Research output per year
Research output per year
Abstract
Hooked on Rathlin
Challenge
How can Rathlin-based micro knitwear business, Hooked on Rathlin evolve alongside the Future Island–Island waste wool project to support a green transition? This research develops Rathlin-inspired knitwear designs and colourways in 100% local wool, celebrating heritage while advancing sustainable production and contributing to circular, place-based economies.
Approach
Exploring Rathlin’s heritage of utilitarian clothing to develop flat-bed knitting machine designs, a visit to Fair Isle examined crofters’ production and sale of 100% Shetland wool knitwear, offering insights into heritage-based, sustainable, small-scale textile production applicable to Rathlin’s context.
Outcomes
Outcomes include a unique knitwear design inspired by an ancient Rathlin pottery shard and colourways drawn from the island’s history and wildlife. Patrcia also developed skills to work with local wool, strengthening the link between heritage aesthetics and sustainable, traceable knitwear manufacturing.
Learnings
Heritage-informed design can translate effectively into modern production while retaining authenticity. Island-to-island knowledge exchange revealed how traditional skills, locally sourced wool, and small-scale production can underpin sustainable economic activity, strengthen cultural identity, and support place-based resilience in remote communities.
Impact
Progressing to the production of Rathlin-inspired garments in fully traceable Irish wool, this fellowship supports the island’s creative economy, promotes environmentally responsible textile production, and aligns with the Future Island–Island waste wool initiative to advance a green transition rooted in heritage and local capacity building.
Challenge
How can Rathlin-based micro knitwear business, Hooked on Rathlin evolve alongside the Future Island–Island waste wool project to support a green transition? This research develops Rathlin-inspired knitwear designs and colourways in 100% local wool, celebrating heritage while advancing sustainable production and contributing to circular, place-based economies.
Approach
Exploring Rathlin’s heritage of utilitarian clothing to develop flat-bed knitting machine designs, a visit to Fair Isle examined crofters’ production and sale of 100% Shetland wool knitwear, offering insights into heritage-based, sustainable, small-scale textile production applicable to Rathlin’s context.
Outcomes
Outcomes include a unique knitwear design inspired by an ancient Rathlin pottery shard and colourways drawn from the island’s history and wildlife. Patrcia also developed skills to work with local wool, strengthening the link between heritage aesthetics and sustainable, traceable knitwear manufacturing.
Learnings
Heritage-informed design can translate effectively into modern production while retaining authenticity. Island-to-island knowledge exchange revealed how traditional skills, locally sourced wool, and small-scale production can underpin sustainable economic activity, strengthen cultural identity, and support place-based resilience in remote communities.
Impact
Progressing to the production of Rathlin-inspired garments in fully traceable Irish wool, this fellowship supports the island’s creative economy, promotes environmentally responsible textile production, and aligns with the Future Island–Island waste wool initiative to advance a green transition rooted in heritage and local capacity building.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Belfast |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Volume | 1 |
| Edition | 1 |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 2025 |
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Future Island-Island Impact Cards: Hooked on Rathlin'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.-
Colours of Rathlin: Colour Palette
Duffy, A. (Designer) & Gault, A. (Designer), 10 Sept 2025Research output: Non-textual form › Design
Open AccessFile -
Future Island-Island Impact Cards: A series of Impact Cards highlighting the social, economic, cultural, and environmental impacts of Future Island-Island, focusing on circular economies, sustainable material innovation, heritage preservation through digital technologies, and community-driven solutions for a sustainable future.
Magee, J. (Editor), Colhoun, G. (Editor), Lynn, J. (Illustrator) & Quigley, T. (Illustrator), 21 Aug 2025, 1 ed. Belfast. 72 p.Research output: Book/Report › Other report
Open AccessFile
Projects
- 1 Finished
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FII: AHRC funded Green Transition Ecosystem: Future Island-Island
Magee, J. (PI), Bates, J. (CoI), Folli, R. (CoI), Keeney, D. (CoI), Montgomery, I. (CoI), Power, S. (CoI), Dixon, B. (CoI), Parkin, A. (CoI), Gault, A. (CoI), Melki, H. (CoI), Fleming, K. (CoI), Dargie, S. (CoI), Quigley, T. (CoI), Chen, Y. (CoI), Logan, D. (CoI), Meakin, E. (CoI), Brolly, R. (CoI), Dunlop, P. (CoI), Moore, P. (CoI), McGinn, M. (CoI), Golden, S. (CoI), Lyons, F. (CoI), O'Connor, K. (CoI), Fomin, M. (CoI), Pourshahidi, K. (CoI), Charles, D. (CoI), Mc Garrigle, C. (CoI), Quinn, J. (CoI), McIlhagger, A. (CoI), Fernandez-Ibanez, P. (CoI), Byrne, J. (CoI), Forsythe, W. (CoI), O'Neill, P. (CoI), Jackson-Smyth, J. (CoI), Duffy, A. (CoI), Yazirlioglu, L. (CoI), Morgan, B. (CoI), Newell, K. (CoI) & Singleton, R. (CoI)
Arts and Humanities Research Council
1/10/23 → 30/09/25
Project: Research