You’ll want to order Blocks, a colourful, limited edition throw …
A collaboration that was a year in the making, the Blocks blanket combines a bold graphic pattern with a gentle moss stitch. “I love colour, and I love the work of artists like Sean Scully, Bridget Riley and Keith Haring. I usually paint in acrylics because of the wide selection of colours, and this was the same in choosing the colours of wool for this blanket,” explains artist Ellie Dunne, who works intuitively and has become known for her beautiful, optimistic colour combinations.
As a young adult with Down Syndrome, Dunne, 23, has always enjoyed the creative process of painting, but became more serious about art during the pandemic, when she had more time to focus. She is currently studying Art Portfolio Preparation at Stillorgan College of Further Education and has previously shown her work in solo exhibitions at The Dowerhouse Gallery, Emo Court and at Westival in Westport. Two of Ellie’s pieces have been purchased by the OPW for the National Collection.
Dunne was given carte blanche to design her limited edition throw or blanket, with technical guidance provided by IrelandsEye Knitwear’s Head of Design Maria-Christina McPadden. The result is “Blocks”, made in Merino wool from Donegal Yarn. The design incorporates bold Roe blue, Brosna pink and Killala green with contrasting flecks in a variety of colours, which evoke the abstract style of Dunne’s work and is reminiscent of the grey and white stones, moss and seasonal heathers and berries that dot the Irish landscape. The wool is soft to touch, warm enough for winter, yet light enough to be used as a blanket, wrap or throw all year round.
Commenting on the collaboration, Paul O’Sullivan, director of IrelandsEye Knitwear, says: “The collaboration with Ellie is important to us for so many reasons. At IrelandsEye, we want there to be room in the business for everyone, and we like to work with kindred spirits – Ellie is certainly one of those. Her creative flair, and love of colour transfers well from canvas to yarn and we love the combinations and composition she’s chosen for Blocks.”
Need to know: The ‘Blocks’ Moss Stitch Blanket, Size 180 cm X 99cm, is €199.95. Ten per cent of proceeds of this online exclusive go to The Together Academy, an educational and social enterprise that gives people with Down Syndrome the skills and confidence to thrive in the workplace. www.irelandseyeknitwear.com
