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For
many years Elspeth gave her young relatives shawls knitted by a fisherman's
wife in Shetland. These gifts were always greatly appreciated but sadly,
several years ago, that source became unavailable. So, at the age of 70,
Elspeth decided to start knitting them herself.
Now a compulsive knitter, Elspeth is not happy unless she has a shawl
on her circular needle.
It takes many
hours to complete one of these heirloom cobweb lace shawls or two ply
shawls and Elspeth often has customers placing orders well in advance
so that they can be sure that their gift will be ready for that special
occasion.
Originally
knitted in the Shetland Isles, the shawls
were usually kept as christening shawls for the next generation and so
handed down through the families, although some were used as wedding veils
too.
Today, Elspeth is busy in her native Scotland, knitting for clients all
over the world, keeping this ancient craft alive. She also has Linda, a lovely
lady in Shetland and a wonderful mother and daughter team, Linda and Debbie in Aberdeenshire helping her to keep up with
all her orders.
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