Tom Daley's Knitting Show Heads to Shetland After Controversy

A Shetland member of the Scottish Parliament has written to the head ofChannel 4 inviting producers and Tom Daleyto go to the island despite...

A Shetland member of the Scottish Parliament has written to the head ofChannel 4 inviting producers and Tom Daleyto go to the island despite allegations that they 'misrepresented' conventional knitting methods on a new television series.

The television network's new series, "Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter," caused a 'cultural appropriation' debate last week due to its depiction of Fair Isle designs in the opening episode.

The Shetland Organisation for Knitters (SOK) stated that the program hosted by Olympic and World Champion diver Daley reinforced 'negative stereotypes' regarding the craft, as knitters were provided with 'improperly altered needles' to use.

The island’s Lib DemMSP Beatrice Wishart has written a letter to Interim Chief Executive Jonathan Allan, urging for 'public recognition' of the 'misrepresentations,' such as spelling Fair Isle as 'Fair Aisle' in a press release promoting the show.

Ms. Wishart invited Daley and the production crew to "visit Shetland and genuinely connect with the Shetland knitting community," adding that they would be "welcomed warmly."

She stated: "To help with this, my office and I will be ready to provide support."

In her letter, she informs him that she felt the episode was "a missed chance to properly present and highlight the cherished tradition of Fair Isle knitting and the talent and imagination of the Shetland knitting community."

She stated: "There are knitting groups and organizations in Shetland dedicated to teaching the next generation of knitters Fair Isle techniques, with modern designers introducing fresh color schemes and styles as Fair Isle patterns keep developing. I believe you will agree that every effort should be made to support this."

Ms. Wishart has also submitted a motion in the Scottish Parliament calling for it to 'express sorrow over the incorrect portrayal of Fair Isle knitting'.

The Shetland Stitch Club has also called for an apology from Channel 4 regarding the portrayal of techniques that originated in the 18th century, when wives would knit vibrant clothing tokeep their fisherman husbands cozy, were shown on the program.

It stated: 'We are not opposed to fun, or innovation, or combining Shetland customs with those from other regions. In fact, artisans here thoroughly enjoy new designs and inspirations. However, what we strongly disagree with is misrepresentation and cultural appropriation.'

I believe some recognition and an apology are necessary... perhaps even think about creating a documentary on authentic Fair Isle knitting. I would definitely watch that.

SOK asserted that the program 'mischaracterized' the traditional craftsmanship, stating 'numerous designs approved as Fair Isle in the episode are more precisely categorized as stranded colorwork.'

It has recently started an online donation drive, which has collected over £17,000 in just two days, with the goal of 'educating residents and tourists, both on-site and via the internet'.

The charity event, which seeks to raise £40,000 for their initiative, mentions that 'students from outside Shetland are frequently provided with incorrect details about Shetland's knitting methods... which negatively affects their learning and damages Shetland's image.'

Channel 4 stated that it highly values Shetland's knitting traditions, and the challenge in the first episode invited amateur knitters to 'reimagine a Fair Isle knit'.

A representative stated, 'The participants were challenged to design a piece of clothing with a contemporary approach that honored and highlighted the elegance of the Fair Isle method. Game of Wool is a show that appeals to both experienced knitters and those who aren't, and we aim to inspire many to grab their needles and begin knitting.'

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