Join Fiona Duthie for a creative exploration of the unique culture and textiles of the Shetland Islands, through the lens of feltmaking
To secure this location, we need to act fast and set up retreat bookings for 2026, 2027, and 2028. We’re accepting pre-registrations now to gauge interest and see if this endeavour is feasible.
There will be island excursions: a visit to a local museums, a working farm, and archaeological sites. We will visit traditional crofts, see Shetland sheep and naturally visit a Shetland pony or two. But don’t get me wrong, though our schedule will be full, it will be relaxed. After all, we’ll be on island time. My favourite time!
My passion for wool was ignited here. All of my maternal family are in Shetland (except for one cousin!). I didn’t think I’d be able to go back after my mother passed away in 2020, but visiting again in 2022 showed me that it is even more special than ever, a strong connection to her! I look forward to sharing this special place with you!
The Felting Tour Retreat
Spend 9 days/8 nights exploring Shetland, meeting special people- artists, makers, and crofters. Three full days are dedicated to felting in my summer studio, working with various forms of Shetland wool. from raw fleece, to rovings, to traditional fair isle knitwear and lace to printed cloth, as well as found treasures! This is a very full, well rounded experience of all things Shetland!
Retreat Highlights
- Five retreats each summer (May, June, July, August, September).
- Two retreats (June, September) have spaces for spouses/partners with additional activities.
- Maximum of 8 participants.
- Single rooms: £3950
- Shared rooms: £3650
- Accompanying partners: £2850
The Shetland Mentorship Retreat
Join me in my summer studio in Shetland for 8 days/7 nights. All materials and tools are available for you, along with individual consultations on your project, creative process and path. There will be lots of felting, painting, dyeing, laughing, walking and relaxing! I’ll be in the studio with you for the whole week to offer guidance and ideas. We will be mainly focused on our studio work and there are not any organized tours but I’ll help with any arrangements you want to make to explore beyond our studio home during your visit. The days are very long in the summer, so there are a lot of hours to make, explore, think, dream and plan!
Retreat Highlights:
- 3 retreats each summer (June, July, August)
- Individual consultations and guidance
- Access to materials and tools
- Focus on felting, painting, and dyeing
- Opportunities for relaxation and exploration
- Maximum of 8 participants
- Single room: £2450 (4 spaces available)
- Shared room: £2150 (4 spaces available, only for two friends travelling together)
Payment Schedule
- 2026 Retreats: Full payment required.
- 2027 Retreats: Two-thirds due at registration, one-third due in early 2026.
- 2028 Retreats: One-third due at registration, one-third due in 2026, and one-third due in 2027.
Next Steps
We will confirm your registration and share retreat dates and itineraries in mid-January. At that time, you can complete your registration and make the required payment.
Start Planning
Think about when you’d like to attend a retreat!
Pre-registration opens December 16th and ends January 17th, 2025.
If you know anyone that you’d like to travel with, please feel free to share this with them! Do email me if you have any questions!
Example Retreat Itinerary: HERE!
Some itinerary details may change as the event gets closer. These would be small changes, and will always only be additions to improve the trip and create an event that is an even more inspiring experience!
PAYMENTS
After payment is received, you’ll be sent a receipt via email. This may take a few hours, so do expect a possible delay in receiving this confirmation and receipt.
Reflections on the retreat experience from some Shetland Island Felting Retreat participants from a previous year. They are so lovely!