Fiberside Chats: May MacCormick & Sanquhar Knitting February 2nd, 2025

In the South West of Scotland, the knitting initiative known as the Sanquhar Pattern Designs project operates within the community arts centre. May MacCormick is one of the most renowned Sanquhar knitters in the world, with over fifty-five years of experience in creating the famous Sanquhar gloves. She is passionate about preserving the heritage of this unique pattern and has undertaken the significant task of meticulously documenting all sixteen patterns for the first time, ensuring they are preserved for future generations. Join us for this virtual visit to meet May, who will share the history of the pattern, discuss some of her experiences, and demonstrate how to knit the gloves. Additionally, Yvonne Barber, the Centre Manager, will provide a brief introduction to the project and highlight their recent creations, which include leg warmers, a hat, and a cardigan for a Highland Coo!, recently used for Visit Scotland.

Bios:
May MacCormick was born and raised near Sanquhar, although she did not receive her education there. Her mother, an accomplished needlewoman, encouraged her interest in handcrafts from a young age. Fifty-five years ago, when she learned to knit Sanquhar gloves in the Duke pattern, it was only natural that May decided to try it herself. By chance, May married a man from Sanquhar, and when she moved there, a friend sparked her interest in the other fifteen patterns. Over the years, she has knitted countless gloves and other items, incorporated the patterns into various crafts, and met many interesting people along the way, finding herself in diverse places. May serves as the keynote speaker during our Sanquhar Knitting Visitor Tours. With extensive experience in giving talks and demonstrations, she also tutors Sanquhar glove knitting workshops and is currently in the process of recording the patterns, currently on number thirteen. These instruction books can be found in @atheairts Craft Shop. "I feel privileged to have been involved in this sometimes little-known but centuries-old tradition and to have made many friends through it."

Yvonne Barber, originally from Liverpool, England, has served as the Centre Manager at A’ The Airts since July 2017. With over 25 years of experience in community-based education, training, and the arts, Yvonne is a dedicated Project Manager who is passionate about empowering individuals and enhancing their confidence and skills. She is committed to the Centre's success and to creating opportunities for everyone involved. The Centre won the Dumfries and Galloway Life Magazine awards for ‘Best Community Project’ in 2022. Also in 2022, Yvonne was recognised as one of the top 100 Women in Tourism, ranking among the top three in Dumfries and Galloway.  Her work with the Upper Nithsdale Tourism Partnership and her commitment to involving local businesses in events at A’ The Airts have transformed Sanquhar into a must-visit destination in Upper Nithsdale, especially for the Sanquhar Knitting produced and sold on the premises. Through collaborations with various third-sector organisations in Dumfries and Galloway, she has established community connections that help propel the Centre forward. https://atheairts.org.uk/ 

This is a live Zoom Event on Sunday, February 2nd at 1:00pm EST, 12:00pm CST, 11:00am MST, 10:00am PST, 6:00pm GMT

This Fiberside Chat will be recorded - a link to the recording will be available for one week and shared with registered attendees only. 

Registration will close 1.5 hours before beginning of event.