Tag: Wool

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.

Event: Wonders of Wool – Irish Design Week – Limerick

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

From luxury fashion to technical composites, wool fibre has a wide range of applications. Join ‘Wonders of Wool’ for this Irish Design Week event and discover more about the wonders of wool. This event will be hosted by Limerick School of Art and Design, with artists and designers presenting their current projects, including;

There will be an opportunity to get involved in a BIG KNIT and a weaving workshop, which will welcome participation from attendees.

This workshop/open studio event follows on from the ‘Wonderful Wool’ event at the University of Ulster, which had over 120 attendees.

Join us to talk to makers, creators and presenters from across the island of Ireland who are harnessing the wonders of wool!

Supported by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland and the Irish Grown Wool Council.

Refreshments included.

To book, visit the ticket page on Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wonders-of-wool-design-week-2024-tickets-1046774429497

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.

Event: Irish Wool Celebration Day – Film Screening and All Ages Wet Felting Workshop – Wise Wool Project

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

The Wise Wool Project will celebrate Irish Wool at Kate Kearneys Cottage in the Gap of Dunloe, Co Kerry, on Saturday, the 9th of November, from 11 AM onwards.

The event will include workshops, demonstrations, storytelling, screenings, discussion panels, and music, celebrating the Wise Wool Project and its culmination.

Join in on the celebrations, which will bring together local fibre artists, sheep farmers, and the wider community to better understand how to create something from this valuable resource. This is a unique event for those interested in creating a solution to the current wool waste dilemma.

Bookings are required for two of the events (which are free). See below for links.

  • The Wet Felting Workshop with Irish Wool for ages 6+ from 11 AM to 12 PM.
  • The film screening of ‘Notes from Sheepland’ at 3 PM.

For more information and to book your free tickets to the film, visit this website – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thenaturehub/1405268?

For information about the wet felting workshop, visit this website – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thenaturehub/1405267?

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: Panel Discussion for Wool Month – London – This Friday

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

This is a bit late and not local; however, it’s still interesting: The Fashion and Textile Museum in London is having a panel discussion on Wool and Fashion tomorrow morning, Friday, the 18th.

October is Wool Month! – https://www.britishwool.org.uk/what-is-wool-month

“Panellists will share how they use wool in their collections and delve into the benefits and positive impacts of this historic versatile material. Discussions will share what it is like to work with British farms, and how the process of farm to fleece to finished garment works within the fashion industry.”

For more information and to book your ticket, visit their website – https://fashiontextilemuseum.org/museumevents/celebrating-british-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.

Of Interest: Wool in the News

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

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.

To read the article and watch a video that shows Galway Irish wool being processed into yarn and then woven, visit the Agriland website – https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/from-kilkenny-to-ny-textiles-crafted-at-cushendale-woollen-mills/

Irish Sweater Article


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.

To read the article, visit the Irish Examiner’s website – https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/outdoors/arid-41490926.html

Great British Wool Revival Website

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.

For more information (and to play with their nifty interactive map), visit their website – https://www.greatbritishwoolrevival.co.uk/

Ériu Interviewed on RTE Countrywide

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.

To listen to the program, visit the RTE website – https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22428332/

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.

Events: Wonderful Wool Talk and Panel – Belfast

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Step into the world of Wonderful Wool, where we will delve into the potential of Irish-grown wool as a sustainable natural material. Attendees can look forward to a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring keynote speakers from the Irish Grown Wool Council (IGWC). There will be a presentation and interactive seminar featuring craftspeople from across Ireland who champion the benefits of wool in various ways.

The keynote speakers are members of the Irish Grown Wool Council, a dedicated body that promotes Irish-grown wool both locally and globally. Be inspired by their insights and learn about the innovative efforts to advance the standard and create markets for Irish-grown wool.

There will be a networking lunch after the talks for attendees to engage with the panel and peers on all things wool. There will also be a maker’s demonstration and exhibit celebrating all things wool!

When: Friday, the 16th of August 2024, from 10 AM – 1:30 PM.
Where: Conor Lecture Theatre, Ulster University

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

  • Panel Discussion: Dive into the world of wool with keynote speakers from the Irish Grown Wool Council (IGWC).
  • Interactive Seminar: Engage with talented craftspeople from across Ireland.
  • Networking Lunch: Connect with our panel and fellow wool enthusiasts.
  • Maker’s Demonstration & Exhibit: Celebrate the beauty and versatility of wool.

PANELISTS:

  • Chris Weiniger, General Manager, @donegalyarns
  • Jayne Harkness-Bones, Wool Collection, Grading & Trading, Ulster Wool
  • Laura Perrem, Artistic Director & Club Manager, @stolenstitches
  • Alison Gault, Senior Lecturer & Researcher, Belfast School of Art, @ulsteruni

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate wool’s beauty and sustainability!

This event is part of August Craft Month.

To book your free ticket, visit Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wonderful-wool-tickets-927179507867

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: Upcoming Screenings of ‘Notes from Sheepland’ Documentary

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

‘Notes From Sheepland’ is a new documentary film that follows the life of artist and shepherd Orla Barry.

From the Light House Cinema website: “Orla Barry is a self-confessed ovine addict. She is a decade in sheep, she’s still wondering what possessed her to start, but yet she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Orla lived in Brussels for 16 years and now lives and works in South East Ireland, where she runs a flock of pedigree Lleyn sheep. Her work deals with the tensions of being an artist and an eco-farmer in rural Ireland. The Sheep have slowed her art career, but at the same, caring for them has hugely inspired it. She escapes the studio by going to the sheep, and escapes the sheep by hiding in her studio. NOTES FROM SHEEPLAND follows Orla, an outlier, as she floats between these worlds.”

‘Notes from Sheepland’ will open in the following cinemas:

• Irish Film Institute (IFI) in Dublin (Friday 26 July 6:30 PM) There will be a Q&A with director Cara Holmes and Orla Barry, hosted by Selina Guinness, after the 6:30 PM screening. –https://ifi.ie/film/notes-from-sheepland-2024/

• Light House Cinema in Dublin (26 July-1 August) –https://www.lighthousecinema.ie/film/notes-from-sheepland

• Pálás Cinema in Galway (27-28 July) – https://www.palas.ie/film/notes-from-sheepland

• QFT in Belfast (3-7 August) – https://queensfilmtheatre.com/Whats-On/Notes-from-Sheepland

•Triskel in Cork (from 28 – 31 July) – https://triskelartscentre.ie/events/notes-from-sheepland/

• Arc in Wexford one night only (Wednesday 31 July, 8:15 PM). Screening & Q&A with Orla Barry and director Cara Holmes, hosted by Wexford Arts Officer, Liz Burns. – https://wexford.arccinema.ie/event/90024

To watch the film’s official trailer, visit YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=GbTa5_8M-Vg&feature=youtu.be

There is an interview with Orla Barry on RTE Radio 1 with Brendan O’Connor. Listen to it here – https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22416993/

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.