House dresses and crottle

Here’s a new art project with a Uist connection, inspired by house dresses and wrap aprons. The artist is Joanne B Kaar

The house dress was often worn by women when dyeing yarns with lichen (crottle/crotal) in the Scottish Highland and Islands. Traditionally, this type of work clothing had a small, repeat floral pattern.

Uses for lichens, its folklore, traditions and associated work clothes are combining to provide Joanne with a rich source of inspiration for new artwork. She is drawing crottle for a new housedress pattern.

If you have any memories of house dresses or wrap aprons worn where you live, have them stashed in your cupboard or are a fan of wearing them now, do get in touch with Joanne via her website: https://www.joannebkaar.com/