Get weaving and sewing

The Irish Countrywomen’s Association Book of Crafts: 400 Projects to Make at Home

Mary Litton

Irish society, as a whole, owes a great deal over the years to the activities of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association. It has done so much since its foundation over a century ago to bring life, colour and friendship into the lives of many who might once have lived isolated lives.

In this book, put together with an introduction about the history of the association by Liz Wall, the current president and members all across the country have contributed 40 craft projects – projects of all kinds and many levels of difficulty.

Gifts

Making these items, many of which would make delightful gifts for family and friends, will give great pleasure to many. Some of the instructions might have been a little more detailed and a little clearer.

And so, too, with the photographs. These are more artistic than instructive – the instructions for an embroidered tea cosy, which would have been aided by a clear photo of the final product, is presented coyly out of focus. A list of shops in which materials might be bought outside of the Dublin region would also have been a good idea.

But on the whole, the book is a magnificent tribute to everything that the ICA stands for. Get weaving and sewing today, and your Christmas present problems might all be solved.