ICA women’s ‘crafty’ advice packed into a new DIY book
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.”
The book gives a glimpse of the craft-worker at home in their own space. Kay Murray, from Broadford Guild, Co Clare, offers her project — up-cycled child’s skirt and cap — with the introduction: “As I was preparing to send some clothes to a charity shop, my 10-year-old granddaughter, Murielle, spotted an outdated, wool, pleated skirt and said she would love to wear one just like it.”
Brenda Leary, from Blackrock Guild, in Co Louth, says: “I first tried making Clones lace in 2011, taking lessons from Marie Treanor, who has done great work in reviving this almost-forgotten style of crochet lace popular in the South-East Fermanagh and Monaghan areas since the Famine period of 1847.”
The book is full of interesting facts: Carrickmacross lace was introduced into Ireland in 1820 by Mrs Grey Porter, wife of the rector of Donaghmoyne, a village outside Carrickmacross. She taught it to local women as a means of supporting their families. And Réiltín MacCana, of Dun Laoghaire Guild, says that Lumra — meaning fleece — is a uniquely Irish craft.
*The Irish Countrywomen’s Association Book Of Crafts, 40 Projects To Make At Home, Mercier Press, €22.99
