Meet the Wool

I've been growing indigo and woad this summer and thought I'd share some dye results. I used wool, alpaca and silk and dyed with a cold water method for the indigo and a sodium hydrosulfite vat for the woad. # #

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.

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.

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!

Join me for a special day and special experience on Sunday at Cragganowen. There will be something of interest to everyone. See you there!

A lovely day for skirting this Cladoir/Shetland fleece from . It has lovely colours-white, greys, browns. I'm anticipating the spinning.

President Connolly to attend 'national harvest' of wool in Galway The asking price has remained the same at €2.50/kg with a focus on rebuilding the volume of the clip and reopening markets...