Learning Mountmellick Embroidery

Can I learn to do Mountmellick Embroidery?

Of course! You can attend classes in Mountmellick itself... for more information, contact the Mountmellick Development Association in Ireland by phone at +353(0)502 24525 or by e-mail at mdaltd@indigo.ie

The Irish Countrywomen's Association offers short-term residential courses on all sorts of Irish crafts at their college An Grianan at Termonfechin, Co. Louth.

Annie Kelly, who is the only certified teacher also teaches to a group of students from the Portlaoise area, Annie who has many years experience teaching students from Ireland and abroad and who has helped many authors in researching articles and books on the subject of Mounrtmellick Embroidery.

If you would like more information on Annies classes please E-mail the webmaster who will only be too happy to pass on any details. Webmaster@mountmellick.net

Collette Dunne has made up kits for beginners.

The first how-to book for traditional Irish Embroidery, has great detail on Mountmellick Embroidery

Is the embroidery work available for sale?
Some Mountmellick embroiderers will work to commission... contact the Mountmellick Development Association (details above) for names and contact details. Remember though, that the embroidery is extremely labour intensive; a tablecloth may take one hundred hours or more, for instance. Older pieces of the work can sometimes be found alongside antiques in shops or at auctions.

Today the embroidery flourishes, and no where more so than in the town where it was created.

Artist Collette Dunne carries on this local craft, and has made up beginner's kits to introduce newcomers to Mountmellick embroidery. The kits include everything needed to complete a first project: material, thread, chenille needle, instructions, history, pattern, and a framing mount. Three patterns are available (acorn, blackberry and dog rose) and the kits are modestly priced... contact Collette at 22, O'Moore Street, Mountmellick, County Laois, Ireland. Or mail Collette