Calming Things, Places and Crafts.... Handmade in Ireland

  I find crafting so calming. I always think that knitting or crochet are like using worry beads! Another thing I love are things or places that I find calming to contemplate. So this post is a bit of both. First let me show you some gorgeous things that have been handmade in Ireland (some of them by lil' ol' me!)

My Patchwork is Finished

This is my patchwork bedspread that my mam bought me the materials for as a Christmas gift. I have been working on it since and have just finished it. I made a lot of mistakes (as it was my first) but learned from them. I am overall pleased with the result.... and it now is on my bed in White O'Morn Cottage. Thanks Ma! 

 

 

An Irish Prayer

Next is an old handcrafted prayer given to me by my lil' sis' Angie.

Now I would not be the most religious of people but I must say I really love this one. It was made by a nun, Sr Mary O'Donovan, using calligraphy, art and real shamrocks (which have dried and faded over the years)....Thanks Angie!

It never fails to astound me when I come across an especially fine piece of embroidery...this is one such piece. I can do embroidery but don't because I can never match this standard. Photos show a vintage table runner in Irish linen done many years ago by some unknown woman. I used my macro setting to show the amazing detail of this lovely piece.

 

 

 This will soon be listed on my website *see address below.

Exquisite Set

I came across this truly beautiful set of pure Irish linen handmade and hand painted napkins. Tiny fairies and bluebells are the graphic used. They are presented in a handmade box and each one is tied with its own napkin holder. Made by Irish master crafter Alison Doherty- These are pure eye candy. I have put them up for sale in my online shop for the simple reason that I would never be able to take them out of the box and use them........ www.suchprettyoldthings.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soul Stilling View

I hope I never get so used to the view that I stop noticing it. This is the view from the bedroom window. The windowsills are so deep one can put a cushion there and curl up and read a book or just look out over the quiet hills while sipping on a cup of tea. This is one of my favourite things to do.

Lately there has been a radiator just under the window so it is even more cosy now! ...Thank you Jamie!

(Jamie is my son, a plumber- he qualified just this week - he did all the plumbing in the cottage for me for a great price) Well done Jamie. You worked and studied hard for five long years. Best wishes in the future. Anyone got a job out there for him? No work here at the moment due to recession. Ah well, this too will pass.

John McGahern, Irish Writer

If you look at this view on a clear day (through the bottom left pane of glass) you can just make out a white church steeple on the horizon. This is the church in Aughawillan (pronounced " Ock-ah-will-ann")  where a celebrated Irish writer is buried and this is just down the road from Angie's schoolhouse which, of course, is John McGahern's former schoolhouse that he wrote about in his book Memoir. He wrote many award winning books but Memoir is an exceptionally wonderful read....Anyway, his hometown of Ballinamore have commemorated him with this stone bench in the town. The writing says...."The best of life is lived quietly, where nothing happens but our calm journey, through the day, where change is imperceptable and the precious life is everything" ...Angie's blog "The Old Schoolhouse" is to be found on my sidebar

 

Mountain Waterfall

...and now I leave you with a natural creation that is so calming to spend time looking at and listening to. This is the waterfall, Pól an Easa, (pronounced pole-on-ay-sah) in Aughnasheelin (pronounced ock-nah-shee-lin)

White O'Morn Cottage is situated in Aughnasheelin too- so this is only a stones throw away... (if you are good at throwing stones that is!)

Both winners of my Patrick's Day giveaway - a week's free stay in White O'Morn Cottage, have been in touch and are delighted to be coming for a visit. They are Twiggy who is from Yorkshire in England and Heidi, who is from New Hampshire, USA. Congratulations to both of you. I hope you enjoy your stay in the cottage. I so enjoyed this giveaway that I think I will do it every St Patrick's Day. Why not?

Comments

[Diane]

The patchwork bedspread turned out gorgeous,you did a wonderful job and the colors are sweet! I hope your son finds work, it's tough anywhere you are right now.
Peace- Dog Lover

[Kay Flynn-The Wrought Iron Gate]

Congratulations on finishing your patchwork...it looks quite handsome on your bed. The napkins and napkin holders are so lovely. Any kind of needlework looks good on linen. I hope you will grant me permission to copy the beautiful prayer. I have a collection of Irish sayings, blessings, toasts, prayers and so on...I would love to add this one to my book.

Kay

[kimme]

Your patchwork bedspread is beautiful.... looks so lovely on your bed :)

I love all the photos and especially the stories behind them.,
The picture out your window brought back many wonderful memories of the time we stayed in your cottage. It was the happiest vacation we have ever had, and we can't wait to see the stunning views from your cottage again in May :) Thank
you for letting us go there again.

Congrats to the cottage stay winners! They are really in for a treat :)

hugs~kimme

[Heidi]

Good job on the patchwork, It looks very nice. I like the colors. I agree with Kimme, your photos are great and I so enjoy reading the stories. I would love to have a window like that to cozy up in and enjoy such a fine view. I can't wait to see it in person. Best wishes to your son in his new career. I will keep him in mind for my own dream cottage someday. Heidi

[Betty]

I'm back from Little Rock and catching up on all your posts which I missed while I was gone. Congratulations to the giveaway winners! Your flowers, views and items are lovely. Of course, my favorite is your patchwork...turned out so pretty!

Looks as though you have been very busy...good on ya!

[Twiggy]

Beautiful post, what gorgeous patchwork. We can't wait for our visit to your lovely cottage, it looks magical.
Twiggy x

[Margie Wouters]

I am a first time visitor from a few miles down the road and I enjoyed my visit very much. You did a great job on the quilt, I love the colours but most of all it looked so comfy on the bed, a great place to rest your head after a hard days work. Margie.

[Kimme & Patrick]

Congratulations to your son Jamie!
We send our very best wishes to him on his
career... May he have many happy & productive years :)

I know we don't have work for him now, but
when we get our cottage he will be the first
person we call.

~Kimme & Patrick

[sharie]

Lovely cheery patchwork that you have made. Very good job, it looks lovely on your cottage bed. Love the view from the window too!

I love old embroidered linens and appreciate the work those unknown ladies put in so many years ago.

Well done to your son for becoming a plumber - I'm sure he'll never be short of work!

[JapaneseKeane]

Unfortunately,I couldn`t watch the game;(
But I heard the news!! I was delighted!
Just like our KEANO!!
There`s only one KEANO!! hehe :-D