A DONEGAL-based weaving student with a keen interest in Irish culture is hoping to set up his own designer tweed business this summer.
Once looking at weaving as a hobby, Dean Stapleton is now working towards making it his full time career.
Beginning his weaving journey on a small table top loom, it wasn’t long until he wanted to deliver products on a larger scale.
Needing some guidance along the way, Dean followed his passion and applied for Donegal ETB’s Weaving Course and hasn’t looked back since.
“I just wanted to follow my passion,” Dean told the Donegal News.
“This is a way to keep the heritage going, an indigenous craft and by learning this I could teach my children and pass it onto the next generation,” he said.
Undergoing his training in Kilcar, Dean is set to finish the nine month course in June.
With the course focusing on weaving on traditional Donegal flying shuttle looms, it has taught Dean everything he needs to know about weaving.
And if that wasn’t enough, two sewing modules are also included in the course.
Now equipped with a good knowledge of both, Dean can produce scarves, bags, pouches, pencil cases, purses, clothes, waist coats etc. Hoping to put these skills to work this summer, Dean has his sights set on opening his own designer tweed business.
“What I would like to do ultimately is to set up my own business, produce my own fabric and hopefully make my own products.
“If all goes well I would love to have my own designer tweed business,” he said.
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