Irish Fibre Crafters

12/09/2026

I've been growing indigo and woad this summer and thought I'd share some dye results. I used wool, alpaca and silk and dyed with a cold water method for the indigo and a sodium hydrosulfite vat for the woad. # #

01/09/2026

16/08/2026

Just back from Athenry Walled Town Day. An event I'm always looking forward to. These are just a few of the many talented folks making and performing today.

19/07/2026

Then and now. Yesterday the Galway sheep breeders, Galway Wool Co-op and 20 artists and crafters celebrated the Galway sheep with their annual meitheal at the Athenry Mart. This was the 6th such event and I was reflecting on the first meitheal, which consisted of the sheep breeders, 2 of us spinning and the musicians. This year President Connolly herself attended and was so gracious and kind, speaking to everyone and even participating in spinning and dancing. The diversity of the art was amazing, ranging from traditional to contemporary. These photos show only a small bit of the activity. I had so much fun and don't know what could possibly top it next year.

19/07/2026

Then and now. Yesterday the Galway sheep breeders, Galway Wool Co-op and 20 artists and crafters celebrated the Galway sheep with their annual meitheal at the Athenry Mart. This was the 6th such event and I was reflecting on the first meitheal, which consisted of the sheep breeders, 2 of us spinning and the musicians. This year Ptesident Catherine Connolly herself attended and was so gracious and kind, speaking to everyone and even participating in spinning and dancing. The diversity of the art was amazing, ranging from traditional to contemporary. These photos show only a small bit of the activity. I had so much fun and don't know what could possibly top this next year.

10/07/2026

This year I planted a dye garden in 3 raised beds. In them are growing weld, woad, indigo, marigold, hollyhock, camomile. Until these are ready, I've sampled from plants around me: artichoke, birch and alder cones. This is all a part of my Natural Dyeing COA through the Associated Guilds of Weaving Spinning and Dyeing. It's been slow going but luckily I have 5 years to complete it!

09/07/2026

Join me for a special day and special experience on Sunday at Cragganowen. There will be something of interest to everyone. See you there!

07/07/2026

A lovely day for skirting this Cladoir/Shetland fleece from . It has lovely colours-white, greys, browns. I'm anticipating the spinning.

30/06/2026

The asking price has remained the same at €2.50/kg with a focus on rebuilding the volume of the clip and reopening markets...

27/06/2026

Join us to celebrate with President Catherine Connolly the 6thNational Irish Wool Harvest from Ireland's native sheep breed, the Galway.
WHERE: Athenry Livestock Mart County Galway

WHEN: Saturday 18 July 2026
Harvesting starts at 9:30

-Shearing Demo
-Spinning Demo
-Best Fleece Competition

All are welcome