Fleece to Fashion:
Creativity, Authenticity and Sustainability in Knitted Textiles Past and Present
University of Glasgow
Thursday 8th – Friday 9th September 2022
Conference Call for Papers
The call for papers is now closed – but if you would like to receive updates about the conference please complete this form.
The Fleece to Fashion project is researching the history of knitted textiles in Scotland from c.1780 to the present guided by the themes of authenticity, sustainability and creativity.
This conference will focus on the processes and practices associated with the production of knitted textiles, from home hand and machine knitting to factory production. Glasgow is an internationally recognised city of the creative arts and crafts, and Scotland has a global reputation for the quality and style of its knitted textiles.
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 – from the home knitter to the internationally renowned designer (and everything in between) – not only in Scotland but also internationally.
Proposals for individual 20 minute papers, panels of three papers and for poster presentations are invited. The following themes are indicative but not exclusive:
Design and the design process
Technology
Materials
Motifs and techniques
Local and regional design
Global influences
Teaching and learning
Heritage and tradition
Dyes and colour
Entrepreneurship
Appropriation/Appreciation
Inspiration
Making/Production/Fabrication
We particularly welcome proposals that contribute to an inclusive and diverse understanding of the practices of knitting in all contexts and that contribute the perspectives and experiences of peoples who previously have been underrepresented in studies of those practices.
Proposals should be research or practice-based and need not be Scottish focused.
The conference will feature a hybrid format which will provide the flexibility for attendees to participate either in-person at the Sir Charles Wilson venue (University of Glasgow) or online via Zoom webinars.
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.
Proposals to be sent to arts-fleecetofashion@glasgow.ac.uk by 15 January 2022