The third annual Rialto Community Arts Festival in Co Dublin is this week. The festival includes poetry, music, drama, talks, exhibitions and craft workshops.
Of particular interest:
A talk about Linen in the Liberties on Thursday morning.
Crochet and screen printing workshops at F2 Centre
Note: Some of the activities need to be booked.
When: Thursday, the 18th, through Sunday, the 21st of June
Where: At various locations in D08, Dublin, including the F2 Centre and the St Andrew’s Community Centre
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.
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.
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.
Jacqueline Atkinson:
The wet winter of 2025/2026 was the inspiration for Jacqueline’s interpretation of the theme ‘water and flow’ when the battering, pounding, and sudden downpours of rain often made craters in her land. Hence the Irish title ‘Batar Fearthainne’ which she thinks adequately captures the sentiment she was hoping to portray.
Eglฤ Silenaite-Enyed:
ย The flow in my art symbolises not only the flow of water but also the flow of time. Little pebbles with ancient symbols are sunken below. The flow of water is hiding the secrets of the past. Those times are gone, the time flows…
Yamila Fournier:
After 16 years inland, I moved to coastal Dublin, where the smell of the sea and the pull of the tides reminded me of the rhythm that had been a part of me since the day I was born, since before I was born.
The shore is filled with exciting opposites: gritty sand and wave-smoothed rocks, welcoming water and unknowable depths, chaos of crashing waves reshaping the shore daily and the reliable regularity of the tides. In the face of the vastness of the water, I look to the tiniest bits, portable microscope in hand…
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
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:ย If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.
Questions:ย For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
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
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.
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 โ 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.
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:ย If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.
Questions:ย For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
On Saturday, the 22nd of November 2025, Feltmakers Ireland had the privilege of taking part in Fibreshed Ireland‘s first Textile Market, which was part of their annual Symposium held the day before.
Fibershed is a global movement that evolved from Rebecca Burgess and Courtney White’s 2019 book,‘Fibreshed: Growing a Movement of Farmers, Fashion Activists, and Makers for a New Textile Economy.’ Weaver and natural dyer Burgess developed a project focused on wearing clothing made from fibre grown, woven, and sewn within her bioregion of North Central California. In Ireland, our fibreshed encompasses the whole island. The Fibershed movement champions local, regenerative fibre systemsโconnecting soil, plants, animals, and humans through transparent supply chains and bioregional textile practices.
At the Textile Market, volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland set up a lively demonstration station where visitors could watch both wet felting and needle felting techniques. We talked passionately about the guildโs mission to keep traditional feltmaking skills alive, to celebrate Irish wool in all its glorious variety, and to foster creativity and community through this extraordinarily versatile material.
A special highlight was the chance to promote our beautiful book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’. Copies were available for sale alongside an array of handmade treasures: wet-felted vessels, pocket books and bags, bookmarks, greeting cards, whimsical wool pumpkins, and gnomesโevery single piece made exclusively with Irish wool from a rainbow of native sheep breeds.
Visitors loved getting hands-on: touching fleece samples from rare and heritage breeds, feeling the different textures, and discovering how dramatically each type of wool felts. Our display of membersโ artworkโlandscape wall pieces, sculptures and wearable artโshowed just how far this simple fibre can be pushed in skilled and imaginative hands.
A thank-you to the Fibreshed Ireland team for inviting us and for creating such a warm, inspiring event. Weโre especially grateful to our own guild members, Margaret and Clodagh, who gave their time so generously and demonstrated with enthusiasm. Additionally, it was also a joy to spend the day alongside our fellow artisans who spin, naturally dye and process Irish wool with equal love and dedication. Vendors included guild members Katarina of WoolStore Ireland, who shared her beautifully processed Irish wool fibre and Juliane of FeltHappiness, who shared her sculptural hats.
Closeup of Woolstore Ireland tableJuliane at her tableFeltmakers Ireland members at the Textile Market. From left to right: Juliane, Loli, Margaret, Sam, and Katarina.
Gallery of Photos
Aga + Katja (plus, Anne O’Toole on the far right) at Sound of SpinningPetra Skyvova and friendLinda Costello offered info on business suports available to fibre creatives and farmers.Charlie of Mallon Linen, Malu Colorin -co founder of Fibreshed Ireland, and Anne O’TooleMalu and Anne O’Toole of KnitAranJessica Leonard – co founder of Fibreshed Ireland with the Soil Your Scarf displayClose up of Mallon Linen’s display
Events like these remind us why we do what we do: to honour the sheep, the land, the makers, and the long story woven into every handful of fleece.
Feltmakers Ireland is already looking forward to the next chance to collaborate with Fibreshed Ireland โhereโs to many more days of woolly connection!
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.
By Loli Cox, with additional reporting from Deirdre Carroll
On Saturday, the 18th of October 2025, Feltmakers Ireland took part in the Dublin Fibre Festival at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Dublin.
Opening at 10 AM, a queue formed at the door as excited visitors waited to enter the hall. Throughout the day, a steady stream of attendees arrived eager to view the various crafts, textile materials, and fibre artists on display. According to the festival’s organiser, Mira Isan, over 750 people attended the event.
