TV. Even if you are not an outdoor swimmer.