Full Circle – Irish Traditional Crafts

This is by way of introduction to a series of potted histories of Irish Traditional Crafts and how they relate to some of the work of the amazing crafters in the CraftyIrelandTeam. During the year I will be looking at Wool Spinning, Knitting, Crochet & Lace, Weaving, Felting, Patchwork, Woodwork, Woven rushwork, Bookbinding, Calligraphy, Jewellery and Stained Glass. You will see how the current crafters have brought their own creativity to that of the traditions of the past to ensure that these crafts will continue to grow and develop and not be lost. Each article will be published here on the last Thursday of the month and the final one will gather together all the newer crafts that have found a home here in Ireland as they too will become part of the traditional Irish crafts for the future.

Since time began basic human needs dictated that we had to clothe and feed ourselves and provide shelter. All the skills were passed down from mother to daughter and father to son. Each century brought new and exciting discoveries and inventions and humankind had to learn new skills to live in the world that was opening up before them. Every country has a wealth of exciting craft workers and artists and Ireland is no exception. While fashions change with each generation, basic skills remain the same. With the continued expansion of the world markets it has become cheaper to buy clothes, furniture, rugs etc than to make them. However, I believe that quality will always suffer so I am glad to see in recent years there has been a return to the joy and value of hand made and hand crafted.

My grandparents lived in the west of Ireland on a small holding in Co. Mayo. My grandmother would spin the wool from their own sheep, knit jumpers and socks for the men and send the rest to the local weaver to make blankets. While I have been a knitter / crocheter for many years it is only in the last few years that I learned how to use the hand spindle and last year I became the proud owner of a spinning wheel - affectionately called Jessie ( more of that later, tis a long story)

So this is where our journey starts. Over the year I hope to add to my skill set by learning as many of these crafts that are part of my family's history as I can. I will keep you posted on how I get on. As well as giving you a look at each craft I hope to be able to introduce some of the CraftyIrelandTeam crafters to you all. The next installment will concentrate on Spinning yarn/fibre/wool etc. So can those of you who are spinners or fibre sellers who would like to be be included please convo me through my etsy page http://www.huggleknits.etsy.com/ . If you are involved with a traditional craft that is not listed please get in touch also. Finally, all comments on this article and any part of the series are always welcome.

Cheers for now

Mo

aka - Murraymint

Next article date: 25 February - Spinning........