In today's post we'll unravel the history of Irish tweed, traditional woolen fabric woven in County Donegal.
The skillful weavers of Donegal have been producing tweed for centuries using local wool and natural dyes to create distinctive caps, suits and vests.
Today I'm delighted to introduce you to the history and traditions behind tweed in a guest post written by Anna Dobson, a textile expert, entrepreneur and founder of Tweed in the Valle.
Here she'll share all we need to know about Irish tweed fabric and its cultural significance as part of Ireland's textile heritage.
Characteristics of Tweed:
Tweed is a one of a kind fabric. It is not only flexible but also very durable. It is not only warm but also water-resistant. It is not only classic but also extremely fashionable.
Initially, tweed was created to be used as a form of protection against the elements, and help people perform their daily routine outdoor activities, even under extremely bad weather conditions. That is the reason why, like no other fabric, it provides a sensation of warmth and comfort when used in cold, windy or rainy days.
With fantastic thermal characteristics, tweed clothes are very warm, moisture proof, windproof and breathable, practical, comfortable and cozy, hard-wearing and multi-purpose, as well as incredibly stylish. And with the correct care (dry cleaned or carefully hand washed), they will serve for a very long time without losing their original qualities.
When we speak of tweed, we aren't just talking about a piece of fabric, but something that is intimately connected with the traditions of an ancient people - the Celts, and a landscape - that of North-Western Ireland and the Hebrides in Scotland.
Only two significant regions in the world produce the famous tweed fabric, the Hebrides in Scotland and the Donegal area in Ireland.
Irish Tweed - History of Donegal Tweed:
Tweed fabric is considered a part of the rich Irish cultural heritage by right. For many, many years, locals domesticated and bred in the abundant hills and wetlands of this region a special breed of sheep with long, warm fleece, which protected them from the cold.
And for a long time, fabrics were made of this fleece, with local natural ingredients like blackberry juice and other northern fruit juices, fuchsia, genista, gorse, and musk, used as dyes.
At the end of the 18th-century, the very soft bulky and warm fleece of sheep from Donegal was highly desired, not only in Ireland, but also in other parts of Britain. Entire families were involved in the spinning, dyeing, and weaving of the local wool.
The industrial production of Donegal tweed developed rapidly, with tweed manufacturing moving away from homes and into mills, especially as this fabric began to be bought willingly all over the world.
But what makes Irish Donegal tweed so unique?
Donegal tweed distinguishes itself from other tweed sorts by its distinctive texture.
Tightly woven together, tweed fabric is obtained by spinning various strands of high-quality wool of different colors into a two- or three-layer yarn, creating a wide range of weave effects, styles, and colors.
Donegal tweed weaving turns chunky, weighty, rope-formed woolen threads into warm, functional products of coarse-grained fabric.
The technique used here is "salt and pepper," that is, bright and contrasting color motifs inspired by Donegal's dotted landscape.
Donegal Tweed and its weaving are among Ireland's most significant, unbroken cultural and historical traditions.
Today’s Tweed:
In recent years, new stylists and clothing brands have started to appear in Ireland, presenting innovative, high-quality products and designs created with this characteristic and luxurious fabric.
Combined with other materials and decorative fixtures, tweed fabric is becoming lighter, softer, and a lot easier to wear. Nowadays most tweed pieces can be worn all year round not just in the Autumn / Winter months.
Donegal tweed is now world famous for its quality, comfort, and durability and is enjoying a deserved renaissance as a fashion statement.
About the Author:
Anna Dobson is the owner of an all Irish Clothing brand, that wants to share the wonderful qualities of Irish tweed clothing with the world. With three small children, whom Anna calls “my darlings” the Gaelic name for the brand was born “Tweed in the Valle”.
Love Mo Chuisle, has wholeheartedly embraced the stylish and timeless nature of tweed, continuously striving to design and create premium high-quality tweed pieces that honor rich Irish heritage and traditions, but with a modern twist, bringing warmth and style for everyday outdoor use.
From lovely children’s tweed creations and matching accessories to the classic Ladies and Men’s range, it offers genuine items from Ireland that the whole family can enjoy and cherish for generations.
Thank You To Anna:
Many thanks to Anna for this informative post all about the Donegal tweed industry and the importance of Irish tweed as part of our cultural heritage.
And to celebrate her company she has graciously sponsored a giveaway prize, for a lucky reader of Irish American Mom to win. You can check out the giveaway through this link ....
Tweed Vest Giveaway - Enter To Win By Sunday May 5th, 2019.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
Disclosure: I did not receive payment for publication of this guest post. Anna Dobson has graciously sponsored a giveaway prize in return for the opportunity to share her passion for tweed with our little Irish American community. I'm delighted to support this Irish small business here.
Copyright images published with permission of Love Mo Chuisle.
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What I Miss About Ireland - Swans
A Tribute To An Irish American Mom
Maureen Koebel
Enjoyed this article on the Donegal tweed. I can picture my little grandson in the vest and sporting a bow tie 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - thanks for checking out this article all about Irish tweed. It is such an important part of our Irish cultural heritage.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jean Mac Coy
Donegal tweed is so beautiful! I remember seeing the weavers working their looms in Ardara.
Irish American Mom
Hi Jean - I love seeing the methodical and rhythmical motions of the weavers as they produce magnificently colored tweed fabric. It is an amazing skill which I hope will continue to be passed down from generation to generation.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jeff Ford
I love learning about the various parts of Irish culture!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jeff - I'm so glad you find these blog posts informative and worthwhile.
Thanks so much for stopping by,
Mairéad
Mary
Beautiful Donegal! One place I’ve yet to visit in Ireland. Will try to get there in September when we go. My grandson will be 5 in June. A perfect gift to give him. Thank you for the opportunity to receive this gorgeous vest! Many blessings to you, Mary
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - I hope you make it to Donegal someday. It's a beautiful and majestic county.
All the best,
Mairéad
Beverly Cutler
My husband and I were in Ireland in June of 2017 and I was lucky enough to be able to buy a beautiful Irish Tweed cloak in Adara Co. Donegal. I am so proud of it and love to tell everyone where it was purchased.
Irish American Mom
Hi Beverly - The Irish tweed shops in Ardara and Donegal Town are fabulous. What a wonderful purchase. Wearing your tweed cloak is a perfect way to bring back memories of your trip to Ireland.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sinita
It’s a very handsome little vest!
I’d be honored to have a grandson wear it- when the time comes!!
Thanks for sharing this. Irish textiles are one of my favorite things!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sinita - Lovely to hear you have such an appreciation for Irish textiles. Tweed is such a lovely example of Irish craftsmanship.
All the best,
Mairéad