Feltmakers Ireland was delighted to be part of the August Craft Month 2023 and National Heritage Week. This year, we are celebrating our 20th Year Anniversary of the founding of Feltmakers Ireland.

On Sunday, August 20th, a beautiful sunny day, our Open Day was held in the CIE Sports and Social Club, Inchicore, Dublin 8. We aimed to introduce wet feltmaking and bring our love of the Craft to a wider audience.

We were set up and eager to welcome our first visitor/participant at 11AM. Each participant would make a flower with wool from a choice of three options. All wool and tools needed were provided. Written instructions were available and could be taken away and tried at home.

Feltmaking instructions can be downloaded below.

Through the course of the day, we were thrilled to welcome over 40 visitors. We also welcomed some new members who joined today. Thank you to all!

Photographs courtesy of Fiona Leech and Deirdre Carroll.

This event would not have been possible, and the success that it was, without the help of a number of people. Thanks to all our demonstrators, Juliane, Marian, Hélène, Elain, and Adrienne.  Thanks also to new members Hilary and Valerie, who jumped in and volunteered. Many thanks to Annika, who, this year, was responsible for the publication of our book “Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking ‘.  A number of books were sold today. Unsurprisingly, there was great interest in her demonstration of carding and combing using Irish wool. Thanks to Fiona for providing tea and coffee.  Thanks also to those who brought along cakes and biscuits for us to enjoy. Thanks to Lorna, who arranged the hire of the hall and ensured everything was in place.

In particular, I have to thank Juliane for taking the lead in organising such a fabulous and successful day.  Thank you for your commitment, organising skills, boundless energy, and infectious enthusiasm. 

Thanks to Juliane and Marian for ensuring that all the participants had everything they needed.

Apologies if I have left anyone out.

Thanks to everyone who visited us today; we look forward to seeing you again in the near future.

Regards,

Deirdre Carroll
Chairperson Feltmakers Ireland

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PPS: We have three short videos on how to make the three flowers on our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@feltmakersireland

Or look below for links to the particular flower.

How to use QR codes: point your cell phone camera towards the QR code and click on the link that will pop up on your screen. This link should take you to the specific video.

A short video of visitors working on their flowers is on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Again, many thanks to August Craft Month and National Heritage Week for so kindly publicising our Open Day.

August Craft Month has an online audience experience survey HERE

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