Category: Wool

Event: The 5th Annual European Wool Day – Member Sharon Wells is Presenting in Rome

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

The 5th European Wool Day will be celebrated on Sunday, the 6th of April, from 10 AM to 5 PM CEST at I Casali del Pino in Rome, Italy. The event will also be live-streamed on EWE’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@ewefoundation-europeanwool255

The event will feature presentations, demonstrations, and interactive workshops led by wool enthusiasts from across Europe. Attendees of all ages can explore various wool-related activities, including washing, dyeing, spinning, felting, crochet, weaving, and even painting with wool, while learning about best practices and creative techniques.

Feltmakers Ireland member Sharon Wells will be in Rome to present her experiences of recovering from trauma in her talk ‘Healing through Wool,’ at 11 AM. Additionally, she will facilitate a European landscape textile workshop to be created by representatives of EWE member countries.

To see the event’s complete program, visit their website: https://www.ewe.network/european-wool-day-2025

Their Instagram – @ewe_foundation_

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: Two Artists’ Residencies with the Galway Wool Co-op – Exhibition this Saturday

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

‘Learning Old Tricks from Ancient Sheep’ is a one-day exhibition of two designers’ residencies with the Galway Wool Co-op.

Fabienne Rako and Annika Joachim invite you to their exhibition ‘Learning Old Tricks from Ancient Sheep’, which they are presenting in cooperation with the Galway Wool Co-Op. Together with Galway Wool, they aim to elaborate on the various applications in which all parts of the sheep’s wool can be properly utilised.

Within their two-week residency with the Co-op, they explored the potential of noil, a short fibre by-product of worsted spinning, to create unique, textured garments. Their work will showcase noil’s potential beyond waste, transforming it into high-quality, contemporary Irish textiles.

Where: O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance, Galway
When: Saturday, the 1st of March 2025, from 1:00 – 8:00 PM

For more information – see the Co-op’s Instagram post; @thegalwaywoolco_op

@fabienne_rko

@annikajoachim


Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: Donegal Tweed and Yarns – Innovation, Sustainability and Looking to the Future – Presented by IGWC

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

On Monday, the 20th of January, the Irish Grown Wool Council (IGWC) is hosting a panel discussion on how Donegal is taking its wool heritage into exciting new directions. From the quest for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for Donegal Tweed, to the growing demand for sustainable, innovative uses of Irish grown wool, discover how local businesses are blending tradition with forward-thinking ideas.

Time: 3:30PM – 4:15PM

For more information, visit their website – https://irishgrownwoolcouncil.com/irish-grown-wool-council-panel-talk-at-showcase-2025/

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

News: Irish Wool in the News – Galway Co-op and Woolin Schools

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

The Galway Wool Co-op won a prestigious EU Award, and the founder of Woolin Schools, Lorna McCormack, spoke at the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) in Turkey.

Galway Wool Co-op

The Galway Wool Co-op received recognition as a ‘Highly Commended Project’ at the EU CAP Network’s Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) 2024, held in Brussels.

Now in its sixth year, the ARIA awards celebrate European projects that exemplify best practices within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) framework, focusing on sustainability, innovation, social inclusion, and resilience. Artist and curator Michelle Hickey Legge received the award on behalf of the Co-op.

For further information, read the full article on Agriland – https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/galway-wool-co-op-wins-prestigious-eu-award/

Lorna McCormack of Woolin Schools

In December, the International Wool Textile Organisations‘ (IWTO) annual Wool Round Table convened the global wool textile industry in Istanbul, fostering networking and knowledge exchange.  More than 80 attendees represented the wool industries of 26 countries. 

The event featured key sessions on Wool Market Intelligence, Wools of Europe, Wool Education and Advocacy, and Sustainability. Lorna McCormack, founder of Woolin Schools, joined Matthew J. Rowe of Campaign for Wool Canada and Peter Ackroyd of Campaign for Wool to discuss wool education and advocacy.

For more information about the event, visit the Woolin School website – https://woolinschool.com/news/f/iwto-round-table-2024

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

The Book: Wrap up the Magic of Irish Wool this Christmas – ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

While Merino wool often takes centre stage in textile discussions, Feltmakers Ireland’s book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’, introduces readers to the rich diversity of Irish wool. Featuring 40 breeds of sheep raised in Ireland, the book dives deep into each breed’s fibre characteristics, highlighting how their wool can be used for wet and needle-felting techniques. It’s an eye-opening journey into the potential of locally sourced fibres that are often overlooked.

Practical and Inspirational

Packed with tips, tricks, and hands-on advice, this book is a go-to resource for anyone looking to prepare, dye, and work with wool using simple, natural ingredients.

What’s Inside

  • Felt
  • The Project
  • Sourcing, washing, and preparing fleece for felting
  • Dyeing wool
  • Getting started using plant dyes
  • Felting with raw wool
  • The breeds tested and a few words about the samples
  • Suppliers and washers/carders
  • Acknowledgements
  • Bibliography
  • Glossary
  • Index

Support Sustainability

Give a gift that champions eco-friendly practices. By exploring and using local wool, readers can preserve traditional skills, support local farmers, and reduce reliance on imported materials.

Order Today

This Christmas, give the gift of craft, connection, and creativity. ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking‘ is perfect for fibre artists, crafters, and anyone who loves learning about heritage and sustainable living.

