BLUES at Wilton Library – catch it before it’s gone! – RTAI CORK BLOG

On Monday 20th June, a small group of interested RTAI Cork members and friends visited BLUES the Dyeing, Patchwork and Quilting exhibition at the Bishopstown Library, Wilton Shopping Centre.

The exhibition on show is the work of a group of local craftswomen: Mary Palmer, Moya Geraghty, Kay O’Sullivan, Ailbhe O’Callaghan and Margaret Walsh (Mags). Each piece is unique, and the styles in the work reflect the individual taste and talent of each member of the group.

We were fortunate to have Mags Walsh, RTAI Cork member, to guide us and to explain the techniques that were used in the process from start to finished work-of-art.

Most of the fabric is dyed by the members themselves. The impetus for the current exhibition came from a dyeing workshop, a year previously, when the members learned the practice of Japanese dyeng called Shibori. The dye used is obtained from the indigo plant. For further information on Japanese dyeing processes, see the Wikipedia link here.

When the fabrics had been dyed, the quilters took inspiration from the patterns produced, and incorporated them into some of their quilts.

The exhibition includes other techniques of patchwork; traditional and contemporary. Some patterns have amusing names, such as the Drunkard’s Path!

Some quilts are small – suitable as wall hangings, but the majority on show are full-sized quilts which will no doubt become family heirlooms for future generations.

Click on the images for a larger view.

Having Mags to explain how the pieces were assembled, highlighted for us the painstaking work involved in each one. However, she also brought along some smaller pieces, to encourage us to “start small.”