Gin Socks
Since 2005 I have visited Shetland researching textiles there and working with various groups through Shetland Arts. My visits to Shetland have been very much land based though I have come across many interesting pieces of social history relating to the sea, trade and travellers.
I have heard about a knitter on a boat to Skerries who, in deep fog, could judge the distance travelled by the amount of knitting done. There is also documentation of hand knitted socks being traded for gin brought over the seas by Dutch fishermen. Women followed the herring and worked as gutters travelling from Shetland along the coast south. Many textiles travelled the coast and seas and knitting patterns and ideas were exchanged along the way.
I am looking forward to travelling the Shetland seas and I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to view Shetland from a different angle and share the experience with fellow artists and scientists. Who knows what we will share and what ideas will develop along the way!
Gin Socks, 2005 (1 pint of gin = 3 socks)
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