Anderson & Co

60-62 Commercial Street, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0BD

Tel: 01595 693714 Fax: 01595 694811

e-mail: pottingers@aol.com
website: www.shetlandknitwear.com

Part of the fun of a holiday is shopping. And if you're holidaying on Shetland, then that means shopping for Shetland knitwear. For hundreds of years Shetlanders have been making some of the best knitwear to be found anywhere, and in Anderson & Co you will find one of the biggest collections on the islands. In fact, its sole purpose is to bring genuine Shetland knitwear to a discerning public who know about design, quality and great value for money. The shop can be found in the heart of Lerwick, the island's capital, and was established as long ago as 1872. It specialises in Fair Isle hand-knitted sweaters, button-up garments and vests, as well as hand and hand frame knit openwork lace jumpers and cardigans. Where the design allows, all garments are made in the traditional, seamless circular knit fashion that is unique to the islands.

Being so close to Scandinavia (Bergen in Norway is no more than 187 miles away) the garments are strongly influenced by the designs found there. But though it is so far north, Shetland still benefits from the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, which has meant that the hardy local sheep thrive, giving a top quality fleece that is soft yet durable. All the products on display in the shop are produced the old fashioned way - in the knitters' own homes, using hand and machine techniques. The quality control and finishing is of the highest standard imaginable, and yet the prices represent remarkable value for money.

Ladies, gentlemen and children can choose from jumpers, cardigans, tank tops, gloves, scarves and hats that are all lovingly designed and crafted to be hard wearing and warm. Get your beautifully crafted Shetland shawl which will become a treasured heirloom. There are also Shetland rugs and sheepskins as well as a selection of souvenirs many of which are unique to Anderson & Co.