Latest news with #FairIsle
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Tackling ‘demi-ski', snow-time's most overlooked fashion category
This story is part of the June 28 edition of Good Weekend. See all 21 stories. I want to look stylish at the snow: what do I pack? Demi-ski attire is the most overlooked category, along with cognac-carrying Saint Bernards, when packing for a winter escape to the snowfields. There's mid-ski clothing, appropriate on black-diamond runs where footwear involves skis or a snowboard, which falls into the sporting-goods category, après-ski, which covers anything that offers camouflage to spilt schnapps or fondue and won't melt if you sit too close to the fireplace, and finally, demi-ski. This comprises items that can take you from chalet to restaurant without contracting hypothermia or attracting freezing stares from the local fashion police behind their Gentle Monster sunglasses. Loading Functionality with flair is your fashion filter for staying warm while looking hot, as demonstrated here by Jennifer Lopez in Aspen, Colorado. As J-Lo herself would say, it's about adding extras to the basics. Upgrade your urban, basic-black parka by adding a fur trim or lining. Break away from solid-colour knitwear with Fair Isle cabling and colours. And leave leggings made from standard Lycra in the laundry basket at home and invest in warm, woollen versions. The snug fit balances heavy outerwear and will stop you from being mistaken for a snowman. Footwear should be warm, waterproof and have enough grip to prevent unexpected snow-ploughs down steep paths. Meanwhile, statement sunglasses give you the rare opportunity to flash a logo without exposing expensive handbags to the elements. And remember to go beyond the standard sports-bar uniform of a beanie or baseball cap by adding a faux-fur hat for a dash of drama. Just remember to leave it at home before your next trip to the football.
The Age
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Tackling ‘demi-ski', snow-time's most overlooked fashion category
This story is part of the June 28 edition of Good Weekend. See all 21 stories. I want to look stylish at the snow: what do I pack? Demi-ski attire is the most overlooked category, along with cognac-carrying Saint Bernards, when packing for a winter escape to the snowfields. There's mid-ski clothing, appropriate on black-diamond runs where footwear involves skis or a snowboard, which falls into the sporting-goods category, après-ski, which covers anything that offers camouflage to spilt schnapps or fondue and won't melt if you sit too close to the fireplace, and finally, demi-ski. This comprises items that can take you from chalet to restaurant without contracting hypothermia or attracting freezing stares from the local fashion police behind their Gentle Monster sunglasses. Loading Functionality with flair is your fashion filter for staying warm while looking hot, as demonstrated here by Jennifer Lopez in Aspen, Colorado. As J-Lo herself would say, it's about adding extras to the basics. Upgrade your urban, basic-black parka by adding a fur trim or lining. Break away from solid-colour knitwear with Fair Isle cabling and colours. And leave leggings made from standard Lycra in the laundry basket at home and invest in warm, woollen versions. The snug fit balances heavy outerwear and will stop you from being mistaken for a snowman. Footwear should be warm, waterproof and have enough grip to prevent unexpected snow-ploughs down steep paths. Meanwhile, statement sunglasses give you the rare opportunity to flash a logo without exposing expensive handbags to the elements. And remember to go beyond the standard sports-bar uniform of a beanie or baseball cap by adding a faux-fur hat for a dash of drama. Just remember to leave it at home before your next trip to the football.
