1. ATLAS
  2. > Programme
  3. > Spincycle
  4. > The Great Welly Sock Challenge: Deirdre Nelson

The Great Welly Sock Challenge: Deirdre Nelson

To coincide with Deirdre Nelson’s wider ​‘Lúb|Loop’ project that looked at the wool industry and sock production on Skye, the artist along with ATLAS devised The Great Welly Sock Challenge to raise money for the charity row from St Kilda to Skye. The charity row saw a group of Skye men attempting to row the 100 miles from St Kilda to Skye in an antique boat last sailed in 1913 and restored faithfully for the undertaking. The mission for the Skye men taking part in the enduring row was to raise funds for the local R.N.L.I and Skye & Lochalsh young Carers.

Nelson challenged knitters from across the globe to get involved and knit an array of well-socks from a basic knitting pattern she created. Hoping to get all abilities involved, the pattern was simple, and a gathering was held for all the Skye based knitters to get together and lend a hand on those trickier heel sections!

Commenting on The Great Welly Sock Challenge, Nelson said:

“Knitting has become increasingly popular after a bit of a decline in the 1990’s but when it comes to socks it takes a bit of courage. We encourage knitters to have a go at knitting some welly socks in support of these courageous and inspiring men who are going to row from St Kilda to Skye to raise funds for local charities.”
—
August — November 2013

Spincycle-Skye was a year-long multi-disciplinary project looking at culture through performance, music, visual arts and crafts. Drawing from a common theme of spin, ATLAS commissioned an array of artists to explore different projects inspired by all things that revolve, turn, rotate, mirror and repeat.

Learn more