Christmas Stocking handmade by Nicola Gates in her studio in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Natural linen with either Peat or Light Grey decorative handwoven band and handmade tassel in 100% wool.

The Ely design was inspired by time spent living in the midst of Ely Lodge Forest, at the edge of the beautiful Lower Lough Erne, County Fermanagh. The design has been drafted on paper, then woven on Nicola’s traditional floor loom, powered entirely by hand and foot. The cloth incorporates genuine Donegal yarn with its distinctive homespun texture.

The name Olla Nua comes from the Irish words for ‘new wool’ – reflecting the makers aim to use a natural, sustainable material in a modern, imaginative way.

Approximate measurements: length 43cm x width 16cm, decorative band 10cm deep

Materials: Outer & lining 100% linen, decorative band: 100% wool

About the maker:

Nicola weaves contemporary cloth, on a traditional floor loom, powered entirely by hand and foot. Using yarns spun by mills in Ireland and the UK. Inspired by the tradition of weaving in the rural west, many pieces incorporate authentic Donegal yarn, produced in Kilcar, with its distinctive fleck and homespun texture.

Olla Nua is known for attention to detail at every stage… after the meticulous setting up of the loom and weaving, the cloth is washed and often lightly felted to produce the desired softness and texture. Cutting and stitching follow, sometimes combining the handwoven cloth with Irish linen.