LOST AT SEA

Inspired by Folklore of the Sea

I was inspired to research knitwear throughout history and was drawn to images by the photographer Frank Sutcliffe of the 19th century fishermen of the villages in the North of England. Each fishing village developed their own stitch patterns that not only represented the people but the specific family. If a fisherman was lost at sea his body could be identified by the pattern of his gansey. The mythical folklore around different culture and fishing led me to the German tale of the Lorelei who would lure fishermen close to the rocks with her enchanting song then eat them. I like to imagine that she was envious of their beautifully handcrafted sweaters, so her actual motive was to steal them for herself.