I don’t know about you, but as a knitter I don’t often receive knitwear as a gift. It is possibly because my F&F think that they wouldn’t know where to start buying knitwear for a knitter. Conversely, they may think, looking at a potential knitted item (as I often do), she could knit it herself.

I am not adverse to receiving a nice piece of knitwear (…just putting that out there) – how can we not deeply appreciate and love an item designed with as much deep appreciation and love for wool and knitting as we have?!  Nor am I adverse to looking longingly into lovely knitwear design shop windows and wishing I had half the talent and innovation of the designer.

One such shop is Ninian, based in Lerwick, Shetland ans owned by textile designer Joanna Hunter. Joanna’s designs are contemporary, but always twinned with a real love affair with Shetland textiles and  traditional Fair Isle patterns.

If you have been to Shetland for Wool Week, you may have seen and bought her Fair Isle wrist warmers and headbands, or seen her distinctive herringbone designed garments.

What I really loved are her scarves and cowls and in particular her Aunty May snood and scarf – one side complex Fair Isle patterns and the other side is jacquard making a striking accessory that really oozes warmth and style.

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Please do head over the Ninian for a look, I am sure you will agree with me that there is something for every knitter in this store and – attention significant-gift-buying-others – if you are still unsure what kind of knitwear the knitter in your life would like,  try a gift voucher!

Ninian’s last posting date for Christmas is 18th December. Thanks to Joanna Hunter for the kind use of her pictures.