Getting my website updated to suit current trends in technology has been brilliant and I think you’ll agree that it’s a pretty cool site, BUT, I now have to write a blog to go with it - AAAAARGH! Many folk who know me, will wonder why I’ll find that hard, as I’m hardly ever lost for words, but a blog is different! Are people going to be interested in what I’m doing? Will I have anything worth writing about? Will I be able to keep it up? So many questions and the only way to find the answer is to make a start, so here goes!

When I first started knitting at my granny’s knee aged about four, little did I know I’d be making a living at it over 50 years later (she has a lot to answer for, my granny)! I think it was her way of keeping me occupied while Mum was out working and I’ll always be grateful. I remember she was always knitting something and it was mostly lace, Mum was more into Fair Isle and although I loved using colours and often helped her in choosing combinations for yokes and such, I never really wanted to knit them - it just wasn’t my thing.

The first shawl or ‘hap’ I ever knitted was in jumper wool, round and stripey (see above) I gave that one to my cousin when she had her first baby 35 years ago. I did my first 1-ply christening shawl (see below) for my best friend and that would have been in 1985. I’ve come a long way since then and haven’t used a pattern for ages. I keep meaning to write things down, as my memory is not what it used to be – one of these days!

I love knitting, it kept me sane when I was recovering from a really bad car accident in 1996 and one of the reasons I started Shetland Lace Shawls. It was something I could do from home and didn’t involve a lot of travelling or physical effort. I love designing and producing something to suit the occasion and am passionate about keeping the art of fine Shetland lace knitting alive and thriving.

My first blog!