eileen mctague
Eileen is a Hand Spinner and Dyer.
Eileen produces original contemporary designs, hand spun and dyed in Cornwall using traditional methods.
“My love of natural fibres goes back to childhood”
Maker’s bio
Hand spinning and dyeing with plants have been a large part of my life over the last 15 years, although my love of natural fibres goes back to childhood, learning with my mother and older sister and knitting our own gloves for school.
Working with natural fibres dates back to prehistoric times, linking me to my forbears as well as to my home town of Liskeard, which was once an important centre for hand spinning of wool. It is important for me to keep the craft going, demonstrating the value and sustainability of wool as a raw material and passing on the knowledge to future generations.
I carry out all processes by hand, from the sheared sheep’s fleece through to the finished item. It is a slow but rewarding journey and each item is unique. I work mainly with rare breed fleeces from small local flocks. Each sheep breed produces a fleece with its own unique characteristics and uses and it is always a joy to work with a new one, opening up endless possibilities. Plants for dyeing are home grown or gathered in small sustainable quantities.
I particularly enjoy spindle spinning, which, while slow, is portable, allowing me to spin on the go. I find the spun yarn is of better quality as I am more in control of the drafting and twist.
The subject of textiles is vast. There is always so much more to learn.
I am a member of the Liskeard Spinners and the Cornwall Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers and regularly attend training workshops as well as leading them.
