Behind the Yarn: Our Supplier Stories

Behind every Ériu Heirloom Piece... is a journey of..

100% Irish sourcing, assembly and presentation all woven together with a story of exceptional heritage and craftsmanship.

We are so proud to have such incredible Irish resources behind our Ériu Heirloom pieces. Our journey begins with carefully chosen family 100% Irish farms across Ireland, where tradition and dedication shape our yarn. Each piece is then lovingly handcrafted by our talented artisans, adding a personal touch to every creation. It’s a beautiful journey steeped in Irish heritage and craftsmanship.

The Families Farming with Ériu

Our Farm to Yarn network includes family-run farms all over Ireland, each contributing unique Irish fleeces. We partner exclusively with farmers who are committed to sustainability and high animal welfare standards.

By sourcing directly and visiting farms in person, we ensure that each farm is well cared for, and the animals receive top attention. In addition to supporting existing farms, we raise our own Romney and Blue-Face Leicester flocks on our Ériu farm in Co. Wicklow.

This fair-trade network addresses the challenges faced by Irish sheep farmers, providing a stable and fair price for their wool and revitalising the declining wool industry. 

Our Unique Blend of Wool 

At Ériu, our signature yarn is crafted from a blend of soft, lustrous wool sourced from Romney and Blue-Face Leicester sheep. This combination creates a beautifully draping, soft, and elegant fabric that enhances any project. Each fleece is carefully selected from our network of family-run farms, ensuring a high-quality product with a touch of uniqueness in every skein.

The Spinners 

Once our wool reaches Donegal Yarns, it’s spun by Chris and his talented team. Here, you can see our wool in its raw form before it’s transformed into yarn by their spinning machines. Their support has been invaluable in creating the high-quality yarn we’re proud to offer.

We are very excited about our upcoming plans to start our own Woollen Mill, right on Èriu’s farm! We purchased the last remaining Mill in Ireland a few years ago which has been sitting dormant whilst we got the brand started. We are looking forward to initiating this ancestral treasure and have been kindly offered by our partners at Donegal Yarns, their help and support as we take our first steps into this part of our story. We will always look to collaborate with them still. 

For many decades, before the tragic fall of the woollen industry, every county in Ireland had its own woollen mill, such was our thriving industry. We are feeling proud to begin to bring this legacy back to Wicklow, an area that was specifically thriving in wool production historically. 

Our Knitters

Meet our knitters Ann Byrne and Anne O’Brien, based in Dublin, bring over 40 years of experience in working with luxury fibers and are well-versed in the importance of sustainable natural materials. Their expertise in knitting and design is exceptional, and they possess a deep, genuine understanding of Ireland’s wool and textile heritage. They are thrilled to collaborate with our distinctive local Irish wool blend, comparing it to a softer variation of Ireland’s classic Aran blend. Their involvement adds another local connection to our supply chain, contributing to a low carbon footprint in our manufacturing process.

Our Weavers

Our weavers are the 6th generation and exceptionally talented Molloy & Sons, based in Donegal. Their ancestral wisdom and heritage of working with native skills ensure the utmost performance from our precious yarn as it's woven into blankets and fabrics.

Our Packaging 

Our packaging is sourced from Skyscraper, under the guidance of James Greany in Dingle, Co Kerry. He has played a crucial role in helping us with sustainable packaging solutions and carbon footprint management. James provides us with our boxes, envelopes, courier bags, and blanket labels.

Related Posts

7 Best Baby Blankets of 2023
How To Wash A Wool Blanket
The History of Irish Wool
Bealtine - Mouth of Fire