Fibreshed Ireland presented its first symposium, as part of Design Week, entitled Designing a local & regenerative framework for Irish textiles.

When: 18 November, 2022 from 12:00pm – 6:00pm (It was #fridayfashionshift!)
Where: The Fumbally Stables, Fumbally Lane, The Liberties, Dublin 8
The recording is available to Fibreshed Ireland members here.

This symposium explored the opportunity and possibilities for developing an indigenous Irish textile industry with the potential to regenerate local ecologies, economies and communities. During the symposium, we heard the perspectives of both farmers and designers in the areas of:

  • Irish-grown wool & linen
  • Sustainable design & slow fashion
  • Natural dyes
  • Regenerative farming

There was also time for networking among industry peers, accompanied by tea, coffee & finger food.

The Fibreshed Ireland ethos is all about growing equitable, authentic relationships throughout the fibre supply networks of Ireland in support of an indigenous textile culture that regenerates local ecologies, economies and communities. How we design our textiles and our fibre supply networks is key to creating a value chain which is genuinely sustainable and equitable.

Join us to educate, celebrate and advocate for the systems change so badly needed in our current textile and design culture!

Access the symposium recording

The recording of the symposium is now available to Fibreshed Ireland members here.

If you’re not yet a member, you can become a Fibreshed Ireland member here.

Panels include:

Revindicating Irish wool — moderated by felt artist and Msc AgInnovation Kit Christina Keawwantha
Speakers: Fergal Smith, farmer at Moy Hill Farm + Liadain Aiken, knitwear designer + Sandra King, queen of wool at Irish Fibre Crafters

Natural dye production at a scale — moderated by Malú Colorín, natural dyer & designer at Talú
Speakers: Jennifer Lienhard, natural dyer at AppleOak FibreWorks & Tristan Lienhard, head gardener at Irish Seed Savers

The slow fashion scene in Ireland — moderated by Dr. Aoife Long, slow fashion writer and artist at Spirit & Luxury
Speakers: Conor O’Brien, knitwear designer & Laoise Carey, slow fashion designer

The revival of Irish-grown linen — moderated by TBC
Speakers: Helen Keys, flax farmer at Mallon Linen + Sandra Coote from Crafts of Ireland+ Professor Jane McCann

Irish Alpaca Yarns – Sustainable Luxury
A presentation by Trish Kerr from Irish Alpaca Yarns

This event is part of Design Week 2022 and it has received funding and support from the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland.