Meet the Wool

01/09/2026

I have a bumper crop of marigold this year and am drying them for winter dyeing. Saffron/orange marigolds specifically link to purity and spirituality in Hindu tradition, echoing the saffron color worn by sadhus and used in religious flags.

16/08/2026

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 6th National 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

15/06/2026

I've just returned home from a magical weekend workshop of indigo dyeing with Malu .earth. we made not 1 but 4 different vats and dyed a variety of fibres. I was always intimidated by creating an indigo vat but no more! I can see lots of blues in my future. .earth

31/05/2026

Come share with me a weekend of dyeing with nature. This workshop is for total beginners who want to explore the world of colour from nature. You can read the details and find out how to book from my link in bio or from my website: www.irishfibrecrafters.com. I'll see you there on the 6th and 7th of June.