Facilities
Shetland College UHI has a range of amenities including: a new Apple Mac suite; video conferencing facilities (recently refurbished to include new flat screen units, touch screen panels and ceiling-mounted microphones); as well as space within the fully-equipped Construction and Creative Industries sections that can be utilised for your business needs.
Equipment
Construction section
The construction section has a Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) 860 router, which can be used on a commercial basis. The router would be ideal for the craft industry and could also be used to make a jig (or template); to rout your own joints or for complicated engraved designs in wood.
Textile facilitation unit
Our textile facilitation unit within the Creative Industries Section can also be accessed by businesses to enable new initiatives to progress and for research and development purposes. We will knit as little as three metres.
It is run by a highly qualified industrial textile manufacturer who takes students and clients through all stages of design, development and the production of knitted textiles, including garments. We also employ a very experienced finisher who can advise on overlocking and linking.
The unit has three Shima Seki knitting systems (12 gauge Shima (model SIG 123 SV), 5 gauge Shima (model SES 122) and 7 gauge Shima (model SES 124)) and a range of finishing equipment.
A state-of-the-art computer system can visualise knitted structures and make instructions for knitting fabrics and jacquard fabrics, which can be developed from design ideas in discussion with our technician, from photos of your artwork or from traditional patterns where you own the copyright.
Recent examples include the development of new lace fabrics in 1 ply Shetland wool, the reinterpretation of an early Fair Isle pattern, contemporary textiles using mixtures of Italian and Shetland yarns, the development of knitted garments and very contemporary fine art textiles for university graduates.
Your first consultation with our technician is free and there is an hourly rate for him to programme the machine. For Shima, patterns can be quickly adapted from design and knit programmes. For complex, new or radically different work in smart textiles (yarns that conduct light and heat), or for garments, several sessions may be required. Customers supply their own yarn but we can advise, if required.
We offer short training courses on design and knit, overlocking, linking and programming for Shima.
The Creative Industries Section visits international trade fairs such as Premier Vision in Paris and Pitti Filati in Florence to get up-to-date market intelligence on trends.
Read more about our services to business and expertise.
