Smookie jumper
Our modern Fair Isle jumper, the Shetland Smookie is a hybrid of two classic garments: the fisherman’s smock and the Fair Isle sweater.
They say design what you love...well, I simply love smocks! This is my interpretation in knit of the canvas smock, worn by generations of seafarers, artists, and Sunday potterers.
Design
A really wearable sweater, with special Nielanell details: a stand-up neck and inset storm cuffs. Because the fabric is double-sided, some of our customers wear these seams-out!
Pattern & colour
The all-over pattern on the jumper is inspired by the colourwork traditions of Fair Isle, Shetland, and Nordic knitting. We make Smookie Fair Isle jumpers in very small edition colourways: once sold out they're unlikely to be available again.
Materials & manufacture
- 100% premium lambswool
- Reverse jacquard (double-sided fabric for extra-snuggliness)
- Made in the Shetland Islands, Scotland
Smookies are a very local production, being knitted in Hoswick by Laurence Odie Knitwear—just a few buildings down from the Nielanell studio.
Sizing & fit
One size
- A (underarm-underarm): 56cm
- B (back length): 60cm
- C (sleeve length): 55cm including cuff
On smaller figures the Smookie is a wee bit more tunic-like.
The pattern is ‘all-over’ (like traditional-style Shetland and Fair Isle sweaters), but the gentle trapeze shape of the Smookie gives a flattering fit.
NB measurements are approximate.
What you say
I have worn my Smookie almost every day of the pandemic lockdown. SO COZY! I will need another one just in case I wear this one out.
Customer, 2021
Traditional Fair Isle jumpers and modern Shetland knitting
Inspiration & design process
Like many seafarers, Shetland fishermen wore smocks or ‘smookies’ made from sacking or canvas. I started wondering how that shape would translate into knit.
‘Just a simple smock...’, I said. Of course there’s more to it than that!
I couldn’t have made these without the team at Laurence Odie who are all ultra-talented. Special thanks to Sarah and Tracy, the programmer and linker who helped me with prototyping.
Xmas 2024
LAST ORDERS
EU, EEA & Northern Ireland: Saturday 30 November*
International (excl. EU): Wednesday 4 December
UK: Friday 20 December
As ever, we do recommend that you order early as early as you can; we can't guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. Shetland weather can be unpredictable!
*After 30 November we are suspending orders to the EU and Northern Ireland due to new regulations. Please see information below.
STUDIO HOLIDAYS
The studio will be closed between 24 December and 5 January inclusive. We will be able to post orders during this time, but please expect some delays. If you need something urgently do get in touch: info@nielanell.com.
Shipping costs
- UK P&P: £8 per order.
- International P&P: £20 per order (important: please see notes on international orders below).
- Collection from Nielanell, Hoswick: free of charge (choose this option at checkout).
We send out UK items using Royal Mail and items over a value of £100 will be sent by way of special delivery. This is a signed for, insured service. International parcels are sent using a tracked service.
Customer service
Please DO get in touch if you have queries about any of our pieces. We endeavour to extend, to our online shoppers, the personal service we give here in Hoswick.
We have lots of happy customers both inside the UK and around the world and frequently correspond by email or telephone prior to a purchase being made.
Delivery times
- Most items should be available immediately. If not, we will contact you to tell when the item will be available.
- We aim to send out your order just as soon as possible and within a week of ordering. If you need an item sent immediately, just let us know and we will be delighted to try to help you.
- Please note, you can also choose to collect your order from Nielanell, Hoswick, using the click-and-collect option. This option is not available during holiday periods.
International orders
- Customers ordering items to be sent outside the UK are responsible for any customs charges or taxes applicable in their own country. Post-Brexit, this now also applies to customers in the EU, EEA and associated countries.
- It is quite likely that customs charges will be payable.
- Customs charges and taxes vary between countries and unfortunately we are not able to predict what they might be.
- For further information, you could get in touch with your local customs office so that you know what to expect.
- Issues with customs can delay delivery. Please do place orders in good time, particularly for Christmas or other special occasions.
- Please read our full returns policy before making an order.
- Returns can become expensive for international customers, so don't worry about asking questions before you order! We'd love to help you choose the right garment – please just get in touch on info@nielanell.com if you’d like any information or help shopping online.
EU, EEA and Northern Ireland
EU GPSR
The new EU General Product Safety Regulation, which also affects shipping into Northern Ireland, is coming into effect on 13 December 2024.
This has onerous requirements that are going to take us some time to resolve. At present, there is little official advice available so – like many small businesses – we will be suspending shipping to customers in these areas.
After 30 November
We are really sorry that, after 30 November, we will be suspending shipping to the EU, EEA and Northern Ireland. We hope to be able to get a new system in place soon.
Keep in touch
Thank you so much to all our EU, EEA and NI customers for your patience and support.
After 30 November, please do get in touch if there's something you'd like to order – we'll let you know as soon as we have a solution.
Nielanell knitwear is designed to last
Here are a few recommendations to help ensure your garment lives a long and happy life:
- Less is more when it comes to washing, many people find quality knitwear can be worn without washing for a long time (feel free to use our advice as a reason to do less laundry!).
- Handwashing your garment is recommended.
- We suggest that you hand-wash your garment using liquid for woollens, or flakes at 30 degrees or less. Harsh detergents are likely to ruin your knitwear.
- You may wish to wash in the machine on a very gentle hand-wash wool cycle at 30 degrees or less, using a small quantity of detergent specifically designed for delicate/wool items—but you need to ensure your washing machine uses a very gentle cycle. You must be confident in using your washing machine for woollens. We will not be responsible for items which shrink or felt by inappropriate machine washing or are damaged through use of regular detergents.
- Do not wring.
- Do not tumble dry.
- Dry flat on a rack or in the fresh air, and steam/press very lightly*.
- Alternatively, you can dry clean the garment.
*Don’t iron Rigg pieces. We also recommend that you do not stretch out the textile when drying. Lie the piece flat, but with a bit of a crumple to allow for the natural spring in the fabric to contract. No need to steam or press.
Each piece of Nielanell knitwear is individually knitted by our manufacturers and then finished by hand in-house.
Many of our collections are made in very small edition colourways, with a constantly changing selection.
If you’re looking for something in particular, that you can’t see on the website, please do get in touch—we often have more colourways in stock that don’t make it onto the website!
NB Please treat garment measurements as approximate, knitwear can be difficult to measure and each item will differ slightly.