Linda Shearer / Shetland

Linda Shearer is a lifelong Fair Isle knitter, designer and tutor. Linda grew up on Whalsay, surrounded by knitting. Her father was a fisherman, and her mom, Ina, was a skilled spinner and knitter. Linda’s mother was always her biggest inspiration.

Linda’s aunt Alice was the first-ever knitting teacher at Whalsay School. She taught Linda to knit her first Fair Isle jumper when she was just 14!

Linda comes from a family of knitters. Her granny was always looking for places to sell her knitted items. However, it was her mom’s daily knitting that sparked Linda’s love for the craft. Today, Linda shares her hand-knitted hats, mitts, and more through her brand, Hamari Designs.

As a Fair Isle knitting tutor, Linda teaches at Shetland Adult Learning. She joined the Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers, and Dyers in 2013. In 2022, she was honoured as the Shetland Wool Week Patron.

Linda’s favourite design so far is her ‘Bonhoga’ cardigan, which was featured in the 2019 Wool Week Annual. Linda has always been obsessed with Fair Isle knitting. She often finds herself planning her next piece while admiring others’ Fair Isle works.

Linda is also passionate about teaching. She became part of Peerie Makkers, a charity that helps bring traditional knitting methods to schools in Shetland. She loves meeting new people and hearing their knitting stories. For Linda, Shetland wool is the best to work with as – “It has great grip and the colour choices are amazing.”