How To Knit a Bathroom

In the mid-1970s, few opportunities for women to work outside the home existed on the North Isles of Orkney, but through the inspiration, encouragement and practical leadership of Mary Baker, wife of the newly arrived head teacher at the Sanday school, and the talents and teamwork of many women of all ages in Sanday and other islands, the Isle of Sanday Knitters was born. For three decades, the little company grew and flourished, impacting the lives of those who worked for it in far-reaching ways. In these pages, Sandra Towrie, who devoted a large part of her life to knitting, designing, promoting and leading for the company, tells the story of the organisation and the women and men who helped build and run it.

The Isle of Sanday Knitters was not just an impersonal business; it was a community-shaping, life-changing enterprise that opened up new opportunities, including travel, training, skill-building, and a bit of 'extra' income to fulfil dreams otherwise unobtainable - a family holiday, a new television, even a proper bathroom.

The text, images and stories gathered here are bound not only to awaken memories in those who had direct connections to the company but also inspire others to consider how they might positively impact their own communities.