Wool exhibits many surprising and incredible characteristics. Most synthetic fabrics of today emulate the rich and lustrous fibres of wool but you can’t beat the real thing. Here are the traits that make wool stand out as a true superfabric. Keeps Us Both Warm & Cool Wool holds heat extremely well. Wool keeps us warm…
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Said to ward off evil, fire and hunger; the Cross of St. Brigid is an old Irish symbol of protection. The Brigid’s Cross is a religious symbol which is usually woven from rushes. The traditional design has four arms which are tied at the end and a woven square found in the middle. Who was St. Brigid?…
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Traditionally associated with our our Celtic cousins in Scotland, Tartan is the stand-out pattern of Autumn-Winter 2017. The Tartan’s Highland Heritage Tartan is an ancient Celtic style of weaving which is said to have originated in Scotland sometime between the fifth and sixth century. Woven from wool, these vibrant patterns were fashioned from stripes of different colors…
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As Summer comes to a close, we look at the trends which are set to dominate the Fall. With the days getting chillier we look forward to luxurious fabrics, deeper palettes as well as new and improved takes on outerwear. Making appearances on the runways of top designers such as Sonia Rykiel and Lanvin, the cable knit…
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This month the Museum of Modern Art in New York City announced that the Aran Jumper would get a starring role in an upcoming exhibition. To celebrate, we explore the hidden meanings behind this icon of Irish design. The Aran: Ireland’s Stamp on the Fashion World The humble aran sweater is to be one of 100…
Read MoreWhen it comes to Aran Sweaters, every stitch tells a story… The women of the Aran Islands imbued each individual stitch with a particular significance. The combination of stitches on each aran sweater told a very specific story about the wearer and their family. Stories of their loves, lives, losses and defiance… A Tragic Function Each…
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2017 is a very special year for Belleek Fine China as it celebrates a whopping 160 years in business. We at Blarney Woollen Mills are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion with our friends in Fermanagh! Belleek is a busy market town which straddles the border between the County Donegal (in the Republic) and County Fermanagh…
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The Tara Brooch was discovered in 1850. Since then it has become a world-renowned icon of ancient Irish design. Fraught Origins The Tara Brooch was discovered in 1850, just North of Dublin near the seashore at Battystown, County Meath. The name is misleading, as the brooch was not found near the Hill of Tara. Stories describe…
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Triskele is derived from the Greek meaning “three-legged”. The Triskele, or Triskelion is a motif comprised of a triple spiral. The spiral design can resemble interlocking Archimediean spirals, or three bent human legs. The Sicily flag includes a Triskele symbol since 1285. The Triskele can also be found throughout the ancient megalithic tomb of Newgrange, built…
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Irish linen is a fabric made from a humble flax seed. The plant fibre is spun in to a yarn, which is then woven in to a linen cloth. It is a historically Irish fabric, which is still popular today. The History The history of linen-making in Ireland starts in the 16th century, where it…
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