Dr Sophia Jex-Blake (1840–1912) was the first practicing female doctor in Scotland, and fought all her life for the right for women to attend medical schools and practice medicine.

In 1867, Sophia applied for admission to the Medical Faculty of the University of Edinburgh and was rejected because necessary arrangements ‘in the interest of one lady’ could not be made. She responded by placing adverts in national newspapers seeking other woman to apply alongside her and, in 1869, a group applied together. This time, the University Court approved their applications.

They were known as the ‘Edinburgh Seven’, the first group of matriculated female students at any British university. In 1878, she became Edinburgh’s first female doctor. She set up a clinic, providing medical care for poorer women and offered practical experience for young female doctors. The clinic expanded and was named the Edinburgh Hospital and Dispensary for Women (later named the Bruntsfield Hospital), Scotland’s first hospital staffed entirely by women.

SIZE

One size

Finished length: 236 cm / 93 in
Finished width: 11.5 cm / 4.5 in

Measurements are approximate and taken at widest points, after blocking.

YARN

Iolair Yarn Gigha 4ply, 50% NSW merino, 50% silk, 400 m / 437 yds per 100g skein

1 skein

Sample 1: Connellite

Sample 2: Blue/ Brown Agate

OR in 4ply yarn that knits to the specified gauge and has similar stitch definition and drape.

APPROXIMATE YARDAGE REQUIRED

320 m / 350 yds Sophia Louisa Scarf

TECHNIQUES

Right-cross stitches, increasing, decreasing, reading charts (optional)