HI Everyone,
I hope you all had a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day last weekend. I had a wonderful time at the Dublin parade despite the unseasonably cold weather. A piping hot Irish coffee was definitely in order! So this week I’m continuing my series exploring Irish arts and craft traditions. This week it’s the turn of Irish weavers.
The art of spinning and weaving in Ireland goes back centuries. Early forms of wool spinning go back some 6000 years to Neolithic times. Of course, Ireland has a long tradition of tweed hand weaving. This thriving industry was almost completely wiped out by the Great Famine but some places managed to continue the craft, most notably county Donegal.
Thankfully today, the art of weaving in Ireland continues to grow in popularity and woven blankets, caps and scarves are must-have pieces. We have three wonderful makers at The Irish Store who continue this age-old tradition to the highest standards. So let’s drop by and browse some of their beautiful pieces.
Irish Weavers at The Irish Store
1. Foxford Woolen Mills
In the heart of County Mayo on the banks of the River Moy, stands the renowned Foxford Woolen Mills, Ireland’s oldest working mill and the makers of world famous woven rugs and scarves. It was founded by Sister Arsenius, a Sister of Charity in 1892. Together with John Charles Smith, they built the mill. While beginnings were tough to say least in the aftermath of the famine, by the early 20th century the mill was thriving and the looms still run to this today. Here at the Irish Store, we have selected the cream of their stunning collections. Here are two of my favorite pieces.
Foxford Red & Green Check Throw Blanket
Add some real Irish luxury to your home with this beautiful Irish wool blanket. Part of their Heritage collection, inspired by the old Irish country house, the warm red and leafy green yarns are expertly woven into a stylish rustic check with a delicate rolled fringe. A true Irish classic.
Foxford Check Baby Blanket
Whether it’s a bouncing boy or a precious girl, you can wrap them in a little piece of Ireland with this beautiful Irish wool baby blanket. Exquisitely woven in County Mayo at the world-renowned Foxford Woollen Mills, it features a classic check design. A charming Irish addition to the nursery and the perfect newborn baby gift from Ireland.
2. Mc Nutt of Donegal
In the picturesque village of Downings on the stunning Rosguill peninsula in County Donegal, you will find Mc Nutts of Donegal. Here they have been producing stunning weaves for more than 60 years. Their team of designers take inspiration from the surrounding awe-inspiring land and seascapes. Here are two of their greatest hits from The Irish Store.
McNutts Lambswool Landscape Blanket
Snuggle up in style on a chilly evening with this stunning lambswool throw. The soft moss green herringbone design makes a great addition to any bed or couch. Finished with a delicate rolled fringe in neutral cream.
Herringbone Lambswool Scarf
Crafted from beautifully soft and easy to wear merino lambswool, the design is classic herringbone and the 4 vibrant colors are sure to add a striking finishing touch to any outfit. It also comes beautifully presented in a crafted gift box. The perfect Irish gift for him or her that will see them through many seasons to come.
3. Mucros Weavers
The last but certainly not least of our Irish weavers hails from the Kingdom of Kerry. Mucros Weavers can be found in the heart of Killarney National Park at the stunning Muckross House and Gardens. Master weaver John Cahill began his apprenticeship in 1976 and is now responsible for all their stunning designs and weaves. Some pieces are woven on 200-year-old Hattersley looms!
The Mucros Country Cape
Get the classic Irish look with this stunning cape. The Irish cape is a timeless design legend and here it comes in a flattering hip length with a 3 button fastening and a smart collar. It’s beautifully crafted using age-old methods at the Mucros studio in county Kerry and with over 30 years experience, the quality is second to none.
Irish Wool Flat Cap by Mucros Weavers
The Irish flat cap is a true classic and here we bring you one of Ireland’s finest. Handcrafted in the Kingdom of Kerry using age-old methods by the renowned Mucros Weavers, the Trinity Irish cap is beautifully made from the finest pure wool and is fully lined.
So there’s just a taster of our stunning collections from the looms of some of the finest Irish weavers. Keep on shopping below and use BLOG10 at the checkout to get a 10% discount.
See you next week,
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
