An exhibition of quilts by Mogs McDonnell and her students in Headford

Mogs McDonnell is an inspirational textile artist and tutor working from her studio Bolg na Talún near Headford, County Galway. To celebrate the work completed by her students every year, an exhibition is held in the Parish Hall.

 



 

Here Mogs models her wearable art coat created for 'Fashion sans Frontieres' at the Birmingham Festival of Quilts 2011.

I particularly loved the 'cathedral windows' quilt Mogs made together with the active retirement group in Kilcoona.

 

This hexagon quilt was also amazing.

And this smaller quilt was very striking.

(apologies to the makers as I neglected to note down all the names!)

There were many other lovely pieces on show and the opening event was well attended. Be sure to watch out for this annual display as it is always a treat!

Bolg na Talún: A day in the studio of Mogs McDonnell

Bolg na Talún is the name of the quilting studio of Mogs McDonnell, near Headford, Co. Galway. This stone-built studio tucked behind the picturesque thatched cottage is like a little piece of heaven and I thoroughly recommend booking yourself into a workshop with this talented quilter....you will not be disappointed.

Mogs welcomed my sister and myself through the traditional half-door to her studio, where a wood-burning stove warmed the studio for a morning workshop.

Mogs comes from a long-line of tailors and some of the beautiful old sewing equipment is on display in the deep window-sills of her studio.

Mogs runs regular classes for beginners and advanced patchworkers and can also create a customised workshop to suit you or your group.

My sister and I enjoyed a relaxing hand project, learning how to create the 'cathedral window' pattern which we made into pin-cushions. Mogs also sells a range of fat-quarter fabrics to choose from for your workshop project.

For more information see the Crafts Council of Ireland's profile page for Mogs at

http://www.ccoi.ie/index.php?Itemid=280&option=com_staticxt&reference=1400&staticfile=detail.php