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: