Crafting a success

I've been wanting to write about a particularly amazing craftsman called Eddie Doherty.  He is based in Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ireland, and in his words 'he is the last of a dying breed'.

Eddie has been weaving all his life and continues on his hand loom today.  Apparently he cant get an apprentice for love nor money and he is the last person weaving by hand like this in Ireland.

Picture courtesy of handwoventweed.com

However, that said - business is good.  He works and sells from his small shop/workshop on Main Street and has a vast array of products from tweed to hats to wraps to blankets etc.  Over the last few years he's made quite a name for himself with Irish interior designers who use his beautiful blankets in boutique hotels.  The blankets are warm, colourful and reasonable priced compared to what you are able to buy in the shops in the UK.  I bought a lovely raspberry colour blanket in the sale in August last year for 50 euro and decided a month ago that I needed another one.  We chatted and he said he was going to do another batch for spring and hey presto I received it on Friday being sent by Fedex for 77 euro.  The picture is of a more expensive thicker blanket and its about 120 euro.  These would definitely cover most of a double bed.

He loves giving tours and showing how his loom works, so if you are ever in the area - do pop in.  He gives you a proper Irish welcome!

The website has limited stock.  If you have something you are looking for give him a call, he loves a chat!  www.handwoventweed.com