Join Fiona Duthie for a creative exploration of the unique culture and textiles of the Shetland Islands, through the lens of feltmaking
We had a wonderful time in Shetland last year!
If you’re interested in coming to the next Shetland Felting Retreat, in 2025, please fill in your details in the form below!
Shetland Islands Felting Retreats
Expression of Interest for 2025
Shetland is truly an inspiring place. Though undeniably Scottish, it was ruled by the Norse until 1469 and local life still reflects its shared heritage. The most northern part of Britain, it’s known for its stunning sea cliffs, ancient history and art, music and of course, its beautiful wool. Shetland wool is famous throughout the world for its unique properties and colours, used in traditional fair isle and lace knitwear design.
During our retreat, the characteristics of these islands will serve as the catalyst for our feltmaking.
There will be island excursions: a visit to a local museums, a working farm, and archaeological sites. We will visit traditional crofts, see Shetland sheep and naturally visit a Shetland pony or two. But don’t get me wrong, though our schedule will be full, it will be relaxed. After all, we’ll be on island time. My favourite time!
My passion for wool was ignited here. I look forward to sharing this special place with you.
Workshop Time
Through tours, talks, and visits, we’ll explore Shetland culture- the wool, the traditional knitwear design, and ancient artworks and forms. We’ll work on personal observations of pattern, line and form, and ways to connect yourself, your stories and your sense of place with your textile work. We’ll use all of these as the basis for our morning inspirations and studies in felt.
On our felting days, we’ll work from these resources to create individual felt projects that reflect your own experience of Shetland. You’ll be guided through every step of the creative and technical process. As always, there will be lots of techniques, as well as methods to improve the quality of your feltmaking, with an emphasis on exploration, inspiration and enthusiasm. All of our work will be influenced by the light and landscapes of Shetland.
All class materials and tools are provided. We’ll be working with Shetland wool in all its natural colours: white, light grey, emsket, shaela, black, musket, fawn, mioget, moorit, and dark brown.
There is a maximum class size of 14.
All levels of experience are welcome, but knowledge of basic feltmaking and a curiosity in exploring new ideas is essential.
Workshops take place in a large hall at the historic Islesburgh Community Centre. We’ll be felting for 3+ days, with our finished works easy to store for safe travel.
Accommodations
Everyone will have a private room, in one venue, for a greater sense of connection and community. This may be in a comfortable guesthouse, or in a self-catering accommodation, where you will share a two-bedroom apartment with one other participant. This will be determined closer to the time, and the exact information will be available here, before registration opens.
All accommodations are within the downtown area of Lerwick and easy walking distance to all amenities including shops, bars, restaurants, tourist office and nearby coastal path. All spaces are within a 5-10 minute walk from our Retreat Workshop Space at the Islesburgh Community Centre. Walking in town is a lovely experience! All of the buildings in this area are old stone, with some beautiful gardens, winding cobbled lanes, with everything very close by.
Example Retreat Itinerary:
Download as a PDF to save or print
Some itinerary details may change as the event gets closer. These would be small changes, and will always only be additions to improve the trip and create an event that is an even more inspiring experience!
RETREAT FEES
$3650 USD (as a guide- the actual fee will be determined and posted before registration opens.)
The above fees cover accommodation for 7 nights, 5 lunches, farewell dinner, workshop fees, workshop materials, museum tours, island excursions, Mousa Boat Trip (one of the evening outings- weather dependent).
Accompanying spouse/partner: $1850 USD (as a guide- the actual fee will be determined and posted before registration opens.)
The Accompanying spouse/partner fee includes accommodation for 7 nights, 2 lunches, farewell dinner, museum tours, island excursions, Mousa Boat Trip (one of the evening outings- weather dependent).
If your spouse/partner is accompanying you, do go ahead and register for your own space first, to be sure you get one, then email me to let me know about your spouse/partner. I will invoice you for your spouse/partner’s payment separately.
PAYMENTS
For the 2022 retreat, Registration and Payments will all be taken through Ruzuku.
After payment is received, you’ll be sent a receipt via email. This may take a few hours, so do expect a possible delay in receiving this confirmation and receipt.
Reflections on the retreat experience from some Shetland Island Felting Retreat participants from a previous year. They are so lovely!