Tag: Belfast UK

Exhibition: Flax Flower Project Unveils Felt Installation at Titanic Museum – Belfast

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment

Twelve talented artisans from three felting organisations—Feltmakers Ireland, Feltmakers North, and the International Feltmakers Association (IFA)—have collaborated on the Flax Flower Project, a unique wet-felted installation set to debut at the Titanic Museum on Tuesday, the 1st of July, 2025. The exhibit, which celebrates Belfast’s rich heritage in flax and linen production, will run through August 2025 and return each summer thereafter.

The Flax Flower Project showcases intricate floral designs crafted from sustainable materials, including Merino wool, bamboo fibres, Margilan silk, silk fibres, and flax strands for hanging. This vibrant display blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative textile art, highlighting the cultural and industrial significance of flax in Belfast’s history.

Behind the Scenes

Shelley Steele and Jane Fox co-coordinated the Flax Flower Project. Shelley expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s been a great pleasure to organise The Flax Flower Project alongside Jane Fox. Bringing together such talented artists to honour Belfast’s legacy has been truly rewarding.”

Loli Cox, a member of Feltmakers Ireland and IFA, added: “I was thrilled to join this project, which celebrates Belfast’s flax and linen heritage while showcasing the sustainable art of feltmaking. This exhibit not only honours our past but also inspires sustainable creativity for the future, aligning perfectly with Feltmakers Ireland’s mission to promote natural fibres like sheep’s wool for wearable and artistic applications.”

The project reflects the felting organisations’ commitment to sustainable textile practices and the revival of traditional crafts. It highlights feltmaking as a sustainable art form, while also celebrating the heritage of linen-making—a craft that was once a cornerstone of Belfast’s economy. Through the tactile and creative process of wet felting, these artisans will educate the public about the historical and cultural significance of flax and wool, promoting eco-conscious artistry.

The contributing artists are Sharon Bell, Loli Cox, Jane Fox, Siobhán Healy Ryan, Marie Hopkins, Viktor Hurtovyi, Elaine McCombe, Laura Moffett, Jacki Sleator, Shelley Steele, and Fiona Whyte.

The Artists

For more information about the Flax Flower Project or to schedule a visit to the Titanic Museum exhibit, please visit the website. – https://www.titanicbelfast.com/

Feltmakers Ireland is dedicated to promoting sustainable textile practices and raising awareness of natural fibres through innovative and traditional feltmaking techniques – https://feltmakersireland.com/

The IFA fosters a global community of feltmakers, encouraging creativity and collaboration in the art of feltmaking – https://www.feltmakers.com/

Feltmakers North supports artisans in Northern Ireland, preserving and advancing the craft of feltmaking through education and exhibitions. https://feltmakersnorth.blogspot.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.

Of Interest: Threads of Nature: Weaving Sustainability into Style – includes Talu Earth Natural Dyeing Workshop – Belfast

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Summer Solstice from the Brink! is a 10-day festival of culture, conversation, and workshops centred on the climate crisis. ‘Threads of Nature: Weaving Sustainability into Style’ on Tuesday, June 17th, has several events which may interest members and readers.

In the morning, there will be a panel talk on ‘Educating for a Regenerative Future for Textiles and Fashion’.

Natural dyer and Fibreshed Ireland founder Malú Colorín from Talú Earth is holding a workshop on transforming plants into textile colours. She will also give a talk in the afternoon.

Additionally, two other panels will be held in the afternoon to discuss regenerative farming for textiles and sustainable textile systems.

Where: Brink, Belfast Stories, Union St, Belfast BT1 2JG, United Kingdom

For more information, visit their website – https://www.playthinkbrink.com/tuesday-17th

Instagram @playthinkbrink

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.

Open Call: August Craft Month – (Un)Bound Exhibition CraftNI Gallery – Belfast

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

CraftNI‘s August Craft Month 2025 exhibition is now accepting applications. Makers are invited to address the contexts of the open call below –

“Do you feel the tug of elements of tradition that are important to you in your craft? Is it the traditional techniques, in use for centuries, that you love to use in a contemporary way? Or is it the traditional values of crafts which are one of your drivers? Co-operation, place, community?

