Colours of Shetland by Kate Davies. I want to knit that Scatness tam so badly!

Look what arrived in parcel #2! If you missed out on what was in parcel #1, check this blog post out. But look! My very own copy of the Colours of Shetland by Kate Davies. If you don’t know who Kate Davies is, she is an amazing designer of hand knits drawing inspiration from her life in Scotland, and particularly the Shetland Islands. She is also an accomplished writer and historian. As an archaeologist myself who has also lived a scholarly life, I really appreciate the insights and history she often shares about knitting and textile history. She is one of my favourite designers with her modern take on traditional motifs and colourwork.

Her book Colours of Shetland was published in 2012, available both as a softcover book and an e-book. If you purchase the hard copy, you will receive a complimentary free copy of the e-book too. Currently available for £14.99, I think this is an excellent price for this handsome book.

I’ll let you peek into the table of contents, outlining the 10 patterns included in Colours of Shetland. There’s also a couple of handy tutorials included in this book. And have I mentioned yet the stunning photography for the collection shot on location in the Shetland Islands? As if I didn’t want to go there badly enough before…

I also love how she explores a design and offers it in various forms. For example, the Scatness Tam that is on the cover (which I looove) is also available as a tunic too.

And here is another example, the Stevenson Sweater and Gauntlets as shown in this photo. I could happily knit any and all of the patterns in this delightful book.

Also deserving an honourable mention here is a note about Kate Davies’ wardrobe aside from her gorgeous designs. She often wears fashions from England’s stylish Cabbages & Roses. All designs and fabrics are made in England, and encapsulate fun and enduring fashion at the same time. If you don’t know Cabbages & Roses, I strongly recommend that you check them out too. They’ve also partnered recently with UNIQLO for a playful line.

In conclusion, if you haven’t picked up a copy of this book, I recommend strongly that you do. Her patterns are clear and well written, and for a connoisseur of colourwork, this book is not to be missed. As she is in the midst of relocating from Edinburgh, she has noted on her blog that only a handful of hard copies are left, so you better order quickly before they disappear. It may be some time before there is a second print run. Happy reading!

x Rena