Irish Patchwork Society (IPS) has had a big year celebrating 30 years. As executive
chairperson, what are your aspirations for the future of IPS?
I have just finished a two year term as Chairperson of the Irish Patchwork Society. My aim was to raise the profile of the society both here and internationally. We had two very successful exhibitions – our National Exhibition was held in the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin, and Hands Across the Border was a joint exhibition with the Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild, held in the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre.
What did you most enjoy about your role?
In this issue Pat Sloan
interviews Miriam Gogarty, Chairperson of the Irish
Patchwork Society, a quilting guild in Ireland with eight branches and more than 500 members.
34 Irish Quilting Issue 16
My favourite part was meeting IPS members around the country and getting to know the members on the executive committee from the eight branches of the society.
What are you most proud of? I think all IPS members were proud of our National Exhibition. We had 94 quilts in all from all eight of our branches…and 34 of these
quilts were then exhibited at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham.
Where are you from in Ireland?
I am from Glasnevin in Dublin. I was born about five minutes walk from where I now live. My girls went to the same school as I did and as my mother before me…
Locally, you’re known for your workshop enthusiasm—both in attending and teaching.
Yes, I love workshops. Tough over the last two years I have attended less than I normally would with Saturdays taken up with executive meetings etc.,
What is a favourite workshop you attended? A few weeks ago I attended a workshop by Judy Cinnamond from Northern Ireland on silk painting and I really loved it. I immediately ordered silk paints and silk to paint, but they are all still in their packaging. I look forward to using them.
What is a favourite workshop that you teach?
I like to teach landscape or seascape, layering fabrics. I also