CUSHIONS featuring distinctive Sanquhar patterns are being promoted at Westminster.
Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell is spreading the word about the Upper Nithsdale heritage craft in London.
He shows colleagues and other visitors to his busy parliamentary office handmade items from Sanquhar’s greatly revived cottage knitting industry.
The craft flourished after the town was made a Royal Burgh in 1598, reached a peak in the Victorian era and now, yet again, the valley’s knitwear and designs are in demand.
Traditional skills and styles handed down generations from, at least, the 16th or 17th century have undergone a significant revival in recent years thanks to the Sanquhar Pattern Designs Initiative.
The project team recently celebrated their tenth anniversary and are based in the A’ The Airts Arts Centre on the High Street, opposite the historic Toll Booth.
Enthusiastic knitters join regular sessions in the purpose-created workshop where both hand and machine knitting takes place.
Items such as gloves, scarfs, hats and cushion covers are amongst those produced and are in demand in the UK and overseas.
The core portfolio of 16 traditional Sanquhar knitting patterns are being used locally and sent worldwide for other knitters to follow the designs.
A’ The Airts manager Yvonne Barber is delighted the MP is a fan and had purchased items for his London office. She said: “Things like this highlight Sanquhar’s knitting heritage, another string to our bow helping put the town on the map.
“Our own knitting group sessions not only help preserve the traditional skills, the social side is equally appreciated by the knitters and those learning the skills at regular classes.”
Yvonne revealed that an unusual recent commission received was for a VisitScotland photoshoot and involved producing a giant Sanquhar knitwear cardigan and hat for a large Highland cow.
They were successfully delivered and pictures of the iconic breed ‘coo,’ wearing the garments, are currently appearing on the tourism body’s marketing material.
Meanwhile, Mr Mundell said: “Sanquhar knitwear has again become a success story and I’ve been pleased to show these distinctive patterns to colleagues and visitors from various parts of the country.
“The cushions take pride of place on seats in my office and have received very favourable comments.”
