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.
Sally Pointer’s “Introduction to Prehistoric Textiles” online course is now available on the Plants & Colour website.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to prehistoric textile techniques, focusing on evidence from Northern Europe. Participants will learn about the evolution of textile tools and technologies through four pre-recorded video lessons, each approximately one hour long. A live Q&A session on the 21st of October, 5-6 PM will follow the course to address questions.
Lesson One: The Palaeolithic – ‘The String Age’
Lesson Two: The Mesolithic – Tree bast technologies
Lesson Three: The Neolithic – Linen
Lesson Four: The Bronze Age – Introduction of wool and changes in textile practices.
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.
Iris Verhoeven, a Dutch textile artist interested in historical textiles and weaving, is creating an interactive digital map of over 400 textile-related locations across Europe. These include the following: weaving museums, exhibitions of tablet-woven finds, flax processing centres, textile displays, historical workshops, craft museums, artisan shops, fulling mills, and more.
Definitely give it a look! While the demo doesn’t show museums in Ireland, it is interesting to explore museums in other European countries digitally. There is a National Wool Museum in Wales! Most listings have a paragraph or two describing what you might encounter when visiting.
Each listing is linked to its website and its location on Google Maps.
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.
Mary Ann Williams, editor of the new book ‘Textiles of Ireland: Archaeology, craft, art’, will discuss her research and journey to editing via an online talk.
This will be followed by a Q&A session where the audience can ask questions and chat with Mary Ann.
About Textiles of Ireland
“Spanning the life’s work of archaeologist Elizabeth Wincott Heckett, Textiles of Ireland: Archaeology, craft, art is the first wide-ranging book on the archaeological textiles of Ireland published since 1989. The volume includes studies of cloth found in bogs, burials, hoards, sacked castles, docklands and fallen city walls. These include a mysterious weaving of horsehair, dating from before 800 BC; imprints of cloth wrappings on the weapons of a buried Viking warrior, and the exquisite liturgical textiles, inspired by the Book of Kells, embroidered in 1916 for the Honan Chapel at University College Cork. Including an overview of best practice used by archaeologists encountering textiles in the field, accompanying illustrations and imagery, glossary and charts, this book is essential reading for archaeologists, historians and anyone intrigued by the threads that bind Ireland’s past to its present.”
Date and Time: Wednesday, the 4th of Jun 2025 18:30 – 19:30 GMT+1
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 Liberties Weavers will showcase their work in the beautiful surroundings of Tailors’ Hall, as part of the ‘Culture Date with Dublin 8‘ program of events.
On Thursday, the 8th of May, at 19:00, there will be a talk by Cathy Scuffil, Historian in Residence for the Dublin South Central area, about the history of weaving in the Liberties.
‘Weaving the Threads of Heritage’ is a contemporary art exhibition inspired by Fingal’s textile heritage and manufacturing legacy. Presented by Petra Skyvova, with the support of Creative Fingal, this exhibition showcases original artefacts and memorabilia from the once world-famous local textile and hosiery manufacturing factories alongside contemporary artworks.
The artworks created for this project draw inspiration from these objects, the area’s historical industry, and the lives of the workers. They capture the essence of a bygone era while infusing it with contemporary artistic vision. Each piece reflects the past’s textures, patterns, and stories, brought to life through the diverse artistic expressions.
Opening on Saturday 12th April 2025 at 2 PM, followed by a talk: Balbriggan Stockings on the Global Stage, by historian Dr Cora McDonagh
This exhibition runs until Sunday, 11th May, 2025.
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 Dublin launch of “Textiles of Ireland: Archaeology, Craft, Art” will be held at Hodges Figgis bookshop on Dawson Street on Thursday, the 20th of February, at 6 PM.
Edited by Mary Ann Williams, the book compiles archaeologist Elizabeth Wincott Heckett‘s research, reports, and lectures into a single volume, exploring Ireland’s ancient textiles.
Art historian and textile conservator Rachel Phelan will introduce the book and discuss the contributions of Wincott Heckett.
“Spanning the life’s work of archaeologist Elizabeth Wincott Heckett, “Textiles of Ireland: Archaeology, craft, art” is the first wide-ranging book on the archaeological textiles of Ireland published since 1989. The volume includes studies of cloth found in bogs, burials, hoards, sacked castles, docklands and fallen city walls. These include a mysterious weaving of horsehair, dating from before 800 BC; imprints of cloth wrappings on the weapons of a buried Viking warrior, and the exquisite liturgical textiles, inspired by the Book of Kells, embroidered in 1916 for the Honan Chapel at University College Cork. Including an overview of best practice used by archaeologists encountering textiles in the field, accompanying illustrations and imagery, glossary and charts, this book is essential reading for archaeologists, historians and anyone intrigued by the threads that bind Ireland’s past to its present.” – the publisher, Cork University Press.
To contact Hodges Figgis bookshop, where the launch is scheduled, visit their website – https://www.hodgesfiggis.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.
‘The Way We Wore: Representations of Social Change through Clothing Guided Tour’ – Join Museum Guides for a tour focusing on the history of clothing in Ireland and, in particular, how clothing can represent social change for women in Ireland.
This tour explores how clothing could be used to show status in communities and how their clothing could symbolise personal freedom and activism. This tour features such objects as mourning gowns, day dresses, and Celtic Revival clothing.
When: Saturday, the 1st of February, at 1 PM. Free, No booking is required.
It is part of Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women, which returns from Friday, 31st January to Monday, 3rd February 2025, with its most extensive programme to date. Over 80 thematic events will take place across the city, offering an exciting and diverse celebration of women’s contributions to culture, society, and history.
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.
As part of August Craft Month, discover the delicate art of Irish Lace! Join Guild of Irish Lacemakers members for a morning filled with tradition and craftsmanship that the whole family can enjoy.
When: Saturday, the 3rd of August from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Where: The Museum of Decorative Arts and History in Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7.
Live Demonstrations:
Watch in awe as our skilled lacemakers weave intricate designs right before your eyes, demonstrating the precision and artistry passed down through generations.
Interactive Displays:
Get up close to beautiful, historic laces and contemporary designs in our displays. See the supermini to the super-sized!
Try It Yourself! Roll up your sleeves at our hands-on stations, where you can learn to stitch your own stitches and use children’s crafting needles and embroidery hoops. Guided by expert lacemakers, you’ll work with a pillow, bobbins, and hexagon netting —perfect for beginners and children alike.
Explore the Collection:
Visit ‘The Way We Wore’ exhibition to discover how lace has been interwoven with Irish culture and identity over the centuries.
This drop-in family event will occur from 11 AM to 1 PM in the Palatine Room off Clarke Square in Collins Barracks in the Decorative Arts and History Museum.
No booking is required. For more information, call 01 648 6453 or contact bookings@museum.ie
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 Festival of Cloaks is an exhibition celebrating ceremonial cloak-making’s rich heritage and artistry. It showcases traditional skills, contemporary designs, and the fascinating stories behind these iconic garments. Around forty cloaks will be on display.
The exhibition includes four St Brigid’s Cloaks, originated by Woolin School organiser Lorna McCormack, with artist Michelle Hickey Legge for the St Brigid’s 1500th Anniversary celebration in Kildare. That project engaged schools and communities from the four corners of Ireland, reflecting a collective effort that mirrors St Brigid’s inclusive spirit.
The Festival of Cloaks installation honours historical traditions and enriches Derry’s cultural tapestry, inviting visitors to reflect on the themes of care, connection, and continuity.
Where: St Columb’s Cathedral in Derry, Northern Ireland.
When: The exhibition runs until the 31st of August.
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 