My Dad – wooden things for wool

Dad as a young man on top of highest hill in Shetland, Ronas Hill in the parish of Northmavine

In this post I am sharing with you a little bit about my dad as over the last few years dad has kindly made me wooden things to use with my knitwear.
These things  have been used when I have completed knitting Shetland lace scarves, woollen socks, Fair Isle gloves, or jumpers. These boards are commonly used in Shetland – now I have a sock board, glove boards, stole board – and the list goes on! I’m hoping he’ll make me a hap board soon!

Dad in his workshop

He has created things all his life including building houses,extensions, out buildings for livestock on his croft and greenhouses. He’s built wooden boats and renovated older houses. He’s even done a little bit of sculpture by creating a sheep! Dad’s always doing something and having him make me these items is very special for me. His latest project is restoring an old tractor which he purchased just before Christmas. He’s keen on horticulture and has his own tree plantation which is thriving on the croft.

Dad haymaking with two of his grandson’s helping him. The hay was cured and they were taking it in before it rained.

Spinning wheel complete.

Spinning wheels nearly completed in his workshop.

Jumper board in dad’s workshop.

 

Swinister – a traditional croft house which my dad renovated and uses as self-catering accomodation. Hay drying on the wooden racks. Ronas Hill and Midfield in the background.

This is the house which two lovely older ladies lived in when I was a child – they were called Alice and Annie. They both died during the early 1980’s. They were always knitting – especially haps and spencer’s. The house was on the croft, and rather than let it be abandoned dad renovated it. Nowadays it is used during the summer by family friends as self-catering. My parents made many friends through letting the house over the years. Friends come from all over the world including France, Norway, Germany, USA and UK.

A sock board, mitten boards and glove boards used to block, or dress socks, mittens and gloves on after washing.