Inis Oirr Classes

It's always a pleasure to head out to Inis Oirr for a class with the Mná le Chéile group.

Following the arrival of Mary McCarty to the island the group came together and met to sew in the Arts Centre: Arás Eanna.  Since then they have moved to their own lovely premises Teach Brid, a renovated cottage that is home to the group and their Gammill long arm quilter.

Many of the group are very experienced quilters at this stage and make lovely and varied work.  They also host classes for young people from local schools.  I was invited to do a class this autumn and suggested the nine-patch that you cut and twist. 

I figured that the more experienced quilters might get a quilt-top done and at the same time it would be a good block for beginners to try. We discussed colour choices on the Friday evening and some people even began cutting their strips.

On Saturday morning it was full steam ahead. Participants had instructions for a cot, single or double quilt.

One person went for a single quilt, the others for cot quilts. One person opted to make a bed runner with 10 blocks.

We cut, sewed and re-arranged the blocks and by 4pm (last flight leaves at 4.45) three cot quilts tops were complete and the rest well on the way. It was a a lovely place to spend a sunny October Saturday.

Photos show Allissa, Mairead and Mary's quilts. 

Anne Marie Horan

Made In Galway

Our "Western Reflections" heritage quilt took center stage on the Made In Galway poster!

The above photo was taken at an event in the beautifully restored Claregalway Castle on Friday 28 September.

The event was organized and hosted by Fins Gousiers d'Anjou, Galway County Council- Made in Galway, Dr. Earmonn O'Donoghue (Claregalway Castle), Mr Alan Farrell, Mr Seamus Sheridan of Sheridan's Cheesemongers, UBIFRANCE and Ballinasloe Town Council to present the wines of the Anjou Region and to promote the work of Galway-based food and craft producers.

Made in Galway is a Galway Co Council initiative to promote the work of Galway food and craft producers.  See www.madeingalway.ie for more information or "like" their page on facebook.

For more information about cultural evenings at Claregalway Castle, see www.claregalwaycastle.com

-Ester Kiely

October Branch Meeting

This is just  a short reminder that the Western Branch of the IPS will meet in the Bridge Centre 

this coming Saturday, October 13th from 10 - 12 (or maybe 12.30)

At this week's meeting we will have the benefit of our own Branch talent.

Pam Dolan and Lynn Naughton will be our speakers.

Pam will talk to us about "Colour and Design". Lynn will give a ruler demonstration.

Our shop is "Seams Sew Simple" with lots of treats.

In the afternoon there will be a bag workshop with Johanna Tyrell and Colette O'Donnell. 

The workshop is full but there is a waiting list in operation

Now A BIG SHOUT OUT FOR ALL THE CÚ NA MARA QUILTS.

If you made a Cu na Mara quilt earlier in the year please bring it to the meeting on Saturday.

We are gathering them together on that day so that they can be brought up to Dublin in time for the Knitting and Stitching Show.

So please don't forget to bring your quilt on Saturday

If you have a friend who might be interested why not bring her/him along as a visitor to the meeting.

If you are in touch with someone who used to be a member why not invite them to come along again.

Non-members of the IPS may visit two meetings in a year, admission €5 per visit.

Membership of the IPS is €40 per year and entitles members to:

attend meetings, take part in exhibitions, do workshops and receive the quarterly newsletter.

Looking forward to seeing you Saturday,

Exhibition By Mary Palmer

You are cordially invited to view the work of Mary Palmer in an exhibition presented by Cork Textiles.

Held at the Bishopstown Library from Wednesday 10th October - Saturday 27th October 2012,  a grand opening will take place on 11 October at 6:00 PM in the Bishopstown Library with Pascal DeConinck as the guest speaker.  The exhibition is open from Monday to Saturday from 10AM - 5:30 PM or on Thursday from 10AM to 8PM.

For more information, please visit www.corktextiles.com.

National Exhibition of Quilts: Buildings, Bricks & Blocks

A reminder to all quilters that the National Exhibition of Quilts, an exhibition hosted by the Irish Patchwork Society, is now open for viewing.  The exhibition runs from 2-12 October from 10AM to 5PM at:

Istabraq Hall
Limerick City Council
City Hall
Merchants Quay
Limerick

The official opening of the exhibition is tonight, the 5th of October, beginning at 7:30PM.  There is no admission fee and all are welcome to attend.

For more information, please visit www.irishpatchwork.ie or midwestpatchwork.blogspot.com

Enjoy!