Find your copy on our website and bring the beauty of Irish wool to someone special – https://feltmakersireland.com/exploring-irish-wool-for-feltmaking/


Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

News: Feltmakers Ireland’s Wool Book Featured in ‘Going the Dodo Way’ Blog

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Feltmakers Ireland’s wool book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’, was recently featured in the blog of feltmaker and educator Vanda Sousa (Going the Dodo Way). It’s an excellently written article that covers our book! In addition, Vanda covers two other projects working with local wool on the Iberian peninsula.

To read the blog post about our Irish and other local wools, visit Vanda Sousa’s website – https://www.vandafsousa.com/blog/wet-felting-with-local-wool

Editor’s Note: Going the Dodo Way blog has several highly recommended articles that are both practical and thoughtful. Here are five (there are many more!)

If you are a wet-feltmaker, Vanda’s blog contains valuable and exciting information! There is a Felting Resources section on her website, and she teaches online courses. You can ensure that you will not miss any of her blog posts by subscribing to her email newsletter – https://www.vandafsousa.com/updates


Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Event: Wonders of Wool – Irish Design Week – Limerick

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

From luxury fashion to technical composites, wool fibre has a wide range of applications. Join ‘Wonders of Wool’ for this Irish Design Week event and discover more about the wonders of wool. This event will be hosted by Limerick School of Art and Design, with artists and designers presenting their current projects, including;

There will be an opportunity to get involved in a BIG KNIT and a weaving workshop, which will welcome participation from attendees.

This workshop/open studio event follows on from the ‘Wonderful Wool’ event at the University of Ulster, which had over 120 attendees.

Join us to talk to makers, creators and presenters from across the island of Ireland who are harnessing the wonders of wool!

Supported by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland and the Irish Grown Wool Council.

Refreshments included.

To book, visit the ticket page on Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wonders-of-wool-design-week-2024-tickets-1046774429497

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Event: Dublin Fibre Festival Next Saturday

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Have you wanted to purchase a copy of Feltmakers Ireland’s book ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’ but not had the opportunity? Come to the Dublin fibre event of the year: The Dublin Fibre Festival.

Feltmakers Ireland and almost 30 other local textile exhibitors will be at the Dublin Fibre Festival on Saturday, the 26th of October. This is THE opportunity to touch yarn and fibres in person and watch spinning, felting, and other fibre arts demonstrations!

A List of the Exhibitors

Where: The Richmond Barracks.

For more information, visit the Festival’s website – https://www.dublinfibrefestival.com/

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Event: Galway Wool Coop Exhibition -Celebration of Indigenous Breeds – Bunratty Heritage and Folk Park

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Vessels by Feltmakers Ireland guild member Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann – includes Galway wool fibre

The Irish Native Rare Breed Society (INRBS) will display a selection of rare breeds in Bunratty Heritage and Folk Park in Co Clare on August 18th from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Furthermore, as part of this Heritage Week event, an art exhibition will highlight the wonders of native Irish Galway Wool and its pivotal role in our textile cultural heritage. If you missed the Galway Wool Co-op’s Meitheal in Athenry, this event is an excellent opportunity to see some of the work. Plus, there will new pieces made from Irish wool. At least three of Feltmakers Ireland guild members will have felted art in the show: Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann, Karena Ryan, and Juliane Gorman.

This incredible display, curated by artist Michelle Hickey Legge, showcases how our Native Irish wool-growing heritage can once again become the sustainable strength behind a revived—REAL and 100% Irish-grown woollen Sector, the communities it could support, and its ecological footprint.

For ticket information, visit the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park website – https://www.bunrattycastle.ie/events/irishnativerarebreeds/

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Events: Wonderful Wool Talk and Panel – Belfast

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Step into the world of Wonderful Wool, where we will delve into the potential of Irish-grown wool as a sustainable natural material. Attendees can look forward to a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring keynote speakers from the Irish Grown Wool Council (IGWC). There will be a presentation and interactive seminar featuring craftspeople from across Ireland who champion the benefits of wool in various ways.

The keynote speakers are members of the Irish Grown Wool Council, a dedicated body that promotes Irish-grown wool both locally and globally. Be inspired by their insights and learn about the innovative efforts to advance the standard and create markets for Irish-grown wool.

There will be a networking lunch after the talks for attendees to engage with the panel and peers on all things wool. There will also be a maker’s demonstration and exhibit celebrating all things wool!

When: Friday, the 16th of August 2024, from 10 AM – 1:30 PM.
Where: Conor Lecture Theatre, Ulster University

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

  • Panel Discussion: Dive into the world of wool with keynote speakers from the Irish Grown Wool Council (IGWC).
  • Interactive Seminar: Engage with talented craftspeople from across Ireland.
  • Networking Lunch: Connect with our panel and fellow wool enthusiasts.
  • Maker’s Demonstration & Exhibit: Celebrate the beauty and versatility of wool.

PANELISTS:

  • Chris Weiniger, General Manager, @donegalyarns
  • Jayne Harkness-Bones, Wool Collection, Grading & Trading, Ulster Wool
  • Laura Perrem, Artistic Director & Club Manager, @stolenstitches
  • Alison Gault, Senior Lecturer & Researcher, Belfast School of Art, @ulsteruni

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate wool’s beauty and sustainability!

This event is part of August Craft Month.

To book your free ticket, visit Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wonderful-wool-tickets-927179507867

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.