"Branching Out" an exhibition by the Western Branch of Irish Patchwork Society at the Galway City Museum

PLEASE NOTE THIS EXHIBITION HAS CLOSED EARLY DUE TO RENOVATIONS AT THE GALWAY CITY MUSUEM. APOLOGIES TO ANYONE WHO MISSED THE EXHIBITION DUE TO THE SHORT NOTICE OF THE CLOSURE

"Branching Out" an exhibition of quilts by the Western Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society will open at 3pm on Saturday April 16th at the Galway City Museum, all are welcome! It promises to be a great exhibition, so don't miss it!

On 7th April, 2011 the Western Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society presented the museum with this beautiful quilt "Western Reflections" showing some scenes of life in the West of Ireland. The quilt will remain part of the Museum's permanent collection.

For more information about the Western Branch of the IPS see http://www.westernips.blogspot.com/

"The Narrative Line" An exhibition by Alice Kettle and Bernie Leahy

Before travelling home from Downpatrick on 12th March I took a detour to visit the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn for the last day of an exhibition of textiles by Alice Kettle and Bernie Leahy which is a touring exhibition organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland.

I've seen work by both artists before but was interested to see them both together as they are very different in style and technique although both rely heavily on stitch.

I am a fan of Bernie Leahy's work and marvel at her stitched drawing skills! The image above was taken from Google images and it is quite small so it's hard to see the detail. The piece itself was approx 20 x 30inches if I remember correctly. There were larger stitched drawings, bronze sculptures with stitched components, victorian lockets with stitched drawings and some plaster-dipped children's dresses with stitched drawings. I liked the variety of work and the mix of materials used. I also like the contemporary/conceptual element of her work. If you'd like to see more check out her website at http://www.efiberart.com/

Alice Kettle uses lots more colour and machine-stitching in her work, which is generally larger scaled. I wonder how she manages to manipulate these large canvas-based pieces on her sewing machine? The finished pieces undulate with the heavy stitching, a quality I think adds texture, depth and movement. Her work reminds me of Chagall's paintings, which I saw in Nice, France when I was a student in the late '80's. Alice Kettle also showed paper collages and ceramics in the exhibition. For more of her work see http://www.alicekettle.com/

The Island Arts Centre is one to be proud of where craft, fine art and the community live together happily! It is a large centre with lots of rooms for workshops. On the day I visited 3 or 4 of them were occupied with groups of all ages enjoying a variety of workshops. Naomi Whan teaches a number of textile workshops here (for info on her work see http://craftni.org/directory/maker/naomi-whan)

The centre has at least one (maybe more) artist studios. One of those is currently occupied by artist-in-residence, Andrea McCullough - a ceramic artist. I liked her quirky 'love-potion' bottle and brought one home to see if it works!

The centre also seems to have a vibrant community arts scheme with the resultant work by community groups also on display.

The centre supports local artists through an award/purchase scheme and the collection is displayed throughout. I was delighted to see that textiles feature prominently.

The Textile Art Forum residential week at Ballyduggan, Co. Down.

This was my second year participating in a week's residential with The Textile Art Forum in Ballyduggan, Co. Down (www.thetextileartforum.blogspot.com).
Four of us attended this year to explore the theme "Stitching the Legend".
I am initially creating some pieces with tree silhouettes against various sky backdrops, taking inspiration from the legend of "Eithne the fairy bride" which is associated with the hill of Knockma in Belclare Co. Galway near where I live.
The work each of us will produce on this theme which we have started during our residential week will be exhibited firstly in Ballyjamesduff Museum in June 2011 and will then tour to other venues through to 2012.
This residential week though relaxing is also very productive for me and I have come home with an initial signature piece completed and 3 others in various stages of progress (see above) and lots of ideas for further work....so I'm fired up and hoping to keep up the momentum!

"Function and Form" Conference by Cork Textiles Network

This year I got a chance to attend the Cork Textiles Network conference in Cork for the first time. I think this event will need to be a regular date for my calendar. I could only attend one day of this 2-day event this year but it was definitely worth the trip!

In the morning there were 3 artist talks:

Deirdre Nelson is currently artist in residence at the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh, Co. Cork. Read all about her work at http://dstitched.blogspot.com/ and she is looking for textile artists to participate in some of her activities there during March.

Diana Harrison's work has been widely exhibited (see photo from CTN conference brochure above) and you can read some more about her at http://www.clothandculturenow.com/Diana_Harrison.html

Aileen Johnston received the Award of Excellence at the RDS Crafts Competition a few years ago for her stunning 'Book of Hours' which contains her beautiful machine-embroidered illustrations.

