Born In A Field - Handweaving
Textiles
I am a handloom weaver based in County Antrim. I have been a crafter, hobby spinner, weaver and sewing enthusiast for as long as I remember. A number of years ago I found myself fortunate enough to have the opportunity to explore my love of wool using traditional tweed yarns and weaving patterns on a traditional cottage style 4-shaft floor loom, the kind that would historically have been found in numerous cottages across the North of Ireland prior to the introduction of power looms and I now use it to make a range of 'slow' textiles.
Gallery
Bio
I have been fortunate to be mentored by one of the few remaining master Donegal Tweed hand weavers in Ireland, John Heena and under his guidance, I qualified as the first weaver from Northern Ireland with a distinction in the skill of Donegal weaving accredited jointly by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) and Donegal Education & Training Board.
After sourcing an original loom from South West Donegal, it was dismantled and transported to my home in Co Antrim where I have rebuilt it and use it to weave a range of blankets, scarves, crios belts and fabric for one of a kind clothing & accessories from luxurious pure wool locally sourced.
The equipment and technique used is exactly as would have been used throughout the cottage industry of Ulster’s bygone era.
I am very proud to play a small part in our province to keep the heritage of handweaving alive for future generations.
Address
located 5 minutes from Belfast International Airport
Opening Hours
Visitors welcome by prior appointment
- Videos
- Events
- Commissions / Workshops / Private bookings
I attend a number of children’s workshops, wellbeing and heritage events throughout the year across Northern Ireland.
Listings of upcoming fairs are available on my social media accounts.