Anne’s love for crafting started in her childhood. She was taught to knit by her mother, who sparked Anne’s lifelong passion for craft and creativity. As a student, knitting became her go-to stress-reliever. Later, knitting transformed from simply a hobby to a thriving business in 1974.
For nearly 80 years, the O’Maille family weaved magic at their shop in Galway City. They offered woollen, woven, tailored and knitted goods at a very high quality, making their shop an iconic destination for craft lovers. In particular, it became known for employing skilled workers who could knit the famous Aran Sweater, a piece with intricate patterns and elaborate cables. Many of these craft skills are passed down through generations. The craftsmanship of Aran sweaters has intrigued customers for decades and Anne is lucky enough to be surrounded by these stunning, one-of-a-kind sweaters every day. Sadly, the store has now closed, however Anne continues to bring her Aran pieces to classes and regale with her stories of Aran knitting and her family’s ‘The Quiet Man’ costume creations!
A few years ago, Anne began to teach others the fascinating Aran stitches that have made the sweaters famous. She brings her own unique flair, designing fun patterns and guiding her students through the challenges of Irish knitting. Today, these workshops have become a place of concentration, and, of course, creativity. During the class Anne spends time with each knitter, and is always there to guide, encourage, and celebrate their progress.
Over time, Anne’s students eventually tackle between 6-8 different Aran patterns. She is a passionate advocate for keeping the craft alive, and loves to share her knitting skills with clients from across the globe. In fact, people refer to Anne as the ‘guardian of Aran knitting.’ Throughout her workshops, Anne chats about the colourful, rich yarns available in her shop—vibrant and natural tones that are perfect for every knitter’s project.
Anne’s workshops aren’t just local—she’s taught students all over the world! For many years, she taught knitting at the Summer School of Milwaukee Irish Fest. In 20211, she even demonstrated Irish Cables at Vogue Knitting Live in New York. Her influence stretches from the U.S. to Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan.
