The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Pastimes once considered square are going full circle
After singing for her supper at a favourite book festival, Fiona is contemplating being immortalised on canvas by a very nice man
Iam just back from my favourite book festival. Bookmark at Blairgowrie is going from strength to strength. Well done the team that makes it happen at this time of year. Again, I am singing for my supper. Sharing a stage with two ladies who have produced works on wool and cotton. Knitting and sewing. On the face of it, it does not sound that exciting. But what fascinating stories these women have unearthed!
Clare Hunter’s “Threads of Life” is a history of the world through the eye of a needle. And it tells how folk have used the language of sewing to make their voices heard.
In her fascinating book we learn how sewing has always played a part in our lives. From the clothes we wear, to the embroidered banners on the battlefield, to the silken cushions in our sitting rooms.
Esther Rutter, meanwhile, is the wool lady. She comes from Fife and her book is a gold mine of facts. “This Golden Fleece” tells how knit-one-purl-one has certainly not just been for grannies.
There are the rufty-tufty fishermen that sit on the quayside, fashioning their gansies. There are the prisoners of war who knitted to keep up spirits.
Indeed, the most unlikely people can be found click-clacking – even members of the racy, literary Bloomsbury set…
It is good to know the old skills are coming back. Pastimes that might once have been seen as square are now seen as stress-busters. For my part, I am not averse to a bit of tapestry. In fact, I can confess to creating a fair few cushions in my time.
I have stitched flowers, birds and animals. This intricate work has been carried out on trains and in cafes. It has been done in kitchens and doctor’s waiting rooms. That stubby needle laboriously going in and out…
Back at home, meanwhile, it has been an interesting week. The Macgregor is being immortalised on canvas. And it is not before time.
His ancestors have all been painted – and as 24th chief of Clan Gregor his image must also hang in the tartan hall of fame.
It is a laborious job. And it takes stamina. For the sitter must stay still for hours while the artist works his magic. This masterpiece is being executed in the dining room. Table pushed back and dust sheets spread on every available surface.
Every now and then he emerges to grab a coffee and to stretch his limbs.
The Macgregor’s ancestors have all been painted – and as 24th chief of the clan his image must also hang in the hall of fame
It will take several days, so, for him, all else is on hold.
Banned from entering the room of creativity the Macnaughties sit and sulk in the hall. They do not understand the delicacy of the thing. They do not realise that an artist at work needs to concentrate and has no time to stroke or play.
I am preparing myself. In a fortnight it will be my turn – and I have requested that this clever man knocks a few years off….