The hall at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham at IMMA provided a stunning and inspiring backdrop, brought to life by the festivalโs vibrant creativity and the presence of Feltmakers Ireland at its centre. Our two tables welcomed visitors to discover the captivating art of felting.
Felting Demonstrated
Siobhan and IrinaEva, Kelly, Adrienne, and Loli
At our first table, skilled volunteers wove magic with their hands, demonstrating the arts of wet and needle felting. Using wool blended with other natural fibres, they transformed fluffy tufts into sturdy, vibrant fabric through rhythmic kneading and precise needlework. The gentle splash of water and the earthy aroma of wool filled the air, drawing onlookers into the tactile alchemy that binds fibre to form.
Irish Wool Displayed
Panel with samples of wet and needle-felted Irish-raised wool
Our second table was a tribute to Irelandโs pastoral legacy, showcasing ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’, the guildโs cherished book born from a 2021โ2023 community research and wool sampling endeavour, which was led by our former treasurer Annika Berglund.
This lovingly crafted volume explores forty of the islandโs sheep breeds, from the silken Cladรณir to the hardy Galway, and details the woolโs textures and felting potential. It offers practical wisdom on sourcing, cleaning, and dyeing wool, alongside heartfelt stories of the shepherds who tend these flocks.
A large panel, adorned with felted wool samples, invited touch, revealing each breedโs distinct characterโcoarse, fine, or delightfully springy.
The festival buzzed with curious visitors, their eyes wide as they watched wool transform and their fingers itching to explore the tactile samples. Many lingered, asking about our guildโs mission to champion sustainable felting and the diverse sheep breeds grazing Irelandโs green hills. The wool samples were a revelation, turning abstract knowledge into a sensory journey as hands traced the difference between a Donegal Hornโs rugged locks and a Wicklow Cheviotโs delicate strands. Conversations flowed, stitching connections between craft, culture, and land.
Artwork Displayed
Eva and KellyAdrienne and LoliKelly’s samples and amazing tools
Nearby, Feltmakers Ireland membersโ artwork sparkled: elegant scarves, cosy gloves, soft slippers, and intricate jewellery like necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and earrings. Whimsical creations also aboundedโlush landscapes evoking misty hills, and three-dimensional treasures like cheeky gnomes, plump pumpkins, playful puppets, pea pods, embellished vessels, and mischievous seasonal figures of ghosts, witches, and black cats.
In Summary
The day was a triumph: Several copies of ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’ found new homes, and a handful of inspired guests joined Feltmakers Ireland as members, eager to dive into this woolly world.
Members Exhibiting
In addition to the guild’s display at the Dublin Fibre Festival, four of our members were vendors at the event: Fiona Leech of @feltathome, Juliane Gorman of @felthappiness, Sandra Reynolds of @sandystitchedup, and Christine Jordan of @roughcirclestudio
Fiona
Juliane
Sandy
Christine’s display
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to the Dublin Fibre Festival for including us in this year’s event. We greatly appreciate their efforts in making a fibre festival in Ireland a reality, as well as the help offered by their volunteers throughout the day.
Lastly, a heartfelt thanks to our volunteersโEva, Kelly, and Siobhan โfor their warm enthusiasm and skilful hands, and to committee members Adrienne, Deirdre, Irina, Loli, and Lorna, for their tireless work in sharing the beauty of felting. Together, they spun a day of learning and inspiration, celebrating the timeless craft born from Irelandโs woolly heart.
Join us next time at the Dublin Fibre Festival to explore feltingโs endless possibilities!
Feltmakers Ireland and 40 other local textile exhibitors will be at the Dublin Fibre Festival THIS Saturday, the 18th of October. This is THE opportunity to touch yarn and fibres in person, attend textile workshops, and watch spinning, felting, and other fibre arts demonstrations! To see a taste of last year’s event, there’s this blog post – https://feltmakersireland.com/2024/10/29/recap-fantastic-day-at-the-dublin-fibre-festival/
The Map and Vendor List
We will be there!
Have youย wanted to purchase a copy of Feltmakers Irelandโs book โExploring Irish Woolย for Feltmakingโย but have not had the opportunity? Come to the Dublin fibre event of the year: Theย Dublin Fibre Festival. In addition, we will have several guild members demonstrating needle and wet felting. These include felting artists such as Eva Salamon @feltedvision and Irina Lampadova @irinalampadova1
Tickets are now available for this year’s Dublin Fibre Festival, which we are excited to be a part of for its second year! Volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland will share the wonders of feltmaking at the festival.
Additionally, several members* will be showing (and vending) their creations.
Along with fellow textile guilds, the Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers (@weavespindyeIE) and the Irish Guild of Embroiderers (@irish_embroiderers)
*Apologies if we missed any members who are involved in this year’s Dublin Fibre Festival.
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 the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.
Felters, makers, and other crafters might enjoy a visit to the Scrap Store at Change Clothes in Dublin, where โฌ5 fills a bag with an assortment of available treasures, which may include the following –
Fabric scraps
Fabric lengths
Buttons
Trimmings
Ribbon
Zips
Beads
Yarn
Threads
One of our guild members recently visited and found lovely Nunofelted fabricsthat she is going to upcycle into her own work!
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:ย For questions about the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.
