Sheelagh McConnell

Following her BA Hons in Textile & Fashion Design and completion of a Graduate Programme through the 'N.Ireland Small Business Institute' , Sheelagh McConnell established and led her own business in the design and manufacture of tailored clothing for private & corporate clients throughout Ireland. After successfully running her business, spanning many years, Sheelagh relocated to San Francisco and rediscovered the simple pleasures in sketching and painting; inspired by the varied, colourful architecture and landscape of California.

Now, back in N.Ireland, Sheelagh has been concentrating on the design and development of a Textile range of products. This original and unique range is, on the whole, inspired by many elements of our local N.Ireland landscape, using all natural materials while at the same time incorporating a play with rich colours, contours & textures. Central to the range, is the discipline of traditional wool hand- felting combined with other natural fibres such as Irish Linen, raw silk, leather & suede. Pieces, such as a current capsule collection of bags & purses, are embellished with combinations of freehand embroidery, glass and metal beads, and some semi precious stones. The result is a sumptuous, tactile range of very organic products with a contemporary twist. The second 'core' product is a range of photographic images, taken by Sheelagh, specialising in local N.Ireland landmarks of historic interest. These monochrome images, which are printed onto fabric, take on a 3 dimensional quality, with the incorporation of freehand embroidery in rich colours. "What I enjoy most, is taking my materials into new territory together, and watching a piece simply evolve"