Tag: Wool

Of Interest: Second Printing of ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’ Now Available in Libraries Across Ireland

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Cover of the book 'Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking' featuring a rural landscape with sheep and feltmaking materials. Text on the right announces 'Our Book is in the Library!' and shows a search result from Libraries Ireland with availability details.

We’re delighted to share that the second printing of ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’ is now available through the library system in Ireland.

If you search your local library catalogue or visit the Libraries Ireland website, you’ll find that there are currently 20 copies in the system. Some are still on order and being processed, but you can reserve a copy and have it delivered directly to your local branch for collection.


You can find and reserve the book here: https://librariesireland.spydus.ie/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/FULL/WPAC/BIBENQ/754928726/80649840,1

Editor’s Note: You will need a valid library card to reserve the book.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Everyone at Feltmakers Ireland would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of our wool-loving readers and supporters who have made this second printing possible.

We are especially grateful to artist and guild member Annika Berglund for being the book’s editor. She took on the complex and detailed work of establishing the wool breed testing subcommittee and organised the results into a cohesive, educational, and beautifully presented book.

Prefer to Own Your Own Copy?

If you’d like to add ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’ to your own textile book collection, you can purchase a copy directly from our website: https://feltmakersireland.com/exploring-irish-wool-for-feltmaking/


Whether you borrow it through your local library or keep a copy on your own shelf, we hope this book continues to inspire your exploration of Ireland’s rich and diverse wool heritage.

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.

Of Interest: Irish Wool Almanac – Be Included

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A promotional image inviting contributions to the Irish Wool Almanac, featuring two sheep walking on a grassy path.

To celebrate European Wool Day and Women in Agriculture 2026, Future Island-Island is producing an Irish Grown Wool Almanac.

This will be a printed and digital directory celebrating the people and organisations shaping the wool landscape in the island of Ireland, and the journey from farm to fibre to finished work.

The almanac will be funded and published by Future Island-Island, an AHRC Green Transition Ecosystem research programme, in partnership with the Irish Grown Wool Council.

It will be distributed at the European Wool Day 2026 Conference in Tralee next month and shared online as part of Future Island-Island’s wider programme of activity.

To submit your listing, use the online form linked below. You will be prompted to share what you do, highlights of your contribution, and why Irish wool matters. There’s also a request for up to 3 high-quality images, plus your logo with captions and credits.

They aim to include as many listings as possible. If they receive more submissions than can fit in the printed almanac, they will select entries to ensure a balanced spread across both regions and the wool journey.

Deadline: 12 PM on Monday, the 16th February 2026.

To submit your information, use this online form – https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=h5QLb6hPqEKutL8uLCLU6ND3XSPTeK9Nr6Cw1hutJWdUQzEzVDQwVE5WWU45WU9UUVlaVENEVjE4Ny4u

Their Instagram @futureislandisland

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.

Of Interest: Wool March in Tilburg, Netherlands – the 20th of December

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

On Saturday, the 20th of December at noon, there will be a Wool March in Tilburg, Netherlands.

The Wool March is a growing movement that supports shepherding and the revaluing of wool by literally walking together. Each year, the organisers lead a march in which local shepherds guide their flocks—along with members of the public—to and from pasture. Past editions have been held in Tilburg, The Netherlands, and have been generously hosted by the TextielMuseum, which is an inspiring destination in itself. https://www.textielmuseum.nl/

Participants and supporters of the Wool March come from all walks of life, including farmers, felters, and fashion designers, as well as politicians, breeders, and biologists.

There will also be a Wool March to the European Parliament in September 2026. The group is selling ‘Wool Activist Kits’ that include felting instructions and raw Kempische Heideschaap fibre from sheep that graze the Dutch coastal dunes. These kits are to create a blanket to be worn (or sent) to the Brussels Wool March – https://www.woolmarch.com/wool-activist-kit

For more information and to register for the Wool March in December, visit the Wool March website – https://www.woolmarch.com/lets-walk/wool-march-tilburg-2025

Their Instagram: @woolmarch


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

Event: Dutch Design Week – Wool (RE)Discovered

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

A bit late, as it is happening NOW, but still of interest: Dutch Design Week has the theme of Wool (RE)Discovered!

The week-long event in Eindhoven, Netherlands, showcases wool’s regenerative potential and reimagines it as a dynamic, living material. From raw fleece in the hands of designers to workshops, demos, and mending sessions, and a variety of talks are scheduled throughout the week.

Dutch milliner and feltmaker Saar Snoek has a workshop on Thursday afternoon on how to felt a whimsical moustache: https://www.neworderoffashion.com/ddw-2025-program/workshop-make-your-own-moustache-using-alpaca-hair

There is a LIVESTREAM with discussions about wool here – https://www.neworderoffashion.com/wool-rediscovered-livestream

For more information about the week, visit the New Order of Fashion’s website – https://www.neworderoffashion.com/ddw-2025-program

Their Instagram @new_order_of_fashion

If you cannot attend in person, there’s an exciting video of the exhibition from visitor Elaine Markoutsas here – https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQBJUu5DXjE/?igsh=MXV1aDQ4cHB3bjQ5bw%3D%3D

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.

Of Interest: World Wool Forum – Rome – the 4th of October

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

The World Wool Forum is a gathering hosted by Li Edelkoort, Isabella Rossellini, and Ilaria Venturini Fendi, in partnership with Philip Fimmano, the World Hope Forum, and international industry supporters. The Forum unites global leaders from design, fashion, interiors, and textiles alongside farmers, innovators, and creative thinkers driving meaningful change for a more sustainable wool future.

