Organisers are putting together arrangements for the fifth Shetland Wool Week, a highly successful annual event that attracts many visitors to the islands.
This year's wool week will run from 4 to 12 October. As in previous years, it'll offer a number of events, including talks, demonstrations and workshops. There will be a strong emphasis on involving local craftmakers, designers, industry suppliers, tutors and retailers, reflecting the importance of wool to Shetland's economy and heritage.
In 2013, 174 people registered attendance at the event, with visitors coming from many parts of the UK and from the USA, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands. It's expected that attendances will increase again in 2014.
The patron of Shetland Wool Week 2014 is to be Hazel Tindall, who has twice held the title of World's Fastest Knitter. Hazel grew up in Shetland and learned to knit as a child. Her knitting has been the subject of many articles and book chapters, and knitters all around the world eagerly seek her patterns. She will design a special Wool Week pattern, which will be made available prior to the event.
Emma Miller, of Shetland Amenity Trust, said: