Presenting Dr. Jennifer Daley

Dr. Jennifer Daley is a university professor, textile historian, and knitwear designer. Since 2005, she has been sharing her knitting journey at www.KnittingJenny.com. In April 2022, she moved to the Shetland Islands, Scotland, to continue her research into the history of Shetland wool and Fair Isle knitting. In the Shetland capital of Lerwick, Jennifer managed the day-to-day operations of the Shetland Textile Museum, where she also researched the history of the Shetland knitting industry, handknitting techniques, and tools specific to Shetland.

In November 2022, Jennifer moved to the remote Scottish island of Fair Isle, the historic birthplace of Fair Isle knitting. In 2023, from her knitting design studio in Fair Isle, Jennifer launched The Knitting Jenny Pattern Series, celebrating creativity and colorful wool projects inspired by Fair Isle of the Shetland Islands, Scotland.

Special Event:  Fair Isle Knitting in the Shetland Islands

Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 6:30 pm CDT/23:30 UTC

Join Dr. Jennifer Daley on a journey through the textile history and color of Shetland wool and Fair Isle knitting. Dr. Daley will discuss Shetland sheep and wool, and she will unveil the evolution of Fair Isle knitting. Her presentation will be illustrated with historic Fair Isle garments, and she will discuss Fair Isle motifs, patterns, and color. This fun and informative presentation will integrate traditional Fair Isle knitted fisherman’s keps. Long associated with Fair Isle, fisherman’s keps are hats of conical shape and colorful design. Historically a necessity for survival at sea for fishermen and sailors, keps are today considered an entertaining and interesting way to display a knitter’s skill for design and color. Please join us for this special presentation of Fair Isle knitting in the Shetland Islands!

We’ll have prize giveaways at the end of the evening including two Kep Kits for Pattern 25 and Jamieson’s yarn from Simply Shetland. You won’t want to miss this one!

Thank you to Dr. Jennifer Daley for joining TKGA at Next Level Knitting Conference 2025!