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 you wanted to purchase a copy of Feltmakers Ireland’s book ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’but have not had the opportunity? Come to the Dublin fibre event of the year: The 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
On Sunday, the 12th of October, 2025, Feltmakers Ireland Guild hosted a fully booked workshop for 25 members, led by Sandra Coote of Crafts of Ireland, based in Cavan.
Sandra, an accomplished feltmaker, raises Roscommon sheep on her farm, processing their wool for her felting projects. She offers workshops and sells felting kits, sharing her expertise with enthusiasts.
The Supplies
Clockwise from the top left: Roscommon needle felted wool for core of birds, grey-coloured felting pads, sharps container for broken needles, sample wrens, scissors, templates, bark with wires, and extra felting needles.Roscommon wool dyed in Wren colours by Sandra
For our Sunday Session, participants crafted needle-felted wrens mounted on tree bark, using wool from Sandra’s sheep and materials she provided. Her clear instructions, detailed templates, and inspiring samples guided attendees in shaping the birds’ bodies, wings, and tails. Sandra’s hands-on teaching style, coupled with her warm, humorous demeanour, created a welcoming environment for all skill levels. She offered personalised support, visiting each table to assist.
Students Concentrating
Sandra recommended that students look at their phones to find photos of what a wren’s feathers looked like. As students layered on Sandra’s hand-dyed wool for the colouring of the birds’ feathers, Guild member Jane Fox shared about an app to identify birds’ songs: We downloaded the Merlin App so we could hear both the song and call of the Wren.
The guild expresses gratitude for Sandra’s generosity and expertise; we are thrilled to have a renowned artist lead the session. The workshop’s success highlights her skill in teaching and the charm of her 3D felted sculptures, which left members inspired and eager for more.
To see more of Sandra’s work, purchase her kits or book a workshop, visit her business, Crafts of Ireland – https://craftsofireland.ie/ You can also find her at the Knit + Stitch The Eikon Exhibition Centre, in Lisburn, UK, stand D53.
This month, committee member Lorna Cady brought ‘Biscuits without History’, the latest instalment in her ongoing series of baked goods, which she kindly brings each month.
We are once again grateful to Sandra Coote for travelling from Cavan to teach us, for the fully enrolled workshop, and for the students who generously brought baked treats to share. We also appreciate the committee’s help in organising this Sunday’s Session.
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.
This month’s Sunday Session with Sandra Coote of Crafts of Ireland is now fully booked! We’re delighted to welcome 25 students to the 3D Needle Felted Wren Workshop.
A friendly reminder will be sent by email to all participants — we know how busy life can get.
If you registered for the class but are now unable to attend, please email feltmakersIE@gmail.com
Members who didn’t manage to secure a spot this time are welcome to come along and observe the session.
When: Sunday, the 12th of October.
The Sunday Session’s hours are as follows: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
On Sunday, the 12th of October, guild member Sandra Coote of Crafts of Ireland will teach members how to create a three-dimensional, needle-felted wren.
Sandra will provide materials, which include her own Irish-raised wool and the wires for the legs/ feet.
Members, please bring your felting needles and pads. The guild will have a few extra sets for those who do not have these tools.
This session is limited to 25 participants and costs 15 euros.
We will email an online payment link to members on the afternoon of Friday, October 3rd – at 2 PM, Irish Time. If you are not already a member, you can join us via our website – https://feltmakersireland.com/membership-application/
Sandra will also bring her popular needle felting kits, which will be available for purchase.
The Details
When: Sunday, the 12th of October.
The Sunday Session’s Hours are the following: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
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.
Guild member Jane Fox will lead us in creating our own Name Badges. The photo shows her badge, which she wore to demonstrate at this year’s Bloom. It is both beautiful and sustainable, and combines wet felting with needle felting!
Please bring the following items:
Your usual Wet Felting Kit, which includes a hand towel, soap, a small bowl, and a medium-sized piece of bubble plastic.
Felting needles and a sponge or felting mat. (We will have some extra felting needles and sponges on hand).
Sharp scissors.
Small bamboo mat – if you already have one. We have some extras for members to use during the session.
Optional: Bits and bobs such as beads, sequins, thread, and a needle – if you would like to sew these in.
Optional: Embellishment fibres, if desired.
The Guild and Jane will provide the other materials needed.
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 do not come if you feel that you are ill.
Zoom Access to the Sunday Session:
A Zoom link to members will be emailed at 9 AM on Friday, the 12th of September. Please check your email.
Meetup in Co Galway:
Can’t make it to Dublin AND want to chat with folks in personabout everyone’s favourite thing – feltmaking?
Feltmakers Ireland will have a meeting in Gort, Co Galway THIS Sunday, the 14th at 11 AM.
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.
Sunday Sessions will resume, with our next one on the following Sunday, the 14th of September, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Guild member Jane Fox will lead us in creating our own Name Badges. Above is a photo of her badge, which she wore to demonstrate at this year’s Bloom. It is both beautiful AND sustainable!
Please bring the following items:
Your usual Wet Felting Kit, which includes a hand towel, soap, a small bowl, and a medium-sized piece of bubble plastic.
