An evening of fine wine, local food and craft at Claregalway Castle

 

On a recent September night I was invited to the recently restored Claregalway Castle (to join the castle mailing list for future events see http://www.claregalwaycastle.com/). I was delighted to be part of this unique event. Bonfires showed the way to the castle entrance.

A court jester performed in the courtyard.

 

With trumpets, pomp and ceremony, Les Fins Gousiers d'Anjou (http://www.finsgousiers.fr/ arrived to kick off the celebration and tasting of fine wines from the Loire valley paired with cheeses, breads, chowder, oysters and cakes from the Galway region.

The castle was open for exploration with a few gargoyles guarding the tower.

www.madeingalway.ie is a website created to promote the food and craft produced in the county and a number of craftspeople were in attendance showing ceramics, woodwork and textiles.

Here's a selection of the work I exhibited on the night.

Watch out for more events showcasing 'Made in Galway' and be sure to visit Claregalway Castle whenever you get a chance!

Beginner's Patchwork Classes starting in Claregalway!

If you've ever thought of making your own patchwork quilt, now is your chance to learn! I kick off classes for beginners on Tuesday evenings from 19.00 to 21.00 at 'Space to Create', Cois Chláir Shopping Centre, Claregalway. The course will run from 2nd October to 13th November. By then you should be well on your way to snuggling up in your own quilt for Winter! Call me on 087 6193870 to book your place.

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!

"Crossroads" an EQA exhibition at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham

Follow this link to see photos of all the Irish entries at the "Crossroads" exhibition at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham. http://midwestpatchwork.blogspot.ie/2012/08/eqa-crossroads-exhibition-at-festival.html Mine is the second from the bottom on the left.