Shetland Times Competition

Throw your hat into the ring for wool throw competition… (question below)

This competition post was originally written by The Shetland Times for The Shetland Times, first published on Friday 17th April 2020

To launch the production of a new wool throw, The Real Shetland Company & Adam Curtis Online are offering one of the garments as a prize in a competition.

A Real Shetland Wool throw is the competition prize.

The throws are made using 100 per cent Shetland wool, sorted by Jamieson and Smith (Shetland Wool Brokers) in Lerwick and sent to Haworth Scouring Company in Bradford for processing.

Martin Curtis of The Real Shetland Company, said the wool was scoured separately in the different natural shades and then went for further processing. The throws were part worsted and part woollen spun. The difference was important and added to their “unique effect and handle”.

Mr Curtis said: “The woollen system cards the wool and removes vegetable matter. The woollen cards produce a large web of fibre which is all higgly piggly, mixed and bulky. The web is drawn and makes a thick sliver.

“The sliver is then drawn and twisted on spinning frames and forms the yarn. The yarn can be plied with other yarn to make a popular two or sometimes three-ply yarn. The yarn is bulky and if you imagine a Harris Tweed jacket it is quite hairy – this is a woollen spun cloth.

“The worsted system is a little more complicated and goes through some additional processes. The scoured wool goes through a special worsted card that not only cleans up the wool but it starts to make the individual fibres more parallel.

“This produces a smooth sliver which then goes through a series of gilling machines and through to actual combing. The idea is that the shorter more hairy fibres are combed out along with any vegetable matter that is still in it and you are left with long smooth parallel fibres which are formed into a top. The top is drawn and twisted on a spinning frame and it makes a very smooth, strong and soft yarn.

“By using the two different processes you combine the bulk of the woollen spun with the strength and softness of the worsted spun. All this is done in the UK of course.

“The yarn then goes to a weaver to be woven into a cloth. The cloth then needs finishing and this is what gives the throw a unique handle and appearance and is a highly skilled process.

“The cloth is brushed and some fibres are lifted which gives a little more bulk to it. Too much and it loses its stability and too little and you lose that raised look and feel.

“The tassels are twisted and made into a fringe and the throw is ready for you. Of course, this is a very quick guide but it lets you see what is involved in getting Real Shetland Wool into a product for you and customers around the world to enjoy.”

Campaign for Wool chairman Nicholas Coleridge, who visited Shetland last year, was presented with a throw recently.

He said: “Ever since my trip to Shetland last September, the islands have played on my mind. They are extraordinary, unlike almost anywhere else, and I frequently think of the wild cliff walks we undertook, as well as the kindness of the inhabitants, and the remarkable wool week you have established.

“Next year is the 10th anniversary of the Prince’s campaign and many celebrations are planned, including a big pictorial history, in the manner of the Bayeux Tapestry, which certainly includes the Shetland Isles.”

To win one of the new throws, simply answer the following question in your own words:

What is Real Shetland Wool’s superpower?

Send your replies to Mr Curtis at curtthesheep@gmail.com

The name of the winner, chosen after the closing date of Monday 27th April, will be announced in The Shetland Times.