BBC News
18-06-2025
- BBC News
Fair Isle bird observatory reopens six years after fire
Fair Isle's famous bird observatory has reopened - six years after the building was destroyed in a huge fire. The £10m project has been a huge undertaking for the remote community, which lies half way between Orkney and Shetland. The island, which is just three miles long and has a population of 50, is considered one of the best places in Europe to see migrating birds. And the long-awaited reopening of the bird observatory has been welcomed by locals and visiting birdwatchers. Eileen Thomson grew up on the island and lives there with her Argentinian partner, Guillermo Rotolo, and their sons Lucca, 10, and seven-year-old Ander. Their children make up two thirds of the island's tiny school roll. She said the observatory, which attracts hundreds of visitors a year to the island, was a key part of the community and had been missed over the last six years. "I always say to people it doubles the population for half a year and not only is it a great centre for people who are actually looking for rare birds," she added. "It brings us a lot of people, it brings us a lot of extra income to the isle. It brings us friends we meet."I've got two aunts and uncles who met at the bird observatory through work there."So it is really an integral part of the community here. We are delighted that it is back up and running." The bird observatory, which is run by a charity, is a large guest house with views looking out to Fair Isle's Sheep Rock. Visitors get the opportunity to see wardens ringing the birds, learn about wildlife and occasionally spot a rare bird passing through during migration. The original wooden building was destroyed by fire in March 2019. It is believed to have started in the roof before spreading. Firefighters and equipment had to be flown by coastguard helicopter from the Shetland mainland, as there was just one fire engine on Fair could be seen for miles and the building was alight for nearly a full day. The warden, his wife and their children lost almost all of their belongings. Donations to help fund the rebuild flooded in from bird watchers around the pound grants were also secured from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish government and Shetland Islands Council. Fire-hit bird observatory wins £2.35m fundingShetland fires 'should act as warning to modular building industry'But it has been a challenging project as dozens of pre-fabricated modules have had to be shipped to the remote island. And when the main contractor went into administration, trustees took the project in-house to get it finished. Alex Penn, the head of ornithology at the observatory, said it was good to see the building back up and running. "The facilities are fantastic and we're now open for guests and it's great to see the building really start to come alive," he added. Marie Bruhat is helping to keep Fair Isle's knitwear tradition alive and knows the value of the observatory to the moved from France several years ago and is bringing a contemporary eye to the famous designs. Fair Isle: The remote island where jumpers are always in fashion"It means that we get to have more people living here, even if it is only from March/April when they come to October/November," she said. "It is a big chunk of the year where there is maybe eight to 10 more people on the island because there is only 50 of us. "It makes a big difference to the social life and also having more tourists means potential customers for the knitwear business." Birdwatcher Ian Andrews, from Musselburgh, was one of the first visitors to the new observatory. "It's got a world renowned reputation for having birds from all quarters whether it's from Siberia or the Mediterranean, Africa or even America," he told BBC Scotland News. "It draws in migrant birds from all directions including unusual ones which is probably the main attraction." Jack Richards has travelled to the island from South Wales. "There's a mass of seabirds that come here every year looking to nest," he said. "There are birds here you would never see back home. "It's an amazing remote island. "There's not too many people here. It's more of a wildlife paradise. "You can just explore pretty much were ever you like. "It feels like you are in the wild in the UK and that doesn't happen that often." Artists are drawn to the island too, inspired by the dramatic landscape, and the wildlife. Writer and illustrator Angela Harding has taken up a short residency. "It's such a place of drama and weather changes minute by minute and the landscape itself looks like a slab of rock that big bites have been taken out of," she said. "You can't really describe what it feels like unless you've done it, to stand at the top of the cliff and watch the seabirds whellin below you. Thousands of birds."Islanders hope that the opening of the bird observatory, along with the prospect of a new ferry, will help ensure a secure future for one of Scotland's most remote communities.
