Introducing: Farapinalia

Hi, my name is Orla, from Farapinalia, and I live in Limerick in a house from the 1940s that seemed too large for myself and my long-suffering husband when we moved in 3 years ago. Now, however, it is about to explode due to the amount of fabric, wool, beads and trimmings that I am constantly cramming into it! I work from home. Oh dear!
I originally moved to Limerick for University where I studied Law, History and German. Quite early in the proceedings and much to the dismay of my parents and sensible acquaintances it became apparent that the reality of a law practice would not really suit me for some strange reason! For far more years than I care to remember I have been a Tour-Guide, travelling Ireland on mainly historical tours with coach-loads of German tourists! Well “two out of three aint bad”- and yes, I am old enough to remember the song.Around three years ago a friend and former colleague, Ruth from Nice Day Designs, began selling her fab customised clothes in a Sunday Market in the centre of Limerick . That got me thinking. Since I very rarely work on tours for 4-5 months every winter and spend much of that time baking and sewing, why not try doing it for a living? Actually make money from what has been my enduring passion since childhood- making pretty things for people and feeding them!! I figured that, since I was already making and customising wedding dresses for friends it wouldn’t be too hard! Famous last words! Still, with much encouragement I stuck with it and although it was slow to get going, it has been a challenge and a blast so far! When I am at home I go to markets in the area with my clothes and accessories and my Gluten and Wheat-free goodies. When I am touring I bring wool and crochet hooks with me! I even brought my sewing machine and fabric for a memorable month last year! My suitcase died! I now have a portable machine, perfect for holidays in Barcelona ! I did say long-suffering husband at the beginning!
I make clothes, bags and accessories from any material that I fall in love with at the time and I’m afraid that I must be a very fickle girl! At the moment I am making mainly crocheted hats, silk and chiffon skirts and dresses and brocade, velvet and p.v.c. coats! I love experimenting with different shapes and styles for my hats, trying different yarns and wools to get unusual effects and adding flowers, buttons and beads. I also adore embroidered and embellished silk for the luxurious feel and drape of it I have a terrible tendency to be unable to resist buying any that I really love when it is on sale and taking a year to work my way through all of it! Hence the house bursting at the seams! I started making rain macs from p.v.c. and vinyl 3 years ago and am constantly looking for funkier patterns and better-wearing material.

I also make fun and pretty costume jewellery from beads and findings, mostly sourced in Barcelona where we keep returning every year-my home away from home! Maybe when I am rich and famous! Ha ha!
Of late I have been custom designing and making bags, phone cases, briefcases and wallets which has been an enjoyable new challenge. I went on line in February after much nagging- sorry encouragement! Despite not knowing how to turn on a computer a year ago I love it and am really enjoying doing custom work for new people as far away as Australia ! I will be back doing coach tours again very shortly and have already got a new (sturdy) bag for my faithful sewing-machine companion!