I know they’re fabulous, but it’s not all about the Minions and the ladies-what-wore-the-sweaters.

Sometimes it is about the others as well.

So today, three lovely Wool Weeker Ladies came to visit us for the day and I duly introduced them to everyone, even Lambie (who behaved appallingly and refused his Cheesey Wotsits – oh, the shame).

I proudly showed off my Icelandic horses as well as my idiot Shetland ponies.

If I had to make a decision, I would say that  I think I was most proud of my Icelandic horses.

They had good manners and behaved impeccably.  Especially Lilja – she was wonderful.

Storm, on the other hoof, was embarrassing.  He tried to unravel my visitor’s hand-woven scarf and was obssessed with it.  We had words!

It is always good to get a phone call (01595 809 432) asking if folk can visit the Shetland ponies, especially if I haven’t already had their daily check.

Today I introduced the little herd to four ladies who are in Shetland for 2019 Wool Week.

Newt, Vitamin, Tiddles and Fivla were in the top field happily munching away.

And I introduced the visitors to each pony telling them their story and character.

Newt is getting very good at posing.  Maybe it’s his new talent – being nice.  Who knew?

Poor visitors.  It became swiftly apparent that the other four ponies were not going to come up to talk so I asked if anyone minded clambering over a low fence to meet Albie, Waffle, Silver and Storm.

Of course they didn’t and it was well worth the effort.  Albie was especially thrilled to meet folk.

I even managed to leave the visitors photographing the chaps while I tied up a gate that needed to remain close – (*** cough *** leave it alone Storm, please!)

And then we went back into the first field for more photos of Newt, who everyone wanted to take home of course.  He would happily fit into anyone’s suitcase.

28″ of pure gorgeousness.  Why wouldn’t you?  No trouble at all, he promises.

And, by the way, so you know, Vitamin’s still got it.  Even as an old lady (25 yo), she is still beautiful.

So that was my afternoon.  Showing visitors to Shetland my little world and my little ponies.  Never a chore, always a pleasure.  I quickly did a headcount before I left just in case Newt had been smuggled out of the field.

Today our Shetland ladies, Fivla and Vitamin, tried their Fair Isle sweaters on.  It’s been a while but it had to be done as they are on show at the end of the week for Fair Isle Friday at the Shetland Museum.  They had originally worn them six years ago in 2013 for the Visit Scotland advertising campaign..

We cleaned off any obvious dirt (I had stood them in the stream first to wash the mud off their legs).

First we tried on Fivla’s red Fair Isle sweater.  It had been knitted for her.  Other’s might have worn it but it was her very own sweater.

Then it was Vitamin’s turn. Her’s was the brown Fair Isle sweater.  Vitamin remembered the procedure and had her usual little “talk”.  I love her for this.  She has always done it.

It was pretty clear that the sweaters were much smaller than they once were.  I think they have been washed a few times and shrunk quite considerably since we last saw them.

The Minions watched in their field. Their eyes were on stalks.  Albie was green with jealousy.  He could just see himself in his very own sweater.

We undressed the girls and put them back into the field, happy in the knowledge that the sweaters would be fine for Fivla and Vitamin’s return to the limelight.

Next everyone needed a good brush and tails were trimmed too in case we have any Wool Week visitors.

Now the sweaters are currently hanging up drying in my kitchen.  We seem to have gone back in time.

A few days ago, I went and learned the traditional craft of hand weaving.  I was having this stunning Shetland wool rug made for myself by Christina Smith of Shetland Handweavers.

It is perfect, even with the added dog hair.

I asked for the rug to be finished with the cotton ends twisted.  You can have plaited.

The flip side is equally beautiful.  I can’t decide which side I like best.

I laid my new rug on the floor of our sitting room and it was instantly sat on.

Monster thought it was an excellent new addition to his extensive collection of beds.

He gave it his Seal of Approval.

BeAnne went for the more attention-seeking approach. She “played possum”, as a friend calls it.

Yin and Yang.

Always jealous of anyone’s attention straying, Her Maj adoped her most interesting attitude.

I think, at the end of the day, this rug is far too beautiful to be on the floor.  I did originally think I would have it for my creation-station, she-shed, studio but the thought of Lambie even looking at it with his muddy hooves is too much (and he has been known to pee on rare occcasions when flustered).

I am going to see what my unicorn looks like hung behind my office chair instead of the curtain that doesn’t quite match.  I want our visitors to see this incredible piece of art rather than tread on it.

I wove the tip of his horn, which is the most magical bit!

And so to Lerwick this morning to leaflet everywhere before the 2019 Wool Week hoards arrive.  I went into my usual shops and left piles of my very special leaflets offering folk the opportunity to visit the Minions and the Old Ladies.  I sincerely hope someone visits.

The shops have been working hard in preparation for a very busy week ahead.

This is the Wool Brokers.

Outside, the weather was disgusting but dodging the torrential downpours, I went in and out leaving leaflets here and there. This is the Shetland Museum’s outside bit.

And when I went into the Museum, I also collected a box.

A box I know well.  I should say Fivla and Vitamin know well.

And so you might be able to guess what is about to happen….

The girls will be back (weather permitting and if I can also get them squozed into their sweaters – it has been a while).