Clan Anderson Stories

Elizabeth sent us these pictures of the beautiful skirts in the Anderson tartan that she made herself, she tells us the fascinating story behind each of these amazing creations:

Nadia, who is from Scotland and a proud Anderson, was out charity shop shopping one day when she spotted an Anderson tartan waistcoat which she just couldn't leave it behind! She took it home and managed to re-purpose the waistcoat into a lovely crop top.

You can check out more of Nadia's amazing artwork over on Instagram or TikTok.

Helen was recently researching her family history and found out that one of her distant relatives was in fact an Anderson, so we of course had to feature her during our Clan Anderson celebrations. She discovered George and Matilda Anderson, who had the children Isabel Mosa Anderson and Dorothy Mary Anderson and stayed in Basutoland (now known as Lesotho), in South Africa. Dorothy was actually Helen's grandmother and Dorothy's sister, Mosa, was very well known for being heavily involved with the Save The Children organisation. During World War II Mosa undertook a role establishing nurseries in Scotland and England assigning temporary accommodation to evacuees. Following the War she then travelled to Poland where she helped to support the Post-War Relief Fund, by assisting in malaria clinics, health centres and midwifery facilities. She also wrote several books throughout her life, mostly Biographical books.

Karen got in touch to share her Scottish story with us, with some strong clan rivalry!

For our readers that don't know, can you tell us what Loops of Colour is?

Loops of Colour is a Scottish Textile Design company selling handmade products, primarily knitted goods. “Happiness comes from Loops of Colour” is the ethos behind the brand Loops of Colour Design and we put lots of love and careful attention into each handmade item. We are based in the knitting town of Hawick, in the Scottish Borders. We stock shooting stars and sell made-to-order hand knitted cushion covers. I truly believe Handmade in Scotland is important, this is sentiment to the sales of fabric designs internationally through an agent at CODE Studio London.

What made you first want to start your own business?

I have always been a creative and I always knew I would be in a creative job and I knew when I left university in 2017 that I wanted to start my own brand. However I felt that I needed more experience in the industry before I launched my business. I believe in timing and did not think that I was financially in the position nor was I confident enough to go for it. I am extremely grateful for all my experiences throughout my career thus far. I have learnt so much from so many and I still continue to learn to this day. I don’t want the craft of knitwear to ever disappear and I think it’s up-to my generation to ensure it stays around. I want to be part of the new generation of knitwear made in Hawick.

What does a typical day look like for you at Loops of Colour?

Well currently I work part time in retail, I hope to have success with my e-commerce sales when I launch and go full time in 2021. Currently a day rather looks like a night time of designing, hand making, knitting, branding, marketing, packaging, posting & all things in between. I spend time working on my website along with my posts for Instagram using apps to help me visuals the outlook and plan. I also have plans to put my products into ‘The Creative Borders Hub’ which is located in Galashiels. It’s just newly opened and I am excited to get some ready made stock in the shop. I will however mostly have made to order products in my website.

How did you come up with the name Loops of Colour?

I was trying to think of something that would reflect my maiden initials (KLC) I started off thinking I would name my business Knitted Loops of Colour. Loops was decided by a knitting technique known as “E-wrapping” on a domestic knitting machine. This can easily be mimicked on different machines using a variety of techniques one being “terrycloth”. There’s so many things that are knitted and people don’t realise it at all, I find it fascinating. I later shortened it to make it more snappy and easier for branding. I designed the ‘o’ from of as a loop. Colour of course reflects the celebratory use of colour that is shown in my designs.

You are a new member of Clan Anderson, what does it mean to you to be a part of the Clan?

Stand sure is the clan motto and I do believe it’s well suited. I am officially now Mrs Anderson but I have always felt I was part of the clan. My in laws were extremely welcoming to me back in 2009. I am extremely proud to be officially a member of the clan. I’m not sure exactly what it means to me, I can’t put it into words it just means everything, I feel that I am exactly who I was meant to be.

Did you celebrate your Scottish Heritage growing up?

Being born Scottish is a privilege. You enjoy many of the arts Scotland has to offer throughout your education; you’re taught poetry by Robert Burns in school and encouraged to be creative. Our local heritage is very important to me. I am from the “cashmere town” Hawick. I was always fascinated when I was visiting the Hawick museum learning about the Knitwear mills. Also in Hawick there is a local celebration called the “Common Riding” where the ancient custom of riding the marches over the common land occurs, it is celebrated over the course of a week every year with picnics and one large gathering at the end at the Hawick Mair. It is more often than not recognised for the capture of an English Flag in 1514 by the young people of Hawick at a place called Hornshole. This is something you are also taught throughout your school education & you also learn songs written by local historians and many great people of Hawick.

What is your favourite tartan?

The Anderson tartan is my favourite tartan because of course I am now an Anderson myself. I love all the colours in the tartan & I loved planning my wedding theme around the colours in the tartan.

This is a photo of our son wearing the Anderson Modern tartan, for a family wedding. The waistcoat and little bow tie were handmade by his Grandma - using the Anderson Modern Polyviscose fabric from from ScotlandShop. We used a plain navy silk fabric for the back and inside of the garment. And...our son’s second middle name is ‘Anderson’ in a nod to his Anderson clan Scottish heritage!