The Age
17-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Age
Investment knitwear needs love and care. Here's how to make it last
This story is part of the May 18 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories. Cable sweaters at Ralph Lauren, Fair Isle patterns at Loewe and multicoloured Missoni stripes have dragged knitwear out of the blanket box and onto the backs of fashion insiders such as Jennifer Lopez, Kendall Jenner and Princess Catherine. After seasons spent hiding under boxy blazers and camel coats, cosy knitwear has become the preference of the A-list – and those lower down the alphabet pecking order – for expressing individuality while staying warm. Here's a refresher course on looking fit in knits – without becoming a nitwit. Layering knits While many sweaters stand out on their own, layering fine-gauge knitwear with cardigans, blazers and coats adds textural appeal while offering greater protection against the elements. Start with a thin base layer, such as a turtleneck or light crew neck, against the skin, taking advantage of merino wool's strengths at wicking moisture away from the skin. Add a chunkier cardigan with a pattern or camel coat, making sure that the base layer is fitted against the arms to avoid looking like the Michelin Man. Tucking knitwear above jeans or a long skirt provides more opportunities for rugging up. While some women fold longer knitwear under and then into their bras, a more comfortable option is to make a jumper 'tucking band'. Cut a length of wide elastic so it sits snugly at your waist and stitch the ends together. Then place the elastic over a jumper at your waist and fold over the excess for a polished finish. Washing your woolies To hand-wash woollens, soak and swish in lukewarm water (30 degrees) for 15 minutes with wool detergent. Rinse and gently remove excess water. Leave to dry flat on a towel. If the care instructions advise machine washing, turn the jumper inside out and place in a mesh bag to prevent snags. Select the wool cycle on a cold temperature. Air your jumpers between wears but expect to wash after three or four outings. A cure for pilling Pilling is an unfortunate effect from machine-washing woollens, or just regular wear. Here are the best ways to remove those pesky lint balls. Lint comb: Lay a jumper flat before using a lint comb to smooth out wrinkles. Use short strokes in one direction to remove pilling. A lint comb is best used on fibres that are 100 per cent natural. Electric lint remover: Many have multiple speeds for different fabric blends. Use in a gentle circular motion over the affected area. Pumice stone: Give your feet a rest and softly move a pumice stone over pilling before using a lint roller to remove build-up. Storing your knitwear
Sydney Morning Herald
17-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Sydney Morning Herald
Investment knitwear needs love and care. Here's how to make it last
This story is part of the May 18 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories. Cable sweaters at Ralph Lauren, Fair Isle patterns at Loewe and multicoloured Missoni stripes have dragged knitwear out of the blanket box and onto the backs of fashion insiders such as Jennifer Lopez, Kendall Jenner and Princess Catherine. After seasons spent hiding under boxy blazers and camel coats, cosy knitwear has become the preference of the A-list – and those lower down the alphabet pecking order – for expressing individuality while staying warm. Here's a refresher course on looking fit in knits – without becoming a nitwit. Layering knits While many sweaters stand out on their own, layering fine-gauge knitwear with cardigans, blazers and coats adds textural appeal while offering greater protection against the elements. Start with a thin base layer, such as a turtleneck or light crew neck, against the skin, taking advantage of merino wool's strengths at wicking moisture away from the skin. Add a chunkier cardigan with a pattern or camel coat, making sure that the base layer is fitted against the arms to avoid looking like the Michelin Man. Tucking knitwear above jeans or a long skirt provides more opportunities for rugging up. While some women fold longer knitwear under and then into their bras, a more comfortable option is to make a jumper 'tucking band'. Cut a length of wide elastic so it sits snugly at your waist and stitch the ends together. Then place the elastic over a jumper at your waist and fold over the excess for a polished finish. Washing your woolies To hand-wash woollens, soak and swish in lukewarm water (30 degrees) for 15 minutes with wool detergent. Rinse and gently remove excess water. Leave to dry flat on a towel. If the care instructions advise machine washing, turn the jumper inside out and place in a mesh bag to prevent snags. Select the wool cycle on a cold temperature. Air your jumpers between wears but expect to wash after three or four outings. A cure for pilling Pilling is an unfortunate effect from machine-washing woollens, or just regular wear. Here are the best ways to remove those pesky lint balls. Lint comb: Lay a jumper flat before using a lint comb to smooth out wrinkles. Use short strokes in one direction to remove pilling. A lint comb is best used on fibres that are 100 per cent natural. Electric lint remover: Many have multiple speeds for different fabric blends. Use in a gentle circular motion over the affected area. Pumice stone: Give your feet a rest and softly move a pumice stone over pilling before using a lint roller to remove build-up. Storing your knitwear
