Island Diary.

Would you like to win a once-off Inis Meáin Masterwork to adorn your home? If so we’d really appreciate less than 5 minutes of your time to answer 10 quick questions.

Sharing with us your thoughts on Inis Meáin Knitwear gains entry to our draw to win a priceless once-off Inis Meáin Masterwork, the Cashmere Fíodóir Blanket, and your feedback will help us to improve what we offer to you, our valued clients and followers. Closing date of Sunday 10th November has now passed, however we will continue to review results for the next while so please do send us your thoughts at any time.

It is almost two years since second generation Ruairí and Marie-Thérèse de Blacam took over the running of Inis Meáin Knitwear from Tarlach and Áine, and as we prepare to celebrate 50 years in 2026, we have many exciting plans in the offing. Therefore, we felt it was timely to ask what Inis Meáin Knitwear means to you. Our team would be very grateful for your feedback – this recent shot taken outside our Island Store includes many of our workshop artisans as well as Fiona and Orla who have long been looking after our online clients, Joint Managing Directors Ruairí and Marie-Thérèse, and much-loved company mascot – sheepdog Sceólán.

Why a once-off piece? The Cashmere Fíodóir Blanket is knitted using the finest Cashmere and Merino yarns, with our unique Fíodóir or Weave Stitch. This stitch was invented in Inis Meáin for our Autumn / Winter 2024 Collection and is highly unusual integrating both knitting and weaving effects to create a kaleidoscope of colour, texture and pattern. However, it is a very challenging stitch to knit, particularly over larger pieces, so while we had planned to produce these extraordinary blankets for the collection, we were only able to produce this one piece in this large 2.25m x 1.5m blanket. A unique Masterwork that would take pride of place in any home and become a family heirloom to cherish.

While the Cashmere Fíodóir Blanket is a once-off piece, there are other unique Fíodóir pieces available in the Autumn / Winter 2024 Collection, including the oversized Fíodóir Scarf which can equally be worn as an amazingly striking shawl, available in three extraordinary colourways. The contemporarily dapper Fíodóir Vest draws on the popularity of a button vest for centuries, as a practical layering piece among the hard-working island men.

The Fíodóir Cardigan is a special over-sized piece with a drop shoulder offering supreme comfort and distinction. Tiny batch production with very limited stock available on all Fíodóir pieces. All crafted with super-premium Cashmere and Merino yarn from Italian heritage producer, Filati Biagioli Modesto, made to the highest European environmental standards using only organic dyes. Designed, made and hand-finished in our Aran Islands workshop.