Threads of Lore is made up of volunteers with a wide range of skills and experience. Some are accomplished embroiderers, while others contribute through research, organisation, administration or artistic interpretation.
Together, we create artworks that are only possible through collaboration, friendship and a shared passion for preserving Ireland’s heritage.
Together, we are preserving Ireland’s stories, one stitch at a time….
Ann Mc Keever
My name is Ann, I’ve been sewing all my life. My love of sewing and creating developed in primary school nurtured by wonderful teachers in Co Limerick.
I enjoy bringing ideas to life and the social side of sewing. Patchwork quilting kept me busy for years until I discovered Threads of Lore where I’ve embraced new challenges while making new friends.
Threads of Lore has allowed me to combine patchwork and embroidery to create new pieces of art.
Carol Commons
My name is Carol and I have lived in Dunshaughlin all my life. I developed my sewing passion from watching and learning from my grandmother and my mother. But I’m still learning thanks to the group. My career was in administration and finance, however my passion was always sewing. I am delighted to be part of threads of lore and enjoy having a project on the go all the time. The new friendships forged, the excursions and the sewing on Friday morning have all led to great camaraderie amongst the group. It’s very satisfying that the legacy I received from my grandmother and mother is passed on to novice stitchers and wonderful to see that the needle and thread is surviving and thriving amongst all the screens and modern distractions.
Anne Bradley
My name is Anne Bradley, originally from Ardee, Co. Louth. I’ve been living in Dunshaughlin for the past 43 years. A few years ago I was out for a walk with Fiona. She spoke to me about her idea of a tapestry depicting the history and lore of the River Boyne. As someone who from a young age enjoys needlework, especially embroidery and who also has a love for history, Fiona’s idea immediately excited me. I was delighted when she followed through with her idea and “Threads of Lore” was born. My husband had died some months previously and the group came into my life at a time when I needed both a distraction and a chance to meet new people. Being part of Threads of Lore has been everything I hoped it would be. I look forward to our Friday morning gatherings. I have learned so much about embroidery, and most of all I have found a wonderful group of friends. It’s lovely to be part of such a fantastic and talented group and I look forward to continuing the journey of Threads of Lore.
Angie Robinson
Hi, my name is Angie Robinson and this will be my 3rd year with Threads of Lore. I’ve always been fascinated by embroidery as a form of art. Carol Crosbie introduced me to the group and I’m enjoying every minute, meeting lovely new people and learning a new skill. The Friday mornings are awesome.
Carol Crosbie
I’m Carol Crosbie – the original Carol in Threads of Lore! By day, I’m the local lollipop lady, and in my spare time I love being creative. Knitting and crochet were my first crafts, before I discovered patchwork and embroidery around 15 years ago. I especially enjoy embroidering lettering and architectural buildings, finding inspiration in the shapes and details around me. I love being part of Threads of Lore because it brings together like-minded people who share ideas, encourage one another, and inspire me to keep learning and creating
Carol Dempsey
Hi I’m Carol Dempsey from Dunshaughlin. Thread and Fabric Art are a passion for me. I have a background in oil and watercolour painting most of my life as I studied in London in 1969 To 1971. I became fond of the fabric side of art when I did an Art portfolio course in Dunboyne College 18 years ago. I am in my happy place with my work and have also made such great friends in the club Threads of Lore.
Carol Gogan
I’m Carol Gogan -apparently the 4th Carol to join Threads of Lore! Retirement gave me time to discover sewing and I taught myself quilting and bag making. Then a friend introduced me to Threads of Lore, where I found embroidery and a new passion. Although I’m still learning this ancient craft, I’ve become especially fond of Blackwork embroidery. The weekly gatherings, shared knowledge, and creative projects have given me a new lease of life. It’s never too late to pick up a needle and discover where it leads.
Colette Durcan
Hello, My name is Colette and I live in Dunshaughlin. I attended a workshop day in the Parish Centre about 18mths ago and was blown away by the talent and the pieces produced by this group. I can sew with a machine and have done some dressmaking but never tried my hand with hand sewing apart from the odd button. I was invited along and have never looked back. This group of talented ladies welcomed me and through them I’m slowly getting a grip on embroidery techniques and I love the camaraderie at our weekly meetings.
Evelyn Gosker
My name is Evelyn. I have always enjoyed working with fabrics and sewing but my introduction to embroidery was in 2016 when I attended a workshop led by Agnieszka ‘Uisce’ Jakubczyk, a wonderful fibre artist and teacher. Since then I have continued to learn, mostly by trial and error! While I love to sit at home and stitch, being part of our lovely group, ‘Threads of Lore’ is a bonus. Our Friday morning meets became the highlight of my week – there’s friendship, inspiration and plenty of challenges too! In our busy world of phones and digital devices the craft of hand embroidery is incredibly relaxing and calming. Despite having moved from Dunshaughlin my plan is to keep stitching, stay connected and contribute as much as I can to the group projects.
Fiona Mc Mahon
For me, culture and history have always been a central part of life, a passion nurtured during my upbringing in Birr, County Offaly. After moving to County Meath in 1992, I sought a way to channel these interests, ultimately leading me to establish this embroidery group. What began as a passion project has grown into something much closer to my heart. The group has brought immense joy to my life, serving as a reminder of the peace that creative expression brings and opening the door to wonderful new friendships.
Máire White
My name is Máire and I hail from Dublin. I am a novice stitcher and joined this group with the encouragement of Fiona, our founding member. My sewing experience prior to joining this group was the ability to sew a button on a shirt and occasionally taking up a pair of trousers. I farmed out all my other running repairs to my neighbour and friend Celine. I am delighted with the sewing skills I have learnt from the more experienced members who all have been so helpful and encouraging. Whilst at this stage I only undertake small images I am thrilled that I have contributed in a small way to the ’Boyne in Threads’ Tapestry. Through the group I have met a great group of women who make this learning process so enjoyable. The Friday mornings, the ‘educational’ trips and our events are always such fun. I look forward to continuing to learn new stitches and techniques.
Sheila Gormley
Sheila Gormley and I hail from Co.Cavan. My Mother was a Seamstress and my Father was a Saddle and Harness maker…. I have had a needle and thread or yarn in my hand since a toddler. I have a love for all crafts from weaving to crochet to embroidery and everything in between. I joined the Guild in 2024 after I retired. I enjoy the time I get to spend with amazing like minded ladies
Siobhan Conlon
I’m Siobhan from Co. Clare. I have always been interested in sewing and design. As a young girl, I was notorious in our house for cutting up old garments and designing clothes for my dolls. Eventually I progressed to making some of my own clothes, and later, soft furnishings. Fiona invited me to join the group and I have made new friends and learnt many new skills in the area of embroidery.
Susan Horgan
I joined this group in Sept 2024 and while I was confident in my ability to sew I had never embroidered. Encouraged by a warm welcome my embroidery skills improved and new friendships developed. Learning new skills is alway a positive achievement and I feel very fortunate to be doing so among these talented, creative and generous women.