First Fit Cushion

In Shetland we have the tradition of “First Fitting”. Translated that means “First Footing” This is the act of visiting friends and neighbours after midnight on the 31st December to be the “First Foot” over the threshold to wish the occupants good luck and good wishes for the year ahead. It’s absolutely necessary to bring a gift when you’re “First Fitting” usually a peat or a dram. To come with nothing would be bad luck. The dark Hebridean black yarn in the background of this fair isle cushion is the colour of peat and the other rich warm shades remind me of the colours you can see in the flames of a dancing peat fire.

The yarn is from The Silly Sheep Fibre Company in Shetland (2ply equivalent to a 4ply / fingering weight/jumper weight; approx 63m / 69 yds per 25g ball of Hebridean wool in natural black. 100% Shetland wool approx 75m / 82 yds per 25g ball) Any fingering weight wool yarn will work well.