Taking a wee break

This poor blog has been terribly quiet of late. I feel very guilty to the readers and also the lovely craftspeople who have always emailed me with info and details to post.

The reason the blog has been neglected is because I have started doing a MA in Digital Culture through UCC. Although it was supposed to be part-time, I fear it is overwhelming me, and I can say it is nearly full time! A whole world of digital has opened up,  sucking up my time either directly or indirectly. In a good way though! I would like, while I have the opportunity to do this course, to devote as much time to it as possible. So rather than let this blog just linger, I am going to close it for a few months. while I work on my project. But fear not, I hope the blog comes back bigger, and better than before!

I am directing my research into the area of activism. Using arts and crafts as a means of communication, using digital tools, to make our world a better place. Craftivitsm! So, I am not entirely devoid of craft! But more reading into the academic side of it, in the hope of becoming more proficient about being able to write and talk about it. And about why I feel it is so important for us, in this overpowering digital age. I hope to do a lot of research on social media and design tools that can help craftspeople, promote our work, and use our skills for community activism. Conservation of crafts is also a key issue for me, the conservation of skills. So history and heritage are also key points in my research.

I have had to start a new blog, and write about my research throughout the year, so I feel I must step back on the other blogging fronts,such as this blog.

If you would like to follow my research, make suggestions, state opinions. etc, as ever, you are most welcome to join me at my new blog  Fite Fuaite  (Gaelige for intertwined) or a new Facebook page I have set up for my research Fite Fuaite.

I am very interested to hear from anyone, their views on technology, digital culture, for good or bad. The email is still in use, so simply email me at woollyway@gmail.com

Thank you for all your support for the blog to date, and hopefully we'll be chatting again soon!

Orla

EXHIBITION: On Your Marks, Lisburn,

printblock.ie

 rspacelisburn.com

On Your Marks from Sampler-cultureclash on Vimeo.

WORKSHOP: Millinery Masterclass, Westport, Co. Mayo

  

The Lina Stein International Winter Millinery Master Classes
14th- 15th November 2015
Westport , Ireland

2 Days Of Millinery Fun, Feathers, Frolics and Frivolity

With renowned International Guest Tutors, new Millinery Workshops, exciting Skills, Hat making materials and Talents to the Irish Milliners and to all creative souls. All taking place at the wonderful Quay Community Center in Westport,Co. Mayo

 Sharpen your scissors and prepare yourself for a super-duper hatty weekend!!

Introducing, renowned International Guest Tutor Carole Maher from Australia
-ADVANCED THERMOPLASTICS
-FEATHER FLOWERS
To read more about the 2 day Master Class click HERE

PRICES: Classes can be booked individually or as a “Workshop Bundle”

For more information contact:

Lina Stein
Westport. 

Co Mayo
Ireland

T:  076-6025466
M: 00353 87 9268401

E:  linasteinhats@eircom.net

W: www.linasteinmillinery.com

Woolly Way News: Sorry!

Apologies, for not having blogged for a few weeks! I have just been super busy, and just did not have the chance or energy to update the blog. My apologies, to the readers, but especially to anyone who emailed me with event notices that I didn't post!

Normal services resuming from now. And since its Autumn and prime learning season, (always my favourite!) I'm sure there will be a lovely bunch of courses and classes starting soon...

EVENTS: Electric Picnic 2015

 

When the summer is nearing its end, and the kids are getting ready to go back to school. You know its Electric Picnic time!!

Greencrafts will be making a welcome return to the festival, an exciting area that celebrates and teaches the ancient techniques and crafts of our wilder forefathers.Over the weekend there will be a host of master craftsmen and women on hand to teach traditional skills and there will be hands-on workshops with natural and sustainable materials to make something beautiful to take home with you.

Woolly Way News: Blog Awards Ireland 2015

We're delighted to have been Long-listed for 'Best Arts and Culture Blog' in the 2015 Blog Awards Ireland for another year!! Thank you to all and anyone who nominated us. We're well chuffed.

NEWS: Craft Inspired Covers

The Postmistress cover by Jenny Hart;  

The Jane Austen Book Club cover by Helen Musselwhite

We recently came across this article on 'Creative Review', about a series of Penguin books that are being re-published, with re-designed covers. Naturally enough, we love them!!

Six of Penguin's most popular recent fiction titles have been redesigned as a set with new craft-inspired covers. The Penguin By Hand series makes use of embroidery, crochet and quilting, with each technique further evoked on paper through the use of some serious embossing...