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Make your WFH life infinitely more comfortable, while supporting Irish craftspeople at the same time.
I don’t know about you, but when I wistfully imagined this working from home lark on my cold, wet commute, I pictured it being a lot more cosy. As it turns out, your bed is not the ideal place to get anything done, and sitting at your kitchen table for extended periods when the temperatures are still pretty chilly outside, can lead to you turning to endless cups of tea to stay warm.
As an alternative (and to try and keep my caffeine intake at a safe level), I’ve instead been eyeing up a luxuriously warm blanket from one of the many wonderful Irish weavers we’re lucky enough to have. A wonderful investment, a blanket like this will be a treasured possession, keeping you cosy for years to come. Go for one in your favourite shade so you can wear it like a chic shawl on your next Zoom call, or pick a colour that complements your sofa to snuggle up under for your next Netflix night in.
You’ll also be supporting Irish craftspeople at a time that’s difficult for us all, but especially small businesses. All of these are available to buy online, for delivery to your door, so you can still treat yourself without leaving the house.
These Eddie Doherty tweed blankets are handmade in the village of Ardara in Co. Donegal. The herringbone pattern is available in five brightly-coloured Donegal yarns from the Irish Design Shop. Made from pure wool, these blankets will keep you warm even on the coldest days. Tweed blanket, €250, Irish Design Shop.
Perfect for those of us who love a more pared-back look, this black blanket from Industry & Co has a slight speckle in it, adding texture. Made from 100% Merino lambswool, these blankets are produced by a Donegal-based weavers to ensure the highest quality. Irish lambswool blanket in speckled black tweed, €120, Industry & Co.
Even if you can’t get to the beach at the moment, the colours of this beautiful blanket will remind you of the coast. Various tones of cream, beige and soft blue are woven in merino lambswool, which is lighter than sheep’s wool, making it incredibly soft, and suitable for those with sensitive skin. Coastal check blanket, €115, McNutt of Donegal.
The contrast of light and dark in this beautiful blanket from Mourne Textiles emphasises the complexity of its weave. Originally designed by Gerd Hay-Edie for Irish fashion designer Sybil Connolly’s 1956 Spring collection, it is now a classic pattern that you can bring into your home. Woven in Merino wool, it is incredibly soft, and its generous 150cm x 200cm dimensions mean you can totally wrap yourself up in it. Mended Tweed Blanket – Monochrome IV, £195, Mourne Textiles.
For those that prefer a slightly softer appearance, this mohair throw from Tipperary weaver John Hanly has an almost fluffy texture. The grey check will also work with almost any colour scheme, so can accompany you anywhere in the house, from an extra layer on your bed, to wrapped around your shoulders at your desk. Large mohair throw, €156.76, John Hanly.
Featured image: Mourne Textiles.
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