Wonder if this is a sign of the times

Last month, I bought the previous issue of this British magazine. It isn't my favourite magazine, but was slightly interesting and did have a shawl pattern which I plan to knit. I was surprised to learn that the next issue of the magazine, #63 will be the last. Their announcement said: "Tailor Made Publishing has decided to close the title because the market for knitting magazines has become too crowded." I wonder if that will happen to the American knitting magazines. There are so many in print at present.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Postcard from Shetland

I've just received the September issue of Postcard from Shetland. As always, it's full of interesting news and a calendar of events this month. http://visit.shetland.org/september-2013-newsletter .

Also, learned that there is a special embroidery project called the Great Tapestry of Scotland. http://www.scotlandstapestry.com . The section which the Shetland Needleworkers were assigned is entitled: 'Orkney and Shetland ceded by Denmark to Scotland 1469', and is one of 150 panels. For any of you who have seen the Bayeux Tapestry, it will be similar to that wonderful creation, and I'm assuming also the Welsh 'Last Invasion Tapestry. The languages featured are English, Gaelic, Latin & Scots.

Read the website of the Tapestry--it lists all the panels, the history of the idea, embroidery stitches used--very interesting.

I've behind on this announcement and just learned of it from a past newsletter of the Shetland Guild. Apparently, the completed tapestry was due to be hung this month in the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh. That's where I'm going the next time I'm in Scotland!

Where to start?

I can't believe it's been close to two months since I've posted. I wonder if there is truth to the adage that time moves faster as we get older--in my case it does! In any case, my sincere apologies.

As most of my followers know, I was in Scotland for the better part of the month of July. It was a busy time, with sunny days and lots to see. Since my return, I've been trying to get caught up--most importantly getting the details for tours in 2014 to the point where my long suffering website guy can take over. 

I can tell anyone who has been waiting, that there will be three tours for 2014:

-  A special cruise from Norway to Iceland, with a number of visits to ports in Scotland and the Faroes in May. This cruise itinerary will only be offered once next year and I have reserved a number of cabins in a variety of categories.The tour will start with two nights in Bergen prior to the sailing and two nights in Reykjavik after the ship has docked.

-  Scottish Skeins & Skerries, beginning in early July. I've booked all the hotel rooms but am waiting until October until I can get confirmation from Loganair for the domestic flights I've requested. As this year, the tour will start in Glasgow and we'll also visit the Outer Hebrides, Shetland and Orkney. Hard to believe this will be the 16th time this tour has been held.

-  A tour to Ireland in September. I haven't been to Ireland for years, so have been doing a lot of reading and research. I haven't decided on our final itinerary but have a number of ideas and have approached a well-known Irish knitter for a workshop, among other highlights.