Perhaps you feel released from the bonds of tradition, your chosen discipline enabling you to pursue your ideas freely. Or perhaps you want to turn your creative focus inwards, towards the concept of binding and/or unbinding.”

Deadline for applying: Friday, the 27th of June.

For more information, visit the CraftNI website – https://craftni.org/august-craft-month-exhibition-2025-unbound/

Instagram @augustcraftmonth25 and @craft.ni

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.

Recap: Celebrating Felting at The Knitting and Stitching Show – Belfast

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Photo of the Titanic Exhibition Centre by Cindy Chang – Textile Art Design and Fashion / BSOA-Ulster University

From Thursday, the 7th of November, to Sunday, the 10th, 2024, feltmaking enthusiasts gathered at the Knitting & Stitching Show in Belfast. It was an exciting first for the city, as this beloved event had previously been held at the RDS in Dublin until 2019. This year, three passionate felting guilds—Feltmakers Ireland, Feltmakers North, and the International Feltmakers Association—came together to celebrate and share the magic of feltmaking with the public.

Appreciation to Jane

The event was organised by the wonderful Jane Fox, a dedicated member of all three guilds, who brought together a group of enthusiastic volunteers.

Jane Fox, who patiently organised the three groups of felters.

The Volunteers

Our team of helpers included Sandy, Hélène, Susan, Maighread, Ann, Fiona, Jayne, Beverley, Leah, Deirdre, Sharon, Eva, Sam, Elizabeth, Dympna, Juliane, Lorna, and Lissy. (Our apologies if we missed anyone!).

Some of our Work

Throughout the event, we demonstrated both wet felting and needle felting techniques, enchanting visitors with the transformative process of turning wool into vibrant, textured creations. The colours, textures, and creativity on display captivated the public.

Photos of felted creations taken by Cindy Chang – Textile Art Design and Fashion / BSOA-Ulster University

Members with Booths

Two members of our guilds displayed their work at the Knitting and Stitching Show.

Louisa Kelly, a member of Feltmakers North, exhibited her needle-felted and embroidered creations.

Louisa Kelly – on the far right of the image.

Member of Feltmakers Ireland, Sandra Coote, exhibited with her business Crafts of Ireland. She displayed her needle felting kits, Lumra pillow kits, and pick-and-mixes of her hand-dyed wool. All of Sandra’s fibre comes from her own Irish-raised sheep.

Sandra (on the right) and her two adult children in dark blue, who helped at the event,

Connecting with feltmakers from different organisations was a true joy as we shared tips, stories, and inspiration, while introducing our craft to new audiences.

The Future

Here’s to more gatherings, more creativity, and more opportunities to share the art of feltmaking!

Next year, The Knitting & Stitching Show will be held at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, from 13th–16th November 2025.

Registration to Early Access Tickets to the Show can be found here – https://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/belfast/2025-sign-up/

Editor’s Note: Except for the TEC building and the close-ups of our felted creations by visitor Cindy Chang, the photographs come from the volunteering guild members. Thank you to all!

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: Knitting and Stitching Show Opens Next Week – Belfast – Members and Friends Will be There

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland


Members and friends of Feltmakers Ireland will be exhibiting at The Knitting and Stitching Show in Belfast. This includes Tamzen Lundy, Sandra Coote, and a raft of volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland, Feltmakers North, and the International Feltmakers Association.

  • When: The 7th through the 10th of November.
  • Where: The Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast.

Say ‘Hello’

Tamzen Lundy Designs

Guild member Tamzen Lundy‘s felted Brussel sprouts and other Christmas ornaments will be available at the CraftNI Gallery Showcase – Booth E86.

Crafts of Ireland – Sandra Coote

Guild member Sandra Coote’s business, Crafts of Ireland, will display her Irish wool Needlefelting kits, Lumra kits, and other creations at Booth D53.

Three Felting Guilds

Volunteers from Feltmakers North, The International Feltmakers Association, and Feltmakers Ireland will collaborate to demonstrate wet and needlefelting at Booth G30. Editor’s Correction: We will be at G34.

