Sunday Session: Felt & Fabric Design Transfer Workshop – with Adrienne Dempsey

Published on April 6, 2026April 6, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

A felt bowl featuring an embroidered bee design, promoting an April workshop for felt and fabric design transfer.

For our April Sunday Session, we will learn how to transfer designs onto felt fabrics using soluble fabric and heat-transfer techniques with committee member Adrienne Dempsey.

In this workshop, we’ll explore different methods for transferring designs and bring them to life through needle felting.

You’ll create a motif that you can use in your own artwork or transform into a decorative piece, such as a brooch.

Hand-stitched felted bee design on a natural fabric backdrop within an embroidery hoop.

Close-up of a handmade felt brooch featuring a black and yellow bee design on a circular beige background.

Materials we will use:

•Linen and silk canvas fabric
•Heat transfer materials, fabric pens
•Soluble fabric
•Vilene, cotton batting, calico, and Pellon
•Parchment paper
•Needle felting wool (black & white and a selection of colours)
•Felting needles
•Iron
•Embroidery threads & beads (optional)

What to bring:

Bring both your Needle and Wet Felting Kits

Felting wool and felting needles
Felting pad
Towel
Bowl for water
Soap
Bubble wrap
Small scissors
Embroidery hoop (6 inch, optional)

The Details:

When: Sunday, the 12th of April, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Where: CIE Sports Hall, Library Square, Inchicore, Kilmainham, Dublin, D8

Additional Information:

If you can, please bring a home-baked good to share and a travel mug (so we can reduce our use of disposable cups).

And, as this is the season of coughs and sneezes, please refrain from coming if you feel unwell.

NO Zoom Access to this Sunday Session:

Unfortunately, we will NOT be able to provide Zoom access for this Sunday’s session, as our tech support (Juliane) cannot attend. Thank you for your understanding.

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.

Exhibition: Water and Flow – More Sneak Peeks

Published on April 1, 2026March 31, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

Close-up of a textile featuring blue embroidery of birds, flowers, and a bridge, with a square patch illustrating white figures on a blue background. — Karen McSweeney

A vibrant depiction of a waterfall cascading over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and colourful flowers. — Karen McSweeney

Sneak Peeks

To whet your appetite for the artwork that will be shown, please enjoy a series of ‘sneak peeks’ of details of some of the work.

Karen McSweeney:

As a nautical artist I was inspired to use pieces of sea pottery, which were washed up on the Burrow Beach Dublin. The design is a nod to the willow pattern on the pottery.

Claire Merry:

Water falls are mesmerising and breathtaking. The falling water contrasts with the surrounding lush vegetation providing both a visual and aural experience, which brings solace to the mind and soul.

My piece tries to capture the moment of walking into a glade and seeing the water fall for the first time.

Breda Fay:

This piece of work is based on the 1832 poem “The Lady of Shalott” by Alfred Tennyson, illustrating the “stream that runneth ever”. Situated on an island in the middle of the stream, was a tower where the Lady of Shallott lived. Cursed to never look outside except through a mirror she spent all her time happily weaving a “charmed web”. Then one day, in her mirror, she saw a handsome knight and decided she could no longer live that life of shadows. She ran to the window and watched the knight ride down to Camelot. Once she left her loom, “out flew the web and floated wild” and the lady died.

Feltmakers Ireland’s exhibition ‘Water and Flow’ will be available to view from Thursday, the 2nd, to Sunday, the 26th of April. The Centre is open every day, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

Our official launch is THIS Saturday at 3 PM. Knitwear designer Conor O’Brien will open our show.

Please note: We have learned that the gallery will be closed at 1: 30 PM on the afternoon of Monday, the 6th of April, due to an event being held at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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.

Exhibition: THIS Saturday ‘Water and Flow’ Launches

Published on March 31, 2026March 31, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

A close-up view of a textured fabric artwork featuring waves of colour, including greens, whites, and blues, with circular felted shapes resembling shells or flowers. — Tamzen Lundy

Close-up of several white felted wool rings arranged on a textured surface, with small brown beads in the background. — Tamzen Lundy

Feltmakers Ireland’s exhibition ‘Water and Flow’ will be available to view from Thursday, the 2nd, to Sunday, the 26th of April. The Centre is open every day, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

Our official launch is THIS Saturday at 3 PM. Knitwear designer Conor O’Brien will open our show.

Please note: We have learned that the gallery will be closed on the afternoon of Monday, the 6th of April, due to an event being held at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

Sneak Peeks

To whet your appetite for the stimulating artwork that will be shown, please enjoy a series of ‘sneak peeks’ of details of some of the work.

Tamzen Lundy:

Inspired by the meeting place of land and sea, The Convergence evokes the rhythmic flow of water against the shoreline — a threshold where elements collide and merge. This liminal space, poised between solidity and movement, suggests a point of quiet transformation: a place where boundaries dissolve and something magical may occur.

