The Beginning

Dorinda McCormack started out as a girl who had a dream about a spinning wheel. Many years later, her dream came true. Not only did her wheel arrive, but several looms also found their home in her workroom!

I started out spinning and weaving in 2010 in a cosy wee room in my home, nestled amidst the rolling drumlins in Newbliss, Co. Monaghan. People started to get curious about what I was doing and it was great fun sharing my passion for these ancient crafts.

When I weave, I look to the yarn for inspiration.  In weaving, we use patterns called 'drafts'. They give us the instructions we need to thread the loom to get things like herringbone or twill. Matching my yarns with drafts brings me to my' happy place' and I usually plan a few pieces at the same time, while the creative juices are flowing.

Once the fabric has been woven and washed, the cutting and sewing starts. I might have pieces for several bags cut out and arranged on the table with the necessary straps, zips,linings etc. It often reminds me of the pictures from 'The Elves and the Shoemaker'.

I started making bags and purses for myself to experiment with the fabric. When friends began to ask about them I decided to start selling at small local markets and today it's great to know that so many others are enjoying and using what I make.

 

                      

 

                                           

                                               

 

 

From planning the fabric to the final stitch, everything is planned carefully and carried out with meticulous attention to detail.

This ensures that I can stand over the quality of every piece that leaves my studio.

  • Planning the Fabric

    This starts with putting the colours together and then deciding on a weave structure that I think will show them off to their best. I also need to think about how this fabric will look in particular bag styles

  • Weaving

    Setting up the loom with the new yarn is a slow, methodical and highly enjoyable process. The weaving takes time and seeing the pattern emerging is intensely rewarding. I start to imagine how the fabric will look when cut and sewn.

  • Cutting and Sewing

    Laying out the pattern pieces and cutting the fabric is next. The most difficult part is matching distinct stripes or patterns in the fabric but the end result is worth it. The pieces are hand sewn and finished to a very high standard.

  • Final Touches

    Choosing the correcting 'findings' really makes the bag look perfect. The handles and hardware are matched to each specific fabric and bag.