Creating regenerative textiles from inspiration of Irish folklore, using sustainable materials and collaborating with my environment.

Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?

I aim to highlight the narratives embedded in natural materials such as wool, linen and cotton, showing how textiles can bridge tradition and contemporary sustainability. By working closely with the land and utilising locally sourced materials, I aim to create textiles that carry meaning, reinforcing the idea that sustainability and storytelling are inherently connected. I am particularly interested in how handmade textiles preserve heritage, while also offering innovative solutions for sustainability. I am sourcing natural fibers from Ireland and the EU, making natural dyes from Irish native trees, and utilising weave production techniques available in Ireland, ensuring every step aligns with a holistic approach.

Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).

The concept for my project is based on the native Irish Ogham tree alphabet and naturally dyeing from the trees. The chosen theme for my project is sustainability, materiality and hand-weaving. Producing a woven textile collection for upholstry, cushions, rugs and throws. I will be collaborating with my environment and shedding a light on how Ireland’s folklore is spiritual & mystical. I will be designing through making, natural dyeing and extracting colour from the ogham trees and using raw undyed protein and cellulose fibres. The techniques I will be using are block weaves to create extra weft, tactility and 3D surfaces.

What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?

My work is unique as it is inspired by native Irish trees, both as a visual source, and for dye materials. I have sourced traditional natural fibres and yarns from Ireland and Europe, and I am now at the stage of developing signature hand weaving techniques to produce homeware textiles that emulate the surfaces and colours of the trees. I rethink weaving techniques from extracting irregularity from my visual research photography and drawings, converting them into woven structures which is unique in my work.

Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?

Yes, my woven degree project resonates with young people’s needs by addressing sustainability, authenticity, and connection to nature. In an era where many young individuals seek eco-conscious and ethically made products, my use of natural dyes, traditional fibres, and innovative weaving techniques aligns with their values. Additionally, my work fosters a deeper appreciation for Irish heritage and craftsmanship, offering young people a meaningful alternative to mass-produced textiles. The tactile, organic quality of my homeware textiles collection provides comfort and a sense of grounding, important in today’s fast paced, digital world. By rethinking weaving techniques and embracing irregularity, my work reflects the uniqueness and individuality that younger generations celebrate. It encourages mindfulness, sustainability, and a reconnection with nature, making it both relevant and impactful for contemporary lifestyles.