Fabulous exhibition of patchwork

To say the exhibition was exceptional is somewhat of an understatement. Many of the exhibitors had more than six pieces each on show. The variety of ideas and use of various fabrics, textures and colour resulted in a collection of work that completely stunned this writer from my initial entry, until I departed scratching my head, astounded by what I had seen.

I wasn’t too long in the door when I met up with Fiona Lennon from Avenue Road who told me this was the culmination of many years practice and an emphasis on two years of lockdown which had given ample time for the members to work on their pieces. She went on to tell me that anyone interested in getting involved are welcome to call down to the Bridge Club on the Ramparts on Tuesday mornings to find out more. Fiona then went on to give a special mention to McEvoy’s in Clanbrassil Street who provide the members with much of their materials for their work and also to thank them for their sponsorship on the night.

Next I managed a quick word with Mary Hunter chairperson of the National Executive Committee of the Irish Patchwork Society who told me she was very impressed with the work being carried out by the members of the North East branch, everything from the initial design, through the use of different texture of materials and the long hours creating the piece. She was delighted to be asked to officially open the exhibition which goes to show the true quality of work being produced by the members.

I then headed over for a quick word with my old friend Frankie Watters from Thomastown who told me he was there to provide moral support for his wife Margaret who had a number of pieces on show. He, like I, was completely thrown by the quality of work on show.

After this I headed over for a word with mother and daughter Mary and Eibhín McHugh from Carrickmacross who told me that Mary was showing two pieces in the exhibition. Mary told me that it can be a very time consuming hobby, but it was great to have it during the pandemic. I did ask Eibhín was she actively involved with the group, but she told me she hadn’t taken it up yet but she could only aspire to be as good as her mum if she did.

After this I got a word with Margaret Watters and her daughter-in-law Mary Watters from Littlemills, Margaret told me she took it up when she retired from work and has really enjoyed it ever since. As well as being therapeutic, she really enjoys working on her pieces and the exhibition is a showcase for all their finished work. Mary told me she had done some patchwork and quilting when she was at school, but the combination of colours and textiles used by Margaret and the members of the Patchwork Society was just phenomenal.

Not too long later I then got talking to Angela Lee from Ashbrook and Marie Gorman from Shelagh who are involved in the Bridge Club and see the ladies work as it comes together over the month. But they too were completely blown away by the fantastic colours of all the finished pieces on show at the exhibition.

Next I managed a quick word with Tom Byrne from Killanny who told me his wife Frances had nine pieces on show and it was great to be able to see how good all her finished work is and the variety of pieces on show from the different members.

I then got a quick word with my sister-in-law Mary Gilsenan from Oaklawns who told me she started quilting in January 2017 and had a number of small wall hangings on show on the night. She said a lot of her work ends up being given away as presents to family and friends. Mary was chatting to Fiona Henry from Ard Easmuinn who said the work on show is amazing and the patchwork creators are artists and there are some beautiful pieces on show.

Not too long later I then got talking to Grainne Gallagher from Blackrock and Louise O’Hanlon from Carrickmacross who were more than impressed with what they had seen, particularly the larger pieces in the other room and said the ladies responsible for them have an amazing talent and are a real credit to their craft.

After this I got talking to Clodagh Lennon from Avenue Road who was with her aunt Briege Lennon from Dublin who was down specially to see the work on show and to support Fiona. She said she also creates patchwork herself and was delighted to see the quality of work on show in Dundalk. They were joined by Clodagh’s dad Dermot Lennon from Avenue Road who told me he was there to support his wife and was very surprised at the quality of the work coming from the North East group.

Making my way through the crowds I then got talking to Aoife Carr from Bay Estate who told me she was very happy with the way the exhibition had turned out, she had 7 pieces on show and told me it depended on how big and how detailed the project, will determine how long it takes. She went on to compliment McEvoy’s for their great selection and variety of material they have available and most of the group eventually end up with a ‘quilters stash’.

Finally, before I departed, I got a word with Fiona’s brother-in-law Paddy Lennon from Avenue Road who told me the quilts were absolutely outstanding and are a real credit to all the ladies involved.