In the afternoon I attended a workshop 'sketchbooking for textile artists' with Jenny Monks, a tutor at Colaiste Stiofan Naofa. The workshop was very enjoyable and helped me explore some new directions for a new series of work I am planning related the folklore of Knockma, Co. Galway.

The four pieces above are part of a series called "Aunty's sewing Box" which were included in the "Seamless" exhibition at Colaiste Stiofan Naofa which continues until the 13th April.

II Hemming lace and Harris tweed IV Twinsets and darning wool
I Silk stockings and tea in Ballincollig III Hooks, eyes and pearly buttons

Tread Softly Exhibition by Crafts Council of Ireland at Cork Public Museum

I attended the opening of 'Tread Softly' an exhibition of textiles by members of the Crafts Council of Ireland at the Cork Public Museum on Friday 4th March.

The exhibition continues until 30th April, so if you get a chance to travel to Cork it's definitely worth a visit.

"Make it New" An exhibition by the Textile Art Forum until

A photograph from "Make it New" an exhibition by the Textile Art Forum which continues until 25th February at

Ards Arts Centre,
Newtownards Town Hall,
Conway Square,
Newtownards,
Co Down, BT23 4DB

Opening times: 10.00 – 16.30 Mon - Thurs, 10.00 – 16.00 Fri - Sat

For more information see www.textileartforum.blogspot.com

"Seamless" off the body, on the wall: Textile exhibition at Colaiste Stiofain Naofa, Cork

My aunt was influential in teaching me how to sew when I was about 6 years old. I recently inherited her sewing box, filled with her threads and sewing notions for mending, altering and embellishing clothing. Some aunties may seem/seam so straight! But my aunty lived an interesting and full life in Ireland, UK and the USA. She seemed quite exotic to a very impressed 6-year old! These nostalgic treasures inspired a series of 4 8x8inch block pieces. (photos of the 4 pieces to follow shortly!)

Crafted Creatures at the Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin

Fellow Cork Textiles Network colleague, Ann Kiely's work will feature in "Crafted Creatures" event at the Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin from 15th February to 1st April, 2011. For more information on this event see www.ark.ie.

'Form and Function' in Textiles, A Conference by Cork Textiles Network

A two-day conference of textiles from Britain and Ireland's leading contemporary textile artists takes place at Colaiste Stiofan Naofa, Tramore Road, Cork on 5th and 6th March, 2011. For a full listing of events and workshops see http://www.corktextiles.com/.

"Make it New" an exhibition by the Textile Art Forum in Co. Down

The Textile Art Forum

presents

Make it New

an exhibition of textiles at

Ards Arts Centre,

Newtownards Town Hall,

Conway Square,

Newtownards,

Co Down, BT23 4DB

Official opening: Thursday, 3rd February, 2011: 19.00-21.00

Exhibition runs from 2nd - 25th February 2011

Opening times: 10.00 – 16.30 Mon - Thurs, 10.00 – 16.00 Fri - Sat

http://textileartforum.blogspot.com

Hand applique class at Pippa Blue, Galway

This 2 ½ hr class is suitable for beginners.

Hand appliqué is a technique used in many quilts to create floral and other patterns. We will provide basic sewing equipment for you to share to help you get started. We will applique a pattern to a background square to form a 12 ½ in block, which you can put with others to make a sampler quilt like the one above.

You can bring the following supplies, if you have them:

 100% cotton fabrics (Pippa Blue has a selection of ‘fat quarters’ for sale)

 sewing needle

 neutral (cream or light grey) cotton thread

 sharp fabric scissors.

Notes will be provided.

Why not join us for a Sunday afternoon class (This class will be re-schduled for a later date, perhaps in February see below for details of how to find out more) and learn some of the techniques to help you make your own family heirloom quilt? For more information

 Call into the shop Pippa Blue, Middle St. Galway.

 Phone 091 566972

 Book online at www.pippablue.com (sewing classes)

Creative Textiles Workshop at Galway Technical Institute

I was delighted to be invited to work with students at the Galway Technical Institute on Friday 14th January, to demonstrate a variety of free-machine embroidery and quilting techniques.

Free-machine embroidery into soluble fabric. Circles of red stitches were formed into a lacy heart shape. Another student sample was curled into a cone shape. By leaving some of the 'glue' in the finished sample and forming it into a 3D shape while wet, it dries hard and holds its shape providing interesting design opportunities.

Here a student trapped some snippets of sheer fabrics between 2 layers of soluble film in an embroidery hoop and stitched over them in circular patterns.

A student traps snippets of various fabrics under sheer fabric. A layer of pelmet (heavy weight) vilene is used as a background. Free-machine embroidery holds the layers together. The finished sample can be cut and shaped into collars, cuffs, bags, etc. These can be further embellished with decorative stitching, beading etc.

