Liz Christy / Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan

Liz Christy is a talented textile designer and hand-weaver. Liz has always lived surrounded by the beauty of nature. She grew up in the picturesque town of Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. Lough Muckno and the lush forests that circled her childhood home were what initially sparked her creativity.

Her seamstress neighbour, Molly Murtagh, first introduced Liz to the vibrant world of textiles. This sparked her lifelong passion for colour and weaving. This inspiration led Liz to study Art and Design at ATU and Galway RTC, where she later graduated with distinction in 1986. Furthermore, she won the ‘Woolmark Weave’ Designer of the Year award.

Today, Liz runs Swallow Studios in Monaghan, where all 5 weaving looms are hand & foot operated. Visitors are always welcome to watch Liz dye custom-spun wool and learn about her unique weaving process. She will happily demonstrate the different stages at Swallow Studios, leaving visitors amazed at the speed of the shuttle. In fact, the loom comes alive, revealing how the intricate patterns, shapes and colour of the wool take on a life of their own!

Liz Christy scarves are available to buy in some of the best craft tourist outlets around Ireland. Her own studio stocks work by local artisans including batik and painted silks, forged glass and also Liz’s ever popular LizzyC Sheep Gift Collection. Liz’s work beautifully reflects her deep love of nature and art. She draws inspiration from the changing shades of nature and the bold colours of French Impressionist painters. Each handmade piece is a blend of traditional and modern art. As Liz herself says, “When I start to weave, I do not know exactly what the finished piece will look like or how the yarns and colours will blend. It is these creative surprises that bring me great joy in my work.”

Above all, Liz is dedicated to keeping hand-weaving techniques alive. At Swallow Studios, visitors can experience the magic of the loom first-hand, as the shuttle moves quickly and the yarns blend into intricate patterns and shapes. Liz’s work is a celebration of colour, texture, and the joy of creating something unique.