Felting needles and a sponge or felting mat. (We will have some extra felting needles on hand).
Sharp scissors.
Small bamboo mat – if you already have one. We have some for members to use during the session.
Optional: Bits and bobs such as beads, sequins and thread – if you would like to sew these in.
Optional: Embellishment fibres, if desired.
The Guild and Jane will provide the other materials needed.
Complimentary tea and coffee will be served at our Sunday Session. Home-baked goods to share are always welcome! If you can, please bring a travel mug to replace disposable paper cups.
As this is the season of coughs and sneezes, we prefer you not to share these. Please do not attend if you may be unwell.
On Friday, we will email a Zoom link to all members for those who wish to attend virtually.
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.
The ‘Common Threads exhibition’ opened on Thursday, the 7th of August at the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland’s (DCCI) National Design & Craft Gallery, Castle Yard, Kilkenny. The show curated by Sarah Ross features a mix of work from Feltmakers Ireland and the Quilters’ Guild of Ireland.
The turnout at the opening was great, and we all had the opportunity to see an amazing array of works by both feltmakers and quilters. Seeing the two types of crafts side by side was very illuminating; they represented very different ways of making, yet both featured intricate and fantastic work. As a feltmaker, I gained a deeper respect for the skill and patience required to create the quilted artworks on display.
Photos of the Gallery
At the opening, Feltmakers Ireland was represented by at least 14 of our members, who enjoyed the buzz and the lovely weather.
From left to right: Eithne O’Dea, Hilary Delaney, Joanne Foley, Mary O’Rourke, Claire Merry, Hélène Dooley, Sandra Reynolds, Annika Berglund, Fiona Leech, Jane Fox, Siobhan Healy Ryan, Sharon Wells, Leiko Uchiyama, and Deirdre Crofts. Editor’s Note: We apologise if we have noted anyone’s name incorrectly.
The exhibition was opened by the head of the DCCI, Mary Blanchfield, followed by a speech by Moya Gerarthy of the Quilters Guild of Ireland. After that, it was my turn. Our blog mistress, Juliane, asked me for my written notes, but since I only had keywords, the gist of it was that the two sets of works looked great together!
Annika Berglund and Mary BlanchfieldAnnika Berglund, Moya Gerarthy, Mary Blanchfield, and Sarah Ross
Then, I talked about the symbology of how wool is made, where wisps of wool combine into a strong whole through pressure and agitation, and I drew parallels to how our members come together and form a community. Finally, I extended a heartfelt thank you to the DCCI and our curator, Sarah Ross, who selected the work and worked with the gallery personnel to create a stunning exhibition. She spoke last and talked about the (massive) work involved in picking and how impressed she was with the quality of work on show.
We heartily recommend a visit to the gallery before the end of the show, which runs until the 1st of November.
~~ Annika Berglund, Dublin Ireland.
Portraits of Members
Annika BerglundDeirdre CroftsLeiko UchiyamaSiobhan Healy RyanSandra ReynoldsJoanne FoleyChristine JordanSharon WellsFiona LeechRamona FarrellyTamzen Lundy with the poster for the exhibitionLidiia NecheporenkoEithne O’DeaClaire MerryJuliane GormanNeasa RyanEmily A ThompsonHilary Delaney
Some more information about the show:
A contemporary textile exhibition exploring connection through fibre and form. This contemporary textile exhibition delves into the theme of connection—between people, materials, and traditions—through the tactile language of fibre and form. The exhibition will run from August 7 to November 1, 2025, offering visitors a rich sensory experience that celebrates both innovation and heritage in Irish textile art, showcasing the intricate and expressive work of artists from Feltmakers Ireland and The Quilters Guild of Ireland.
From our press release:
“This show is a testament to the creativity and technical expertise of the members of Feltmakers Ireland. Each piece tells a unique story, a vision realised in the medium of wool. It is a celebration of the diversity of feltmaking across Ireland. We are proud to showcase work that not only honours our craft but also pushes the boundaries of contemporary textile art.”
Feltmakers members included in the exhibition:
Annika Berglund
Christine Jordan
Claire Merry
Deirdre Crofts
Eithne O’Dea
Elaine Peden
Emily A Thompson
Fiona Leech
Heather Byrne
Hélène Dooley
Hilary Delaney
Jane Fox
Joanne Foley
Juliane Gorman
Karena Ryan
Leiko Uchiyama
Lidiia Necheporenko
Neasa Ryan
Ramona Farrelly
Sandra Reynolds
Sharon Wells
Siobhan Healy Ryan
Tamzen Lundy
Some Work from the Exhibition
Appreciation
Thank you to the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, curator Sarah Ross, the Quilters Guild of Ireland, and the National Design and Craft Gallery of Ireland. Also, thanks to Annika for writing up the recap for the guild.
Thank you to the Gallery for the professional photos of the space, which we ‘borrowed’ from Instagram. Lastly, thank you to the members who shared their pictures via Instagram or WhatsApp. We apologise if we missed any artists’ works.
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.
Pam de Groot demonstrating fibre weight layout during the workshop.
