About Us

It is the aim of enthusiasts to encourage and develop the international, multi-period study of knitting so successfully inspired by the late Montse Stanley.

In the 1990s Montse co-ordinated the hugely successful 'Early Knitting History Group' ("Loosely organised but highly motivated") which researched the subject up to the 16th century. We now hope and aspire to expand it further, to encompass those with later interests and wider knowledge of a neglected but increasingly popular subject.

The registered website Knitting History [mirrored at Knitting History.org] will provide more information while the Knitting History Yahoo group is now open for discussion and welcomes new members. Visit here to join or contact Debbie Crum at fishwife@mulberrydyers.co.uk).

The original founder members had different approaches. Montse was an expert and author on knitting technique, although not steeped in history her ambitions were extensive and her charm irresistible. Montse had intended a programme of research for the first six months after the inauguration of the group. They were headed "Scope", a programme of intense academic activity in four steps throughout Europe, particularly Spain, Italy and France, which was to be coordinated by her; and "Budget", which amounted to a mere £13,500 on administration between January and June, 1994. This excluded any form of publication which she did not foresee before 1995. The Pasold Foundation under the directorship of Negley Harte sponsored these activities. Sadly Montse passed away without fulfilling her ambitions. She did however impart her enthusiasm for knitting to many people and her extensive knitting collection and research materials are now kept at the University of Southampton at their sites in Winchester and Southampton.

It was decided that the Knitting Group, which had 200 members, would amalgamate with the Medieval Dress and Textile Society (MEDATS). In 2006 it was decided that the Knitting History Group would be re-founded as a distinct entity, re-named the Knitting History Forum.

For updates and details of forthcoming meetings please see News & Events.