Open Circle Community Arts Collective, which was founded in 2013 and is managed and supported by Kilkenny Arts Office is a community-based, for-impact organisation whose mission is to inspire interest and maximum participation in the arts both locally and nationally for Kilkenny women. Open Circle Arts in partnership with Rothe House and Gardens and supported by Kilkenny Arts Office and Kilkenny ETB and Healthy Ireland are delighted to deliver a series of 4 weaving workshops under the direction of renowned artist Sandra McAllister, a graduate of NCAD and Grennan Mill Craft School. This workshop is taking place in the lovely surroundings of Rothe House and Gardens during the month of October, where a group of 16 participants in two workshops are introduced to the joy of weaving.
- Hanging baskets still in bloom, thanks to the expert care given to them by Mary Pyke, Head Gardener…
The design process begins on week one with the participants drawing colour inspiration from the beautiful gardens at Rothe House, and using this to assist with their selection of wools for the individual pieces –
On Week two and the two subsequent weeks of the Workshop, the participants will learn how to set up a frame loom, experiment with different weaving patterns, will learn different weaving patterns such as herringbone and twill and will finish off a small woven piece.
The mindful process of weaving begins –
Week three and the individual pieces are beginning to take shape as the rows of weaving increase and different patterns emerge. The entire process is very rewarding and enjoyable for all participants, none of whom had any previous experience of weaving –