Please note there is an error in listing the finished bust circumference of Merran’s cardigan on page 49 of the SWW Annual.

Please see the SWW errata page for further details

https://www.shetlandwoolweek.com/errata/

Introducing ‘Merran’s Cardigan’ which is a collaboration between SWW and the Unst Heritage Centre

The Merran is a traditional lace pattern which was created by Marian (Merran in Shetland dialect) Henderson from Unst, Shetland’s most northerly isle, in the early 1930s.

Merran and her sister Alice were skilful knitters and their work was very much in demand at the time with orders being taken from 1928 – 78.

A knitwear design for cardigans and jumpers using a unique arrangement of lace motifs of waves, roaches and branches was created by Merran, and it became known as Merran’s pattern.
The cardigan has been on display in the Unst Heritage Centre but the pattern has never been shared before, although many have asked for it. We are honoured to have worked with Hazel Laurenson and the Unst Heritage Centre to bring it to you. It is intricate, exquisite and a real piece of living Shetland history.
Our technical editor Steph Boardman has applied her mathematical skills in order to grade the pattern so that it is available in a wide range of sizes.

We couldn’t fit charts for every size into the printed version of the Annual as it would have gone on for many, many pages, so we have included details of a digital link for sizes 4 – 7. They also include extension charts for lengthening the cardigan.

Wool used is Jamiesons of Shetland Ultra (Opal) and you’ll need between 7 – 9 balls depending on size.

The Annual also includes a feature on the origins of the pattern and how it has been adapted for today’s knitter.