I particularly wanted to visit Avoca Handweavers, and thought we might get in a nice walk in the area too.
Well, it was an unexpected kind of day. Couldn't find a walk at all, other than through the village. That wasn't what I had in mind.
While we were driving round, looking for the walk, we spotted, just outside the (very picturesque) village, a sign for Avoca Recycling Centre. I knew that I had a couple of pairs of shoes in the boot of the car, ready for dropping off whenever I'd be passing a recycling centre, but never expected it to be in the Vale of Avoca.
What a place...it must be the most picturesque recycling centre in the world. We drove up a huge avenue, on the edge of a forest, and there were containers for all kind of stuff.
When I opened the boot to get out the shoes, there was an old duvet that I had thrown in there last night, after doing a mini-clearout. And, sure enough, there was a container for old bedding. Score!
After getting rid of that stuff, and abandoning the idea of a walk, we headed to have a look at Avoca Handweavers Mill. 
These pics are all from there, taken by hubby. The noise of the machinery meant that those spending a lot of time in the "weaving shed" had to wear ear muffs!
The machinery was clacking away in the background
making beautiful patterns of tartan for the rugs, capes and scarves they sell in their shop.
They had several racks of these cones of wool, and the minute I saw them, I knew they'd make a great blog post, especially for those bloggers who are into wool and knitting.
I've been a fan of Avoca Handweavers for a long time: both their clothes and the food they serve in their cafe are high quality, handmade, not mass-produced. But this visit gave me a new insight into the intricate process that is involved, and I enjoyed it very much.
What a feast for the eyes that mill is, all full of bright summer colors. Love their Dublin cafe too, we had breakfast there our last day :).
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My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!
My daughter spent a year in Ireland during college, and one of the photos from her stay was taken at the Avoca Handweavers Guild sign. (As I typed that, I thought that there might be more than one such sign!) I will send the link for this post to her, she will like it!
ReplyDeleteThose cones! How long would it take to knit one up? she wondered.
ReplyDeleteI do love to have those serendipitous adventures into the unexpected. Just proves my motto: Anything can happen.
Very cool. I love those colours.. just wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI just loved this post.
ReplyDeleteThe colours are magnificent.
Brilliant place to visit.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
A visit to the weavers would be like spending a day in heaven. The colors...the fibers, the fabrics, and yes, even the noise. All heaven. Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteThe shawl I'm knitting now has yarn on cones. Each cone has about 500 meters, and while it has been handy, it doesn't pull as easily as a ball or cake of yarn. Perhaps I should mount the cone on my lazy kate to make it all easier. Hmmm. It was your pictures that triggered that remedy. Thanks!
Looks fabulous :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mimi,
ReplyDeleteJust saw your comment on my blog about your trip to Italy. You might enjoy a day in Lucca, which is a fascinating town with intact medieval walls enclosing a lovely town. Lots of bicycles there, in fact you can rent bikes and ride around the walls. We also went to a little place called Pietra Santa close to the Carrera marble quarry. It has a nice pedestrian area and also a beach area that is pleasant. The water was lovely and warm for swimming. Hope you have a nice time.
That looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I heart Avoca. And with their Kilmac shop on my doorstep, would you believe I have never been the the one that is actually IN Avoca? Shame on me. But I might just do my recycling there next time, just because!
ReplyDeleteNot sure where in Dublin you are, Mimi, but I just learned they are opening their first stand alone food outlet/cafe in Monkstown!
Great post!
How gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYou can recycle used bedding!? That's incredible! I don't think we can do that around here. Or shoes, either. I am very impressed with Ireland!
Amy
Hi Mimi,
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting place to visit. I'd love to see this in person.
So, did you find some bedding?
Nancy
What a beautiful way to invest a day! A rainbow of enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful summer colours and interesting place!
ReplyDeleteI was drawn to your blog through another one. There are so many aspects of your blog that I love. Avoca was definitely one of the places I loved visiting the two times that I came to Ireland. I love, love, love Dublin. I am glad I found your blog and have followed. I have a warm heart leaving and can't wait to come back to visit here!
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