KNITTING AND THE SEA

Join Esther Rutter to learn how the fishing communities of Scotland's west coast influenced knitting traditions across the world

Delivered live from the Isle of Muck on the west coast of Scotland, this hour-long talk explores how the unique geography, history and culture of the fishing and crofting communities of the Hebrides and the West Coast inspired the creation of iconic knitted garments, as well as a range of knitting techniques. The talk includes samples from museum collections and knitwear archives going back 200 years, along with stories from the communities that developed ganseys, Gairloch stockings, Argyll socks - and more. Afterwards there will be time for a Q&A and the chance to see historic and replica knitwear in more detail.

All proceeds from the talk will be donated to replace and refit The Little Red Boat, the Isle of Muck's famiy-run fishing boat which was wrecked in a storm in November 2022. Along with a newer vessel they will need to renew the fishing licence to be able to keep fishing, as well as making sure they have all the safety gear required: Flares, Lifejackets, VHF radio, Fire Extinguishers, GPS, Plotter, AIS system, Fish finder, and more.

West Coast communities like those on Muck can be fragile and livelihoods hard-won, but their contribution to knitting history and our broader culture generally is - and always has been - significant and far-reaching: so let's support them where we can!

Tickets are £6; if you have missed the original event please use the contact form to request a recorded version to enjoy when and where you like.