The initiative
In November 2014, Upper Nithsdale Arts and Crafts Community Initiative (UNACCI) also known as A’ the Airts launched a major new knitting project with the hope of making a positive impact on the economic climate of Upper Nithsdale, in South West Scotland.
The project known as "Sanquhar Pattern Designs” supports the long-term goal of producing high-quality knitwear using the traditional distinctive Sanquhar pattern.
Sanquhar Pattern Designs has now grown in popularity, gaining the approval of the local people in the town of Sanquhar and admired by overseas visitors.
The founding knitters Sheila, Kate and Elma.
The initiative ultimately aims to resurrect a dying cottage industry.
Initial funding was granted from Santander's Social Enterprise Development Awards scheme which is given to social enterprises and trading charities to grow their businesses and to improve the local community both economically and socially. It continues with assistance from the National Lottery Communities Fund, the Upper Nithsdale Community Trust and the Holywood Trust.
From its humble beginnings with only two electronic knitting machines and only one linker the four founding knitters; Kate Sloan, Elma Clark, Jean Ramsay and Sheila Crompton started producing high quality knitwear which would be sold through the local communities arts and crafts centre, A' the Airts.
Over the past six years there have been over thirty knitters who have come into the training facility arm of the project to learn how to knit the world famous Sanquhar Gloves and other knitted garments.
our focus
The initiative focuses on producing quality machine knitted and handknitted goods with the Sanquhar pattern, the patterns being an important part of Sanquhar's heritage.
our aim
Teaching modern knitting methods, using a traditional pattern, while improving the local economy and creating jobs.
reinvesting
The sales of such goods are reinvested back into the organisation which in turn trains up local individuals with the skills and knowledge to produce machine knitted goods of a high standard.
Our goal is that the skills developed by our knitters provide the foundation of re-establishing a cottage industry where locals can subsidence their income by producing knitted goods.
How can i be part of the Knitting Project?
Sanquhar Pattern Designs is committed to attracting more people from the local community to participate in the project.
If you would like to be a part of team or simply want to learn then contact us either by phoning the volunteer reception team on (01659) 50514 or by emailing us at contact@atheairts.org.uk
Please be aware though that spaces are limited and that we may not be able to accommodate you at this present time.
Sanquhar Glove knitting workshop
A’ the Airts Community Art Centre hold workshops to share the skill of Sanquhar Glove knitting. Tutored by May MacCormick, these classes run in 9 week blocks.
For more information please contact A’ the Airts on 01659 50514 or check out our Facebook at the link below where we post upcoming Workshops.
If you would like to give a donation to the knitting project please click on the donate button below.