The inaugural Fashion & Farming Weekend unites the two worlds of fashion and farming to explore what we farm, wear and the earth we share.
Clothing is part of the fabric of life, and fashion is one of our primary sources of self-expression. Once inextricably linked, the farm-to-food-and-fabric cycle has been broken. The Fashion & Farming weekend will bring together creative minds, change makers and entrepreneurs where fresh ideas take root.
Galway Wool Co-op member Blátnaid Gallagher will speak on the 10th of May.
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‘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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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Although these articles aren’t specifically about feltmaking, the efforts of the following companies and organisations to promote locally-raised wool are exciting news.
Cushendale Woolen Mills
There’s an interesting article about the long history and recent activities of Cushendale Woollen Mills in Agriland.
As many felters in Ireland know, new Aran jumpers sold in shops rarely contain Irish-raised wool as the public expects the softness of Merino, which is not a sheep that can thrive in Ireland. It is helpful to see this information being shared with the public.
The Great British Wool Revival has been set up as a central platform for sharing knowledge and resources to support the goal of elevating British wool. The website offers information on devising a supply chain, case studies of designers working with local fibre, downloadable worksheets to help users understand a product’s wool journey, and much more. There are many resources on the website! Note: Some Irish-based businesses are also included on the map.
Ériu is an Irish company that produces Irish wool blankets. In a short program on Countrywide, co-founder Zoë Daly spoke of the importance and benefits of using local Irish wool in their knitted blankets.
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.
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Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
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.
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.
On Saturday, the 20th of July, 2024, the exhibition “Land to the Hand” celebrated the rich heritage of native Irish Galway Wool at the annual Meitheal in the Athenry Co-operative Livestock Market. It was the fourth yearly Meitheal organised by the Galway Wool Co-op, a voluntary group of people raising the native breed of Galway Sheep. Blátnaid Gallagher is the group’s secretary and excellent ambassador.
Blátnaid Gallagher opening the Meitheal at the Athenry Co-operative Livestock Mart.
The Exhibition
At last year’s Meitheal, artist and curator Michelle Hickey Legge brought together the works of sixteen artists. This year, Michelle had twice as many artists involved: 32 participants contributed pieces that showcased outstanding handwoven textiles, intricate knitwear, creative crochet, impressive feltmaking, and contemporary wool art – all made from Irish-raised Galway Wool. The event highlighted the craftsmanship of some of Ireland’s top makers, educators, and innovators.
The Wool
While the exhibition was going on, the cooperative’s farmers brought their yields of Galway wool into the Meitheal. According to the Tuam Herald, 5,000 kg of wool were delivered, and farmers were guaranteed €2.50 per kg for their wool.
The Clip
Galway Wool Sheep
More Delights
Additionally, the Meitheal had a traditional Irish music session and a sheep shearing demonstration in the background, along with coffee, tea, and biscuits.
Visitors admired the skilful blending of ancient techniques with modern designs, which reflected Ireland’s cultural tapestry. The interactive workshop on wool spinning with Sandra King of Irish Fibre Crafters, drew enthusiastic participation, fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices.
Sandra King of Irish Fibre Crafters – seated by her spinning wheel.
Congratulations to all the artists who exhibited their outstanding works. Special congratulations to Lorna McCormack from Wool in School for being the Overall Winner of the Show for her educational concept; this award was sponsored by Donegal Yarns.
Woolin School product
Claire McGovern from Rhyme Studio was awarded for her contemporary rugs; this award was sponsored by Aviation Graphix. For her contemporary works, Karena Ryan was awarded by the Galway Wool Co-op. Karena is a member of Feltmakers Ireland! Additionally, Jean Long was awarded for her Geansaí Chléire, also sponsored by the Galway Wool Co-op. Lastly, Evin Higgins of Caoirigh Farms was given the Industry Award for Innovation, sponsored by Vincent Hughes from the Aran Woollen Mills.
Caoirigh Farm’s entry
Thanks
Thank you to all of the farmers, artists, and supporters. Lastly, the warmest thanks go to Michelle Hickey Legge for her tireless efforts in curating and organising the exhibition.