Discount Code

Lastly, the Knitting and Stitching Show has arranged a discount code for us: Use code FELTMAKERSIR  to save £2* at checkout! 

T&Cs: Save £2.00 on adult and concession tickets. This is for Standard Single-Day Adult tickets. It is not valid on VIP, Two-Day, or group tickets. Codes expire at 11:59 PM, November 3rd, 2024. £3.50 transaction fee applies per e-ticket order.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the Show’s website – https://knittingandstitchingshowbelfast.seetickets.com/content/ticket-options?

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: Final Ticket Giveaway Winner – Knitting and Stitching Show

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Giveaway Results

Over this past weekend, Feltmakers Ireland teamed up with the Knitting and Stitching Show organisers to run a Giveaway for two complimentary tickets to the Belfast event.

The Random Name Picker selected Ursula Heiting.

Many thanks to everyone for participating via email and social media.

This was our final giveaway for the 2024 Knitting and Stitching Show. However, we will email our members a discount code for two pounds off entry. Stay tuned!

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: Knitting and Stitching Show – Belfast – Ticket Giveaway

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment

The Belfast Knitting and Stitching Show: A Must-Attend Event for Craft Lovers

If you’re a fan of knitting, stitching, or anything in the world of textiles, mark your calendar for the Belfast Knitting and Stitching Show! This highly anticipated event is a haven for crafters of all skill levels, offering a unique blend of quality exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and awe-inspiring textile art galleries. It’s a great event to shop, learn and connect with fellow makers!

The Giveaway

Feltmakers Ireland is excited to partner with the Knitting and Stitching Show for a Giveaway. Win a pair of tickets to the Knitting and Stitching Show in Belfast, which runs from the 7th to the 10th of November.

How to Enter the Giveaway:

★ If you read this on Instagram or Facebook, LIKE the post and COMMENT – ‘Yes, Knitting and Stitching Show’. If you share the post, your tagged friends must also LIKE and COMMENT to be entered into the Giveaway.

★ For readers NOT using social media, please EMAIL- feltmakersIE@gmail.com and write ‘Yes, Knitting and Stitching Show’ in the Subject Line.

This Giveaway runs through Sunday, the 20th of October, at midnight. We will collect the names and randomly draw ONE winner. (Please do not enter more than once – ie via Facebook AND Instagram.)

The winner will receive a coupon code to book two free tickets on the Knitting and Stitching Show website.

T&Cs: This code is for a pair of Standard Single Day Adult tickets, valid on any day. It is not valid on VIP, Two-Day, or group tickets. Tickets are for entry only; transport to and from the venue is not included.

Please note that the winning tickets need to be pre-booked. The Code expires at 11:59 PM Belfast on the 3rd of November, 2024.

For more information about the exciting events, textile galleries, workshops, and vendors at the Knitting and Stitching Show, Belfast, visit the website – https://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/belfast/

Find and follow The Knitting and Stitching Shows on Instagram – @theknittingandstitchingshows

This promotional giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered, or associated with Instagram or Facebook.

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: Giveaway – Pair of Free Tickets – Knitting and Stitching Show – Belfast

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment

The Belfast Knitting and Stitching Show: A Must-Attend Event for Craft Lovers

If you’re a fan of knitting, stitching, or anything in the world of textiles, mark your calendar for the Belfast Knitting and Stitching Show! This highly anticipated event is a haven for crafters of all skill levels, offering a unique blend of quality exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and awe-inspiring textile art galleries. It’s a great event to shop, learn and connect with fellow makers!

The Giveaway

Feltmakers Ireland is excited to partner with the Knitting and Stitching Show for a Giveaway. Win a pair of tickets to the Knitting and Stitching Show in Belfast, which runs from the 7th to the 10th of November.

How to Enter the Giveaway:

★ If you read this on Instagram or Facebook, LIKE the post and COMMENT – ‘Yes, Knitting and Stitching Show’. If you share the post, your tagged friends must also LIKE and COMMENT to be entered into the Giveaway.

