NEVER in the course of history has the humble craft of knitting been so misunderstood, and that includes by me!
Being one of the Gaidhealtachd, knitting was a constant part of my younger life where the hands of mothers, aunts and their female friends were never idle. As a one-time poor participant in the craft myself – my husband was often subjected to my efforts entwined with one-plain-one-purl love, which included a jacket with arms and body made for a 8’ giant for his 5’9” body – I failed to relate my endeavours to such a historic and integrated cultural craft and see that I was in fact creating a piece of history.
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Although my creations gave us joy in laughter and future anecdotes when knitting was mentioned, if I had known the cultural significance maybe I would have been more defensive about my own wee piece of history!
Thursday’s article (New university knitting book aims to cast on a love of craft) winds the wool of Scottish life into an often dismissed and unappreciated skill, showing it as a truly Scottish quality piece of history, culture and craft.
Christine Smith
Troon
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