Michell Hickey Legge – and camera men
Michelle Hickey Legge’s piece for the exhibition
Feltmakers Ireland Members
Several members from Feltmakers Ireland were in attendance and/or had pieces at the exhibition: Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann, Juliane Gorman, Karena Ryan, Margaret Collins Ryan, and Tamzen Lundy.
Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann – @bombyxmoriwearableart
Juliane Gorman – @felthappiness
Karena Ryan – @karenaryantextiles
Margaret Ryan Collins
Tamzen Lundy’s piece – @tamzenlundydesigns
More Artwork from the Meitheal
This is only a sampling of the work at the show, which ranged from the functional to the artistic. We are sorry that we may have omitted some of the artists’ contributions to the Meitheal.
Collaboration between dyer Malu Colorin and weaver Aideen Macken – @malu_colorin and @aideen.macken
Fiona McDonagh – @Lamhclinicgalway
Olga Profutkina – @olgakina_dolls
Rhyme Studio rugs – @rhymestudioart
Sarah Kineen’s piece – @lifeinajamjar
Ellen Keohane’s Leaving Certificate course artwork
Catherine O’Connor – @bofinweaves
Annie O’Toole – @knitaran13
Christine McNamara – @christines_craft
Annie Gambril – @killala.woolcraft
Students’ work
Ryan Koenig – @ryankoenigstudio
Niamh O’Connell – winner of last year’s Meitheal and exhibitor and judge at this year’s.
Coming Up
A television program on the Galway Wool Coop will be on Nationwide sometime this autumn!
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.
Blatnaid Gallagher, the spokesperson for the Galway Wool Co-op, was recently interviewed on ‘Thinking Through Making’, a YouTube channel presented by Emma Robinson of the Woolly Mammoth Fibre Company.
It is a charming and insightful video covering the state of Irish Wool and the positive steps taken by the Galway Co-op to counteract the challenges their farmers face.
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 Galway Wool Co-op, with Artist-in-Residence Michelle Hickey Legge, is delighted to announce the coming together of art and earth—‘Land to the Hand’. This unique exhibition of art through the medium of Galway Wool will take place this year at the annual Galway Wool Meitheal, Athenry, Galway.
The Coop invites artists on the island of Ireland working in all disciplines, age groups and abilities to engage with themes and concepts that connect the Galway Sheep Breed to the Irish landscape and the rich historical heritage of the Galway fleece. Artists who took part last year are also welcome to apply.
When: The Meithal is Saturday, the 20th of July, 2024, for one morning only.
For expressions of interest, direct message Michelle Hickey Legge via Instagram – @michellehickeyart before midnight, the 31st of May.
For more information about Galway Wool, visit the Coop’s website – https://galwaywool.ie/
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.
Several members of Feltmakers Ireland have pieces in the Galway Wool Co-op‘s one-day exhibition, ‘A Meeting of Hands’. The show is part of the group’s Meithal.
Poster for ‘A Meeting of Hands’ Exhibition.
Some of the members purchased their washed Galway wool fleece from Donegal Yarns.
Annika Berglund
Annika Berglund’s ‘Connections’.
One member, Annika Berglund, made a felted wall panel which has protruding felt details using natural Galway Sheep Breed wool. This work, ‘Connections’, includes some black Merino for shading. It is a felted piece mounted over a wooden frame for hanging.
Another member, Juliane Gorman, made a felted top hat inspired by finishing James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’ with her local library’s book group. In addition to Galway breed wool, her piece includes dark brown, Irish-raised Jacob wool.
Member Karena Ryan has several pieces on show, including ‘Bhean an Tire’ (Women of the Land). This piece features dried lavender, marigold and silks that have been wet felted into Galway raw wool with free-motion embroidery and Irish linen.
The other participants in the exhibition work in a variety of disciplines and include the following makers: Liadain Aiken, Shannon Byrnes, Malú Colorín, Katie Downes, Michelle Hickey, Ryan Daniel Koenig, Cathlin McKeon, Christine McNamara, Conor O’Brien, Niamh O’Connell, Adela Passas, Elina Plevako, and Olga Profutkina. Apologies if we have overlooked anyone.
Although ‘A Meeting of Hands’ exhibition is by invitation only, you can see a video of all 17 artists’ pieces on the Galway Wool Co-op’s Instagram page – https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu1BxijvikD/
Feltmakers Ireland 