For more information on the Advanced Certificate in Fashion Design see http://www.gti.ie/

Launch of new Craft Fair at Galway City Museum

Sinead and I enjoy a glass of festive cheer at the Galway City Museum's new Craft Fair, which was officially launched on Saturday 11th December by Galway City Arts Officer, James Harrold.

Some of my embroidered journals are for sale at the Museum.

One of my 'Stone walls, tall grasses and moon' series of silk wall-hangings.

Another wall-hanging beside Joanna McGlynn's wonderful bird series.

Some more of my embroidered journals included in the mix of products on offer. Lisa Ryder's digitally printed cushions are also in this photo.

Thanks to Mairead Cunningham for the great photos of the event.

Groundworks Studios launch new craft space at Galway City Museum on Saturday 11th December

Embroidered wool hot water bottles by Caroline Moran

Knitted wool hats and gloves by BreegeWalsh.

Digitally printed cushions and scarves by Lisa Ryder.

Embroidered birds by Joanna McGlynn.

Embroidered and printed wall-art by Ester Kiely.

These are just some of the products now on sale at the new craft space at Galway City Museum, Spanish Arch, Galway. You are invited to come to the official opening by James Harald (Galway City Arts Officer) at 3pm on Saturday 11th December. It is a special celebration too as Groundworks Studios is officially 1 year old in December! And what a year it has been. Here are just some of the successes of the group:

 Following an exciting launch exhibition at Groundworks Studios in December 2010, the group quickly transformed the space to accommodate 15 full time studio members.
 Further fund-raising secured shared equipment such as a kiln, textile-printing equipment, studio furniture, etc.
 “Random Shuffle”, an exhibition of textile, ceramic and mixed media artwork took place in an unoccupied retail space in Abbeygate Street in July.
 Participation in Heritage Week with “Open Week’ at the Studios.
 A series of workshops in ceramics, textiles and creativity was launched in September, which brought members of the public into Groundworks Studios to learn new skills. For further information on ongoing workshops contact Emer on 087 4172029.
 Participation in Galway Culture Night in collaboration with other artists at Niland House Gallery, Merchants Road.
 In October, Groundworks Studios participated in the SCCUL Enterprise Awards at the Ballybane Enterprise Centre. Here the group’s display of work attracted a lot of admiring attention.
 In November the group launched “Open Studio” every Thursday from 12 until 6pm until December 16th.
 Individuals within the group have also been involved in the Crafts Council of Ireland’s Future Makers and CraftEd Programmes, Showcase Ireland, features in magazines such as House and Home and Galway Now, interviews on Galway Bay FM and involvement in other group exhibitions at home and abroad.

You can follow the group’s activities on Facebook or at www.groundworksstudios.com. If you would like to support the group in its future plans please contact Emer on 087 4172029 to become a “Friend of GroundWorks Studios”.

Crafts Exhibition at Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

I'm off to Castlebar on Saturday 27th November, with a whole new batch of embroidered journals, textile wall-art and other goodies for the annual craft fair at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar. This is always a great event organised by Alex and Brendan. The Arts Centre has a nice coffee-shop and it's a busy venue on the main street. I enjoy meeting customers who come to visit year after year and it's great to catch up with other craftspeople and see what they are working on. I often come home with a few Christmas purchases of my own as there is a great selection of ceramics, woodwork, jewellery, textiles and lots more on offer. If you are in the area, pop in and say hello as we get ready to enter into the Christmas season!

Printing Photos onto Fabric Workshop on Inisheer

An invitation to the Aran Islands is not one to refuse! So, when Mary McCarthy of "Mna le Cheile" asked me to come to Inisheer to demonstrate printing photos onto fabric, I didn't have to think twice.

But being November, with storms and rough seas forecast during the week, I was afraid that Winter was going to put a stop to my excitement.

However, although Saturday was rainy....it was calm enough at sea and the ferry was running.


The workshop went very quickly as we wanted to try a good few techniques including:

• Miracle Fabric Sheets from CJenkins }
• EQ Printables from the Electric Quilt Company } both recommended for inkjet printers
• Tshirt transfer paper from Tesco ironed onto fabric
• Image Maker solution painted onto a photocopy and transferred to fabric
• Acrylic Medium painted onto a photocopy and transferred to fabric
• Printing directly onto our own fabric cut to A4 and ironed onto Freezer Paper to stabilise it before printing with laser/inkjet.

This photo shows the paper being removed from the Imagemaker print.

This photo shows the result of a tshirt transfer print.

Jenny and Cormac seem pleased with the result of the Imagemaker transfer.

Images of Inisheer hanging up to dry!