★ For readers NOT using social media, please EMAIL- feltmakersIE@gmail.com and write ‘Yes, Knitting and Stitching Show’ in the Subject Line.

This Giveaway runs through Sunday, the 13th of October, at midnight. We will collect the names and randomly draw ONE winner. (Please do not enter more than once.) The winner will receive a coupon code to book two free tickets on the Knitting and Stitching Show website.

T&Cs: This code is for a pair of Standard Single Day Adult tickets, valid on any day. It is not valid on VIP, Two-Day, or group tickets. Tickets are for entry only; transport to and from the venue is not included.

Please note that the winning tickets need to be pre-booked. The Code expires at 11:59 PM Belfast on the 3rd of November, 2024.

For more information about the exciting events, textile galleries, workshops, and vendors at the Knitting and Stitching Show, Belfast, visit the website – https://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/belfast/

Find and follow The Knitting and Stitching Shows on Instagram – @theknittingandstitchingshows

This promotional giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered, or associated with Instagram or Facebook.

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: Win a Pair of Free Tickets – Knitting and Stitching Show – Belfast

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment

The Belfast Knitting and Stitching Show: A Must-Attend Event for Craft Lovers

If you’re a fan of knitting, stitching, or anything in the world of textiles, mark your calendar for the Belfast Knitting and Stitching Show! This highly anticipated event is a haven for crafters of all skill levels, offering a unique blend of quality exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and awe-inspiring textile art galleries. It’s a great event to shop, learn and connect with fellow makers!

Our First Giveaway

Feltmakers Ireland is excited to partner with the Knitting and Stitching Show for a Giveaway. Win a pair of tickets to the Knitting and Stitching Show in Belfast, which runs from the 7th to the 10th of November.

How to Enter the Giveaway:

★ If you read this on Instagram or Facebook, LIKE the post and COMMENT – ‘Yes, Knitting and Stitching Show’.

★ For readers NOT using social media, please EMAIL- feltmakersIE@gmail.com and write ‘Yes, Knitting and Stitching Show’ in the Subject Line.

This Giveaway runs through Sunday, the 6th of October, at midnight, when we will collect the names and randomly draw ONE winner. (Please do not enter more than once.) The winner will receive a coupon code to book two free tickets on the Knitting and Stitching Show website.

T&Cs: This code is for a pair of Standard Single Day Adult tickets, which are valid on any day. It is not valid on VIP, Two-Day, or group tickets. Tickets are for entry only; transport to and from the venue is not included.

Please note that the winning tickets need to be pre-booked. The Code expires at 11:59 PM Belfast on the 3rd of November, 2024.

For more information about the exciting events, textile galleries, workshops, and vendors at the Knitting and Stitching Show, Belfast, visit the website – https://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/belfast/

Find them at Instagram – @theknittingandstitchingshows

This promotional giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered, or associated with Instagram or Facebook.

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: Discount Code for the Knitting and Stitching Show – Belfast

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

The Knitting and Stitching Show has a discount* for readers and followers of Feltmakers Ireland!

On checkout, use the discount code: FELTMAKERSIR

The Knitting and Stitching Show is coming to Belfast, Northern Ireland, from Thursday, the 7th, through Sunday, the 10th of November 2024.

Featuring the K&S shows’ winning combination of quality craft exhibitors, workshops, demonstrations and inspiring textile art galleries, their Belfast show is the perfect platform for visitors to shop, learn, and connect with fellow makers!

Similar to the K&S show formerly held in Dublin, this event will include cross stitch, embroidery, knitting & crochet, dressmaking, sewing, patchwork & quilting and everything in between! Yes, feltmaking!

Feltmakers Ireland will share a booth with our friends from the International Feltmakers Association and Feltmakers North. Come and see us spread the wonders of felting in Belfast!

To book your tickets, visit the Knitting and Stitching Show website – https://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/belfast/

*T&Cs: Save £2.00 on adult and concession tickets. This is for Standard Single-Day Adult tickets. Not valid on VIP, Two-Day or group tickets. Codes expire at 11:59 PM, the 3rd of November 2024. £3.50 transaction fee applies per e-ticket order.

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.