Sinead Kenny

I designed my Major Project for the Kilkenny store. I decided to concentrate on their beautiful Irish-made homewares. Traditionally Irish homes had a good room for guests and special occasions. Along with the good room was the “Good Stuff” Linen tablecloths, China cups, Fancy glasses, and crystal bowls; these items were usually left in the back of the cupboard for Christmas to be used by guests outside the immediate family. However, as our homes have become our workplace and our schools, with whom should we share and use the GOOD Stuff? The people we love the most. My installation is a love letter to the family. How family evolves and how it makes us the person we are. Taking the trend Homespun, I dyed an old tablecloth with natural dyes—avocado, beetroot, onion skins. Using vibrant bright thread, I embroidered onto the cloth sayings handed to me from my Granny, my Mammy, and which I say to my children today, to nudge them forward in life gently. We recognise the beauty in imperfection, the flaws that make us who we are.