This past weekend, a dozen passionate felters gathered for an unforgettable three-day workshop led by internationally renowned artist Pam de Groot, who travelled from Australia to share her expertise. Hosted by Feltmakers Ireland, the workshop welcomed participants primarily from Ireland, with one dedicated felter joining us from Germany. The event, held at the Bayside Community Centre, was a vibrant exploration of felting techniques, creativity, and community, leaving everyone inspired and equipped with new skills to craft unique, wearable art.
Necklaces, earrings, and brooches created by Pam to show the various techniques the students would learn.
Pam de Groot is an Australian textile artist celebrated for her innovative approach to three-dimensional felting. With a deep passion for transforming raw fibres into intricate, wearable sculptures, Pam’s work blends traditional techniques with contemporary flair. Her creations often feature bold textures, vibrant colours, and unexpected materials, pushing the boundaries of what felt can achieve. During the workshop, her warm and engaging teaching style shone through, making complex techniques accessible and exciting for all skill levels.
Pam demonstrating. In the foreground are sample pieces of felted jewellery that she has created.
Over the three days, Pam guided participants through a variety of felting techniques, each opening new possibilities for artistic expression.
Techniques included –
Shaping with Resists: Creating diverse forms, from small round resists to complex structures, using simple tools.
Crafting Pea Pods: Using plastic moulds to shape delicate, nature-inspired, pea pod designs.
Dyeing Flower Stamens: In an imaginative twist, special fishing line became a medium for vibrant, lifelike stamens to enhance floral designs.
Designing Closures: Participants explored decorative and functional options, experimenting with various ways to finish their pieces with intention and flair.
Pam’s teaching approach was a perfect balance of demonstration and individualised support. She began with group instruction, clearly explaining each technique, then devoted one-on-one time to help participants bring their unique visions to life. Her patience and encouragement fostered a collaborative, creative atmosphere where everyone felt empowered to experiment.
From Technique to Creation: Wearable Art Emerges
After mastering the techniques, participants delved into designing their own wearable pieces, incorporating a rich array of materials, including soft Merino wool, shimmering silk fibres, textured silk cloth, hearty Irish wool, delicate silk pods, stones, and other textiles. The diversity of materials sparked endless creativity, resulting in an inspiring collection of necklaces, brooches, and other adornments, each piece as unique as its creator.
Samples of some of the pieces created by the students during the workshop.
The workshop was a testament to the versatility of felting as an art form. From bold, sculptural designs to delicate, intricate pieces, every participant left with a creation that reflected their personal style and newfound skills.
More Samples of Students’ Work
Here are some photos of some of the students’ pieces from the workshop. If we missed your work, please email feltmakersIE@gmail.com so we can add it to the display.
The workshop wasn’t just about learning techniques—it was about connection. The group of felters, including members of Feltmakers Ireland and our international guest from Germany, bonded over their shared passion for textiles. The collaborative spirit, combined with Pam’s inspiring guidance, made the experience truly transformative.
A huge thank you to Pam de Groot for sharing her expertise and inspiring us to push the boundaries of felting. Her ability to connect with each participant and guide them through their creative journey was truly remarkable. We’re also deeply grateful to Sam Fagan for coordinating the workshop and to helpers Juliane Gorman, Hélène Dooley, and Annika Berglund for each volunteering their invaluable assistance for a day.
Conclusion
This workshop was a celebration of creativity, community, and the endless possibilities of felt. We can’t wait to see how the skills and inspiration from this experience continue to shape the work of these talented felters!
All of the students and Pam de Groot assembled on the final day. Photo by Annika Berglund.
Lastly, here’s a video of the images –
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.
As of the 9th of July, the workshop is FULLY BOOKED. If you want to be put on the waiting list, please email Sam – see below for her details.
Workshop Description from Pam:
“In the workshop, we will learn several skills useful for fibre jewellery making. We will make one or more pieces of felted jewellery depending on the complexity of the individual design. We will look at how to design the piece for wearing, and how to construct various closures and attachments. You can also learn how to incorporate foreign objects if necessary.”
WHEN: Friday, the 18th through Sunday, the 20th of July 2025, 10 AM to 5 PM
To apply for PAM de GROOT’s workshop, please email committee member Sam Fagan at samantha.d.fagan@gmail.com
Please include Pam de Groot’s name in the ‘Subject Line’ of your email.
All participants will be notified via email and provided with a payment link for secure payment using a credit or debit card. The cost is 250 euros for members / 265 euros for non-members.
Additional Information
Supplies are not included in the workshop price. Once registered, we will email students the supply list provided by Pam.
Cancellation & Refund Policy for Workshops
If you need to cancel your place in a Feltmakers Ireland workshop, please notify the Guild by email at least 7 days before the start of the class. A €10 handling fee will be deducted from your refund.
Cancellations made less than 7 days before the workshop are not eligible for a refund. However, if you can find a replacement student to take your place AND inform the Guild within this period, you will receive a refund (minus the €10 handling fee).
Please note: In exceptional or unforeseen circumstances, the committee may consider refund requests at its discretion.
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.
Feltmakers Ireland 