Each of these techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages. Results can vary depending on the printer, the brand of product used, the fabric used, etc. Colour and light-fastness will depend on the number of washes, the detergent used, etc.

But this workshop was a 'hands-on' introduction to the possibilities of incorporating printed photographs, drawings, documents, etc. into your own work to personalise it further.

Those attending the workshop came from different backgrounds in weaving, felting, patchwork, photography, costume design, etc. So hopefully everyone went away having learned something new to apply to their own work in the future.

As for me......

• I learned a lot, as usual when I teach a workshop.
• I received a warm welcome on a rainy night with delicious homemade soup and brown-bread.
• I slept cosily under Mary and Pat's thatched roof in their lovely home.
• I woke to a beautiful November morning on Inisheer looking out at the Atlantic.
• I reminded myself of how magical Inisheer is at any time of year.

A big thanks to Mary for inviting me and to everyone at the class for such a lovely welcome. Go raibh mile maith agaibh!

Open Days at Groundworks Studios every Thursday until 16th December

Here are some photos of my embroidered journals and 'Mo Ghra Thu' blocks on display at the Open Day at Groundworks Studios on Thursday 11th November from 12-6pm (and every Thursday until December 16th). In the photo you can also see ceramics by Roisin Gregory and embroidered brooches by Caroline Moran.
These are just some of the textile, ceramic, fashion, interior and jewellery products made for sale by members of Groundworks Studios. If you are in Galway on Thursdays make your way to Lyrr Building 3, Mervue Business Park (entrance on Monivea Road if you are driving or through the pedestrian access opposite Renault Garage on the Tuam Road). This is a chance to meet the makers and see a selection of work being produced.

Creative Jounalling Class at Mohill Family Resource Centre, Leitrim

These are just some of the pages created by those attending the workshops on 'Creative Journalling' at Mohill Family Resource Centre. In our first class we looked at simple tricks to overcome the fear of starting to write, draw, collage or paint onto a brand-new white page. Then we used a variety of sources to try to find 'jump-off' or 'starting' points to express something on paper. The journals are meant to be a safe place to learn to explore ideas. Refining those ideas will come later.....for now it's all about learning to have fun and lose yourself in the process without worrying about the outcome. The course runs for 3 weeks, so hopefully we'll see some more pages from this group soon.

Mo ghra thu (I love you) series

Some new 'Mo ghra thu (I love you)' pieces destined for Kaleidoscope in Westport and the Cork Textiles Network stand at the Knitting and Stitching Show in the RDS.

Embroidered Journals for GroundWorks Studios

Some new journals on their way to the GroundWorks stand at the Ballybane Enterprise Centre on Thursday 21st October. As a new Enterprise set up in 2009/2010 in the Mervue and Ballybane area, GroundWorks Studios is one of a number of new businesses being considered for Enterprise Awards in the area. This is a great opportunity for the group to inform the public and the local business community about what has been achieved in the first year and future plans for the group.

GroundWorks Studios will open to the public with artworks for sale every Thursday from mid-November until Christmas. I will have some work available for sale at these open days. More info to come.

New Journals in jewel-colours!

A new batch of A6 Journals are off to Kaleidoscope, the new craft gallery in Westport, www.kaleidoscopearts.ie. These have been made in a variety of jewel colours, with mixed textures of chenille, wool, silk and cotton, vintage buttons and beads, variegated threads and some words printed on fabrics and 'salvaged' from a beautiful old book of sheet music from around 1890-1920.

I hope to make some more journals soon in anticipation of the opening of my new on-line shop (watch this space!). A big thank you to Aga, creator of beautiful yarns and knitted shawls (see www.etsy.com/shop/knitspinfelt) who took the time recently to walk me through the experience of setting up shop on www.etsy.com.

Mo ghra thu (I love you)...new series of work

I'm working on making a new series of 'Mo ghra thu (I love you) 8x8 blocks. I'm changing the colour of the text in the background, the thread I'm sketching with and the border covering the deep frame. The one above is on its way to a new craft shop on Bridge Street in Westport. See http://www.kaleidoscopearts.ie/ for more info on this lovely shop/gallery of contemporary Irish Art and Craft.

"Seeing Red" an exhibition of work by Cork Textiles Network currently showing at the Bishopstown Library, Cork until 29th October

These 4 pieces are stretched over "fat 8's" (8 x 8 inch deep frames). The theme for the Cork Textiles Network exhibition is "Seeing Red". I wanted to play with thread-sketching with a black and white background and free-machine embroidery in red thread. I printed the words 'mo ghra thu' (I love you) as a background on white cotton. Adding wadding to the back, I free-machine quilted my drawings and patterns on top. I added a red border to cover the deep frame.

One of these sold on the opening night, so that was nice!