This might sound daft!!!

This might sound daft but here in Shetland, men used to knit. When my grandfather was at sea and he had a little time to himself he would get the pins out to do some repairs or make a new pair of socks, maybe a jumper for himself or his wife, perhaps for one of his children, my mother and uncles and aunt.

I'm sure that a lot of men still do knit here, especially if there is no pub close by, the telly is on and it's raining outside. What better to do as you stare at the news or the music is on - and save a fortune as you do it.

So, I've made a decision. Not just a wee decision either but a big one!!! A change in my life when you think about it. I'm going to learn to knit. I'm doing this to keep myself busy, to give myself the ability to have clothes that I like and to be able to repair clothes instead of having to buy new ones that I can't afford.

You never know, this might have been a photo of one of my older relatives - or maybe one of yours - making a new pair of underpants.

You can do a lot with a pair of knitting needles you know!!!

I'll let you know how I get on and if I start taking orders I'll give you an idea of the prices, alright!!!