ICA women’s ‘crafty’ advice packed into a new DIY book

Whether you want to make jewellery or a Christmas decoration, embroider a cushion, or crochet a hat, look no further than The Irish Countrywomen’s Association Book Of Crafts.

Subtitled ’40 Projects To Make At Home’, the book was launched at the National Ploughing Championships. It contains simple ideas for beginners, and more difficult ones: “Try your hand at a patchwork quilt, children’s Aran jumper, delicate Carrickmacross lace, or add finishing touches to your home with red-work embroidery, fabric-covered boxes or seasonal decorations.”

The ICA women are generous with their advice. Wanda McCamley, from Delgany Guild, in Wicklow — explaining how to make a Peyote stitch bracelet — advises “buying good-quality beads, as they are generally more even. Don’t use any that are unusually big or small”. Betty Gorman, from Castletown Guild, in co Laois — instructing on how to make a hedgerow basket out of sally rods — recommends drying out the rods before starting your basket and then rehydrating them. “If you don’t do this, your rods will shrink later and your weave will become loose.”