Irish wool is a classified waste product in Ireland and the wool industry has been struggling because of the increase and the accessibility of synthetic fibres and wool from warmer climates, which is less coarse due to a lower micron count. My graduate collection “BÁINÍN” is focused on the issues surrounding Irish wool with emphasis on the Galway Wool, (Ireland’s only native breed of sheep). I have researched the issues regarding Irish wool which is that it is quite itchy in its raw form but I believe that the structure that this coarse, raw material provides is that of very few biodegradable, garment-suitable-materials. Wool is the original fibre and is fire retardant, reduces dust mites, temperature controlling and it is biodegradable.
Sourcing and traceability was vital for this collection and transparency is something very important to me as a sustainable fashion and textile designer. I sourced my traceable raw Galway wool from Caoirigh Irish Wool and I sourced my traceable Galway spun yarn from Donegal Yarns. I used deadstock, end of roll Irish linen for lining which is from Ferguson’s Irish Linen which is also on the island of Ireland. Low emission processes were used to create this biodegradable collection such as knit, crochet and felting. Any threads used for sewing were one hundred percent cotton.
The importance of partnership and building communities between farmers, wool scourers, spinners, designers’ and researchers was a very important part of this project. Connecting the farmer to the garment was a goal that I have achieved.