VOLUNTEERS IN EAST Cork have spent the past month constructing a giant community tablecloth for a special community gathering and picnic in the woods on Sunday.

Spearheaded by Greywood Arts, the textile project has been underway for use at the gathering, which is to mark Cork Craft Month.

Volunteers have hand-dyed, embroidered, and appliquéd the tablecloth, spending hours at sewing machines and workshops. Titled ‘Gather Round’, the tablecloth has been the focus of numerous workshops held across the past month which has seen people up-cycling heirloom fabrics, natural indigo dyeing techniques, embroidery and raw edge appliqué.

More than 40 people have taken part in these workshops. Envisioned to reach more than 8m in length, Greywood Arts will be offering further hand-stitching workshops “that bring together craft and socially engaged art”.

The ‘Gather Round’ textile project, spearheaded by Greywood Arts, has seen workshops held on upcycling heirloom fabrics, natural indigo dyeing techniques, embroidery and raw edge appliqué during the month of August. Cathal Noonan Cathal Noonan

Creative director at Greywood Arts, Jessica Bonenfant, said that the project is all about bringing people together.

“Over a series of workshops, we have really enjoyed a creative journey, from gathering special fabrics and giving them a new lease of life to reflecting on the stories of heirloom objects passed on through the years,” she said.

“Through our dyeing and embroidery workshops, we have begun to create a new story, where there is space for everyone around the table.

“The Gather Round celebration in the woods marks harvest time, and will be the first of many gatherings, as the tablecloth grows in size.”

The community gathering and picnic will be held in Glenbower Woods in Killeagh on Sunday, 24 August at 6:30pm.

All are welcome to attend, Bonenfant said, and are encouraged to do so. This weekend will mark both Heritage Week and Cork Craft Month. A number of activities will take place in Glenbower Woods to make the occasion. 

The final in a series of keening walks, which will have music and song in remembrance of Glenbower Lake – which was drained nearly 40 years ago – will take part at 5pm on Sunday. There has been ongoing efforts by locals to restore the lake, although this has yet to occur.

Following this, the Gather Round picnic will begin at 6:30pm. Both are free to attend and open to all ages.