This one-day conference serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and vision-building, exploring the future of wool while safeguarding sheep farming traditions, animal welfare, and the rich heritage of craftsmanship.

Blátnaid Gallagher, founder of the Galway Wool Co-op, is one of the speakers.

When: The 4th of October, 2025

Where: Casali del Pino, Rome, Italy.

For more information, visit their website – https://www.edelkoort.us/webinars-events/the-world-wool-forum-oct4

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.

Of Interest: From Fleece to Garment – Co Mayo

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Explore the wonders of the world of wool. Creating sustainable clothing from wool is an ancient art. At this event, Fibreshed Ireland will share about how farmers can prepare their fleece to achieve better yields from their clip. There will be drop spindle lessons and spinning wheel demonstrations, as well as workshops in weaving, crochet, and knitting for both children and adults. There will also be demonstrations of wool carding and preparation, as well as a talk on natural dyes. Additionally, there will be a talk on Galway wool and Irish native breeds.

There will also be an exhibition of local photographs and a display of farm gates.

When: Sunday, the 17th of August, from 12 – 6 PM.

Where: Ballyhaunis Community Hall, Upper Main St, Carrownluggaun, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, F35 Y337, Ireland.

For more information, visit the Heritage Ireland website – https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/from-fleece-to-garment

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.

Of Interest: Annual International Wool Textile Organisation Congress – Lille, France 2025

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) will hold its 94th annual Congress in Lille, France, this May. This historic city, steeped in a rich textile history, will provide a fitting backdrop for wool industry leaders and enthusiasts to gather.

The congress runs from the 19th – 23rd of May. Working group and committee meetings will take place on the 19th May. On Friday, the 23rd, an optional Paris industry visit will occur.

Each year, the IWTO brings the global wool textile industry together at its Congress. This event highlights the work of local wool industries and opens the stage for knowledge sharing and networking.

Every year, IWTO welcomes young wool professionals to its Congress in the Young Professionals Programme. Since 2012, more than 160 Young Professionals have joined the Congress through this programme.

IWTO has a Young Professionals Program, which matches each professional (aged 35 and under) with a senior member of the wool textile trade for the duration of the event. The programme offers bespoke networking and social opportunities, along with a designated Young Professionals session. For more information about this, visit here – https://iwto.org/young-professionals/

For more information about the Congress, visit their website – https://iwto.org/congress-2025/

Their Instagram – @international_wool

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.

Open Call: European Wool Day 2025 – 6th of April -Rome, Italy

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

European Wool Day is an event dedicated to celebrating wool’s versatile and sustainable benefits, a natural fibre with a rich heritage and an important role in our future. The event has a particular focus on wool’s therapeutic and health-related uses.​​​

​Applications are now open for wool producers, health professionals, and sustainability advocates to share their woollen stories contributing to our health and the planet’s health at the 5th European Wool Day.

There are three ways to participate:

-Presenting in person on 6th April from Rome, Italy
-Presenting live joining online on 6th April
-Contributing with a pre-recorded presentation.

The deadline for applications is the 16th of February, 2025.

For more information, visit their website – https://www.ewe.network/european-wool-day-2025

Their Instagram – ewe_foundation__

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 Book: Wrap up the Magic of Irish Wool this Christmas – ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

While Merino wool often takes centre stage in textile discussions, Feltmakers Ireland’s book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’, introduces readers to the rich diversity of Irish wool. Featuring 40 breeds of sheep raised in Ireland, the book dives deep into each breed’s fibre characteristics, highlighting how their wool can be used for wet and needle-felting techniques. It’s an eye-opening journey into the potential of locally sourced fibres that are often overlooked.

Practical and Inspirational

Packed with tips, tricks, and hands-on advice, this book is a go-to resource for anyone looking to prepare, dye, and work with wool using simple, natural ingredients.

What’s Inside

  • Felt
  • The Project
  • Sourcing, washing, and preparing fleece for felting
  • Dyeing wool
  • Getting started using plant dyes
  • Felting with raw wool
  • The breeds tested and a few words about the samples
  • Suppliers and washers/carders
  • Acknowledgements
  • Bibliography
  • Glossary
  • Index

Support Sustainability

Give a gift that champions eco-friendly practices. By exploring and using local wool, readers can preserve traditional skills, support local farmers, and reduce reliance on imported materials.

Order Today

This Christmas, give the gift of craft, connection, and creativity. ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking‘ is perfect for fibre artists, crafters, and anyone who loves learning about heritage and sustainable living.

Find your copy on our website and bring the beauty of Irish wool to someone special – https://feltmakersireland.com/exploring-irish-wool-for-feltmaking/


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.

News: Feltmakers Ireland’s Wool Book Featured in ‘Going the Dodo Way’ Blog

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Feltmakers Ireland’s wool book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’, was recently featured in the blog of feltmaker and educator Vanda Sousa (Going the Dodo Way). It’s an excellently written article that covers our book! In addition, Vanda covers two other projects working with local wool on the Iberian peninsula.

To read the blog post about our Irish and other local wools, visit Vanda Sousa’s website – https://www.vandafsousa.com/blog/wet-felting-with-local-wool

Editor’s Note: Going the Dodo Way blog has several highly recommended articles that are both practical and thoughtful. Here are five (there are many more!)

If you are a wet-feltmaker, Vanda’s blog contains valuable and exciting information! There is a Felting Resources section on her website, and she teaches online courses. You can ensure that you will not miss any of her blog posts by subscribing to her email newsletter – https://www.vandafsousa.com/updates


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.