An exciting prospect for knitting scholars for next year has been announced with the Call for Papers issued by the AHRC Fleece to Fashion project at the University of Glasgow, inviting proposals for a conference from Thursday 8th to Friday 9th September 2022.
Fleece to Fashion: Creativity, Authenticity and Sustainability in Knitted Textiles Past and Present will focus on the processes and practices associated with the production of knitted textiles, from home hand and machine knitting to factory production. Creativity in the use of design, materials and techniques; authenticity of materials and practices and sustainability of production methods have always been critical features of the success of Scotland’s knitters, designers, entrepreneurs and business owners, from the lace knitters of Shetland to the global companies of the 21st century. This conference aims to interrogate the diverse ways in which this sector has been inspired, supported and manifested, ranging from home knitting to renowned professional design, in Scotland and globally. It will be an hybrid event, with participation either in-person at the Sir Charles Wilson Building at the University of Glasgow, or online via Zoom webinar.
Proposals for individual 20 minute papers, panels of three papers and for poster presentations are invited, which should be research or practice-based and need not focus directly on knitting in Scotland. The conference organisers are particularly interested in contributions providing perspectives and experiences of practices of knitting in all contexts and peoples previously under-represented in studies of those practices. Proposals should comprise a 200 word description of the paper, panel or poster (panels require descriptions of all three papers), a one-page CV for each presenter, contact details (email/postal address) and a statement noting whether participation would be in person or online. The deadline for submissions is 15 January 2022, to be sent to arts-fleecetofashion@glasgow.ac.uk
As well as a celebration of the long tradition of knitting in Scotland, this could be an useful springboard for early career academics and a wonderful opportunity to showcase new research and previously hidden histories of knitting and knitting cultures – something to consider as you have into the New Year to think about possible presentations. Further details are available at the Fleece to Fashion website https://fleecetofashion.gla.ac.uk/conference-2022/