Sandra Reynolds:

The theme of ‘Water and Flow’ really resonates with me. I’ve been lucky enough to always live near the sea and enjoy my daily beach walks there. My work for this particular piece with wool reflects the shapes and colours of marine life both above and below Water.

Corina Hogan:

My interpretation is based on the realisation that all Humans, Animal Kingdom and Plants require water to survive and flourish. A basic need for all and so important.

Their Instagram: @tamzenlundydesigns @sandysosew @corina.lewis.hogan

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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.

Exhibition: Feltmakers Ireland Presents ‘Water and Flow’ Exhibition – Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery – Dublin

Published on March 23, 2026April 13, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

'Water and Flow' Feltmakers Ireland Group Exhibition poster, featuring felt artwork by Joanne Turner. Details about the exhibition location at Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, dates from 2nd to 26th April, and opening hours. Announcement of a launch event with knitwear designer Conor O'Brien on the 4th.

Feltmakers Ireland is delighted to present ‘Water and Flow’, a vibrant group exhibition featuring the contemporary artwork of 68 members. This showcase explores the many interpretations of water through the rich and versatile medium of felt.

From gentle streams to powerful oceans, ‘Water and Flow‘ explores the many moods of water: its energy and stillness, its capacity for renewal, and its connection to human emotion, from sorrow to joy.

Using fibres ranging from imported Merino wool to locally sourced Irish fleece, members have created a diverse body of work that highlights both traditional and contemporary felting practices. Featuring an array of textile techniques, including wet felting and needle felting, guild members have created three-dimensional sculptures, wall art, and wearable pieces, each offering a unique perspective on the theme, reflecting the creativity and individuality of the artists involved.

The Opening

The exhibition will be officially launched by knitwear designer Conor O’Brien on Saturday, 4 April at 3 PM.

Where and When

The exhibition is at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery and runs from Thursday, the 2nd of April, to Sunday, the 26th of April. The hours are 9:30 AM to 5 PM, daily, with the exhibition closing on its final day at 3 PM.

The gallery is conveniently accessible by Dublin Bus number 99 and is located within the historic Phoenix Park. There is ample parking near the Centre.

For further details, including maps and directions to the park, visit https://www.phoenixpark.ie/directions.

The artwork featured on the exhibition poster is ‘Waterfall’ by Joanne Turner.

Her Instagram @olannoriginals

We warmly invite you to join us for the opening or visit throughout the month to experience this dynamic and engaging exhibition celebrating feltmaking in Ireland.

Online Catalogue

A link to Feltmakers Ireland’s online catalogue of ‘Water and Flow’

There is also a PDF version of the catalogue (if the above link is not working for you).

News: Thank you for your Submissions to ‘Water and Flow’

Published on March 21, 2026March 21, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

Poster for Feltmakers Ireland's exhibition submission, titled 'Water & Flow', at Phoenix Park Visitors Centre in April 2026. Note indicating that applications are now closed.

WOW!

Dear Members,

Thank you for all of your excellent submissions!

We are overjoyed to receive such an outpouring from you. There will be 68 pieces in our group show, ‘Water and Flow’.

This Open Call is now shut – the deadline was extended a week to the 20th of March.

Email Confirmations

Each artist will receive an email with instructions on where to drop off or mail their artwork.

If you are NOT dropping it off at the gallery on the MORNING, 10:30 – 11:30 AM of the installation on Wednesday, the 1st of April, you should ensure your piece has been received at one of the five drop-off points by Tuesday, the 31st of March.

If you need to drop off your piece at the gallery on the morning of the installation, please let us know BEFOREHAND by email.

Questions or concerns, please email feltmakersIE@gmail.com

Of Interest: Louise Boughton Shares Textile Experience at IGWSD – Dublin

Published on March 19, 2026March 19, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

A woman with red hair, wearing a black hat adorned with red flowers and a black coat, is writing in a notebook outside, with greenery and people blurred in the background. The text above mentions 'Louise Boughton to Talk at The Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers'. — Photo of Louise by Kate Gaidash

A collection of four artistic sketches featuring fashion illustrations, including a woman in a hat, a model in a stylish outfit, and a figure with a whimsical hairstyle. — Photo of Louise by Kate Gaidash

At the Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers (IGWSD) March Eastern Region meeting, educator, artist, and fashion illustrator Louise Boughton will talk about her work weaving for fashion and knitwear designer Lainey Keogh.

Where: 31A The Timberyard, St Luke’s Ave, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 K266

When: Sunday, the 22nd March, from 2 PM to 4.15 PM.

Please note: The room is not large.

For more information about IGWSD, visit their website – https://weavespindye.ie/
To see Louise’s work, visit her website – https://www.louiseboughton.com/

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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: Dublin Maker 2026 – Applications Open – Plus In-Person and Online Q and A Sessions

Published on March 19, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

Promotional image for the Dublin Maker 2026 Open Call featuring makers engaging in various activities. The image includes a QR code, dates for the event, and location details.

Are you a maker, creator, builder, inventor, crafter, hacker, educator or enthusiast who loves to share what you do? Dublin Maker 2026 is Ireland’s biggest show-and-tell festival of creativity, innovation, and invention.

Dublin Maker invites makers of all ages and experience levels to apply and showcase their work, whether a polished project or a quirky in-progress experiment.

Promotional graphic for Dublin Maker's Bring-a-Make Night event on March 19, 2026, from 7-9 PM at A4 Sounds, featuring two individuals engaged in creative activities.

Information Session

There is an Information Session, a Bring-A-Make Night this Thursday (March 19th) from 7-9 PM at @a4soundsstudios

Come along for a relaxed evening, finding out about Dublin Maker, showing off your projects, chatting with other makers about your projects, and have a bit of pizza.

Where: A4 Sounds, St. Joseph’s Parade, Phibsborough.

Online and in-person Q & A Sessions

Promotional flyer for Bring-A-Make Night events and online Q&A sessions, featuring dates, times, locations in Dublin and Cork, and a QR code for registration.

Come along to Dublin Maker‘s Bring‑A‑Make nights or join one of their online Q&A sessions. They’re a great chance to meet other makers, share ideas, and just have the chats about what you’re working on.

Details for Dublin Maker

Where: Leopardstown Racecourse, Foxrock, Dublin 18, D18 C9V6

When: Saturday and Sunday, the 22^nd and 23^rd of August, between 10 AM – 5 PM

Applications will be open until the 20th of April.

For more information, visit their website – https://dublinmaker.ie/open-call/

Their Instagram: @dublinmaker

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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

Questions: For content-related questions, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Open Call: Reminder to Submit to ‘Water and Flow’ – Feltmakers Ireland Exhibition

Published on March 4, 2026March 23, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

Promotional poster for Feltmakers Ireland's exhibition submission, featuring details about the event at Phoenix Park Visitors Centre in April 2026. The theme is 'Water & Flow', inviting personal interpretations.

We wanted to remind you that Feltmakers Ireland members’ exhibition, ‘Water and Flow’, has a submission deadline of Friday, the 13th of March at MIDNIGHT.

Our annual exhibition will be displayed at the beautiful Phoenix Park Visitors Centre gallery from Friday, the 3rd, through Sunday, the 26th of April. The show launches on Saturday, the 4th, at 3 PM.

To learn more and to submit your application, visit our Exhibition page – https://feltmakersireland.com/exhibition-application-2026-water-and-flow/

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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

Questions: For content-related questions, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Exhibition: Dressing Dublin – Made in Blackrock – Irish Textile History

Published on March 3, 2026March 4, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

A black and white historical photograph of a smiling young woman working at a sewing machine in a factory setting, with the text 'Dressing Outline' and 'Made in Blackrock' overlayed.

The exhibition ‘Dressing Dublin: Made in Blackrock‘ explores the former local textile industry, the people who worked in it and how it was influenced by national and international economic forces. The project showcases the small area around Brookfield Terrace and Carysfort Avenue in Blackrock, County Dublin, which produced, until the 1980s, locally made textiles, hosiery, shirts, workwear, and much more.

Where: Blackrock Library, Main St, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 YF76

The exhibition runs through Monday, the 9th of March.

If you cannot make it to the exhibition, you can learn more through Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@DLRofficial

There is a 30-minute film, an audio tour and an extended interview hosted by fashion historian, Laura Fitzachary.

The 22-minute film has interviews with former employees, Liam Dodd and Christine Fitzachary, which captures this history before this part of our local heritage disappears. Through these conversations, we can also review the current state of the clothing industry in Ireland today.

Watch the film here, on the DLRCC’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-AfWyqs_F8

There is an 18-minute audio guide of the exhibition – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUHd3TAgfYc&t=3s

A longer audio interview with Laura Fitzachary and former employee Christine Fitzachary discusses the local textile history – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ppls5FP9lc&t=1101s

For more information about the show, visit the library website – https://libraries.dlrcoco.ie/events-and-news/event-calendar/dressing-dublin-made-blackrock

Laura Fitzachary’s Instagram: @seekthehistoric

DLR Instagram: @dlrheritage

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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.

Materials we will use:

What to bring:

The Details:

Additional Information:

NO Zoom Access to this Sunday Session:

Sneak Peeks

Sneak Peeks

The Opening

Where and When

Online Catalogue

WOW!

Email Confirmations

If you need to drop off your piece at the gallery on the morning of the installation, please let us know BEFOREHAND by email.

Information Session

Online and in-person Q & A Sessions

Details for Dublin Maker

The Details:

Additional Information:

Zoom Access to the Sunday Session: