Kindred began with family

A newspaper photograph of Amy Anderson’s grandmother, Winnie, became the starting point for a new way of working with Irish linen.

A photograph of Winnie

Amy grew up in Northern Ireland with stories of linen. Both of her grandparents had worked in the local linen industry, but for years the connection lived mostly in family conversations and memories. Then she came across an old newspaper cutting: her grandmother Winnie, pictured spinning yarn at the mill. It gave those stories a face. It also showed her how far Irish linen had slipped from daily life, and left her wanting to carry it forward in a way of her own.

Winnie, Amy’s grandmother, photographed at work in the linen mill.

AMY Irish cloth, seen differently

Amy studied Textile Art, Design and Fashion at Ulster University in Belfast. As Creative Director, she gives Kindred its particular shape: sculptural volume, asymmetric details and bows, with ways to change how a piece is worn. The reversible Cadhla Shirt, our first piece, and the asymmetric collar of the Marshmallow Blouse make that idea tangible.

Her experiments with metallic beetled linen bring another possibility to an old process. The family connection is where the story began, and the designs are where her own imagination and playfulness enter it.

Amy and Joel

We founded Kindred of Ireland together in 2020, bringing Amy’s design background and Joel’s experience in community development to the same small business.

Joel’s background informs our commitment to local making and to a business that gives back. Since the beginning, we have committed 10% of our profits to Flourish, a Belfast charity supporting survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. Making on the island of Ireland keeps the work connected to the people and places that give Kindred its character.

For us, building Kindred means paying attention to both: the clothes themselves, and the relationships that make them possible.

KINDRED TODAY The story continues in Belfast

Today, Irish linen, Donegal tweed, beetled linen and Irish crochet each have a place in our work. Our clothing is made on the island of Ireland. At our shop, 52 Hill Street in Belfast, you can see the cloth up close and try the pieces for yourself.

There is more to discover: the process behind beetled linen, the people we work with, and the stories that shape each collection.

Discover our